Namibia Faced 7,000 Cyber Attacks Per Day

Cyber attack targeting 'everyone and how to protect yourself / Kaspersky. As technology advances and our world becomes more interconnec...

Cyber attack targeting 'everyone and how to protect yourself / Kaspersky.

As technology advances and our world becomes more interconnected, the threat of cybercrime looms large, and Namibia has not been immune to its reach. In recent years, the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks in Namibia have been on the rise. From government institutions to private businesses and even individual citizens, no one seems to be safe from the clutches of these malicious actors. 

The consequences of these attacks can be severe, ranging from financial losses to breaches of personal data and even threats to national security. One of the most significant cyber incidents in Namibia occurred in the banking sector.  From 2017 to 2023, there were several well-coordinated attacks targeting financial institutions, resulting in millions of Namibian dollars being siphoned off. The incident sent shockwaves through the country, highlighting the vulnerability of its financial infrastructure and the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.

Cyber attacks

Namibia was exposed to 2,7 million cyberattacks where information was hacked in 2022, information minister Peya Mushelenga says. During a staff meeting held at the parliament building on Friday, Mushelenga disclosed that the country experienced an average of over 7,000 attacks per day. Cyber attacks are attempts by hackers to damage or destroy a computer network or system.

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime has in the past warned that Namibian companies faced a high number of cyber-attacks in recent years. “Additionally, Namibian banks reported that an increasing number of their clients have fallen for cryptocurrency scams.”

Along with data stolen, the country’s institutions faced reputational damage. “Hackers steal people’s data and use them for their own benefits. They further damage the reputations of institutions that they attack,” Mushelenga said. He also provided an update on a data protection bill and strategy.

“We will, therefore, finalize 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 finalize the consolidated National Information and Communication Technologies policy,” he said.

Mushelenga said they have since paid attention to cybersecurity architecture by developing solid systems and protocols to protect digital assets and personal data. “The establishment of the National Cyber Security Incident Response Team was a critical step in our proactive response to cyber threats.

“It is one of the reasons why the government complied with the international framework that mandates the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration,” he said. Meanwhile, Mushelenga announced that over 70,9% of the 2,3 million active SIM cards are registered. He said there will be no further extension after the current 31 March deadline.

Countermeasures

Former technology adviser to the United Nations Paul Rowney said Namibia’s snail pace with the Data Protection Act has cost the country a 10-year lag behind the rest of the world in terms of addressing these threats. “We haven’t even addressed threats of 10 years ago. Where we fail as a government, we take too long. How long has the Data Protection Act been in draft,” he said.

He believes any country can only afford to lag behind within six months. He highlighted the key legal instruments that need to be passed and enacted to protect Namibians online. “That’s why we need the data protection bill and cybercrime bill that will help protect consumers. The ministry needs to finish its digital strategy and we are quite a way off with that,” Rowney said.

Moreover, Rowney argues that the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia should be more independent in enforcing compliance, especially in the age where banks are moving towards cashless, online payments. “We are moving full speed into the digital world… You have got key stakeholders like the Bank of Namibia pushing consumers into digital payment channels,” he said

Researcher Frederico Links last year criticized Namibia’s slow progress with the data protection bill. “Namibia has been attempting to legislate data protection since 2013, but these efforts have repeatedly stalled over the last decade, without it being clear why,” noted findings published in an article commissioned by the Media Policy and Democracy Project.

Last year, a United Nations (UN) agency raised alarm about cyberattacks the country continues to face. These were the findings of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed during last year’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) summit held in the capital.“Namibia has faced several high-profile cyber attacks in recent years, including ransomware attacks on government agencies and businesses,” forewarned UNODC’s cybercrime programme officer Mohamed Bah.

Bah said the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, while its capacity is developing is part of the reason why the country is vulnerable. However, the battle against cybercrime is an ongoing one, and it requires a multi-faceted approach. It is not just the responsibility of the government and law enforcement agencies to protect against cyber threats. Individuals, businesses, and organizations must also play an active role in safeguarding their digital assets.

For individuals, practicing good cybersecurity hygiene is crucial. This includes using strong, unique passwords, regularly updating software and applications, and being cautious of suspicious emails or messages. Education and awareness campaigns can also help empower individuals to recognize and report cyber threats effectively.

Businesses and organizations, on the other hand, must invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols. Regular security assessments and employee training programs can also go a long way in fortifying their defenses against cyberattacks.

The Namibian government, recognizing the seriousness of the issue, has taken steps to combat cybercrime. The Namibian Police Force, in collaboration with international partners and cybersecurity firms, has established specialized units to investigate and prevent cyberattacks. These efforts have resulted in the apprehension of several cybercriminals and the disruption of their operations.

Collaboration and information sharing are also paramount in the fight against cybercrime. By fostering partnerships between government agencies, private sector entities, and international organizations, Namibia can leverage collective intelligence and resources to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. International cooperation is particularly vital since cybercriminals operate across borders, making it necessary to share best practices and coordinate efforts globally.