WINDHOEK: Namibia recorded 2.7 million cyber attacks in 2022, resulting in hackers stealing people’s data and using it for their benefit, Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Peya Mushelenga has said.

Addressing his staff here on Friday Mushelenga said to address this challenge, the government has since paid attention to cybersecurity architecture by developing solid systems and protocols to protect digital assets and personal data.

This, he said, includes the establishment of the National Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), and the government adopting the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration, noting that the ministry will finalise the National Digital Strategy and table the Access to Information regulations and the Data Protection Bill.

‘We hope to conclude consultations on the Cybercrime bill and finalise the consolidated National ICT Policy,’ he said.

Mushelenga further noted that Namibia has nearly 2.4 million (2 387 777) active SIM cards of which 1 694 744 ha
ve been registered, representing 70.97 per cent.

‘I must clearly state that the grace period cannot further extended. The date of 31 March 2024 is final. I therefore encourage all citizens to go and register their SIM cards as there will not be any further extensions,’ he said.

He went on to say that access to information will become more meaningful if data costs remain affordable, therefore Government is exploring the possibility of satellite connection positively impacting broadcasting, data and voice services.

In the meantime, the Government will continue to roll out terrestrial networks to areas that are most out of reach and ensure that going forward, no Radio Access Network site is shorter than 60 metres and through transforming the 26 rural ICT centres countrywide.

‘Citizens should anticipate experiencing the results of these changes in this year of expectations,’ he noted.

Source: Namibia Press Agency