Abstract
An increasing number of people around the globe are becoming more reliant on information communications technology and digital infrastructure for seamless access to information, communication, and efficient service delivery. Nonetheless, this interconnectivity creates vulnerabilities and interdependencies which need to be managed at a national level. As such, securing the cyberspace is therefore an essential requirement for allowing the economic and social development of a nation and its people to fully benefit from the digital transformation. Securing the cyber space at a national level is a shared responsibility which requires a harmonised action for prevention, preparation, response, and incident recovery on the part of government authorities, the private sector, and civil society. This chapter evaluates national cybersecurity strategies of five African countries including Botswana, Rwanda, Mauritius, Ghana, and Nigeria using the national cybersecurity strategy guide as drafted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) alongside other stakeholders.
TopIntroduction
National cybersecurity strategies have emerged as the preferred and most effective tool for managing risks and responding to threats posed to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure of a nation, Giri (2019). It typically takes the form of a policy framework that outlines a vision and articulates the priorities, principles, and approaches needed to comprehend and manage risk nationally. With rapid digitization and increased connectivity, cybersecurity strategies are becoming a national policy priority that is integrated and comprehensive. The development of cybersecurity strategy is approached in a holistic manner involving economic, social, education, legal, law enforcement agencies, and diplomatic sectors (Senol and Karacuha, 2020). Priorities of nations’ cybersecurity strategies may vary by country. According to Al-Ghamdi (2021), in some countries, the focus may be to protect critical infrastructure risks, while other countries may focus on protecting intellectual property or improving cybersecurity awareness.
Effective national strategies can help meet the cyber security needs of a country through several initiatives, for example:
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Opening up a broader societal dialogue on cybersecurity, Egas et al. (2020);
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Specifying the roles missions of each government agency and non-governmental organization involved in enhancing cybersecurity, Egas et al. (2020);
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Stipulating goals, milestones, and metrics to measure and communicate progress in addressing the issues identified, Egas et al. (2020);
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Forging strong international partnerships in dealing with cross-border cyber threats, Ter (2018);
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Developing a cybersecurity ecosystem comprising of a skilled workforce, Ter (2018)
According to Al-Ghamdi (2021), successful national strategies share three important elements: one, they are embedded in “living” documents that have been developed and implemented in partnership with key public and private stakeholders; two, they are based on “clearly articulated principles” that reflect societal values, tradition, and legal principles; and three, the strategies are based on a “risk management approach” wherein governments and private sector partners agree on risks that must be managed, mitigated or even accepted.
Key Terms in this Chapter
ITU NCSS Guide: A framework that guides ITU member states in the development of a national cybersecurity strategy.
National Cybersecurity Index: Global index that measures the preparedness of countries to prevent cyber threats and manage cyber incidents.
ICT Development Index: Compares development in information and communications technology between countries over time.
National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCSS): A plan of action designed to improve the security and resilience of national infrastructure and services.
Cybersecurity: The protection of computer systems and networks from unauthorized exploitation, theft, damage to software, hardware, and electronic data.
Digitalization: Transformation of a county into a digital economy using digital technologies.