Africa is least committed to cybersecurity than the rest of the world [Hi-Tech]

<p>Global cybersecurity threats are real and there is an ongoing malware attack after the recent WannaCry ransomware that infected millions of computers across continents.</p> <p>The obvious question is, what is being done on a larger scale to protect people and businesses from cyberattacks.</p> <p>This question was answered by the UN agency, International Telecommunications Union (<span class="caps">ITU</span>) in its <a href="https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-d/opb/str/D-STR-GCI.01-2017-PDF-E.pdf" target="_blank">2017 Global Cybersecurity Index</a>.</p> <p>They measured the commitment of Member States to cyber security ranging from legal, technical and organisational measures, capacity building and international cooperation.</p> <p>The level of commitment in Africa is lowest compared to other continents.</p> <p>Only Mauritius and Egypt are in the leading stage of demonstrating high commitment to cybersecurity in the continent.</p> <p>Majority of the rest, are in the initiating stage while a few are in the maturing stage of demonstrating commitments to cybersecurity by engaging in programmes and initiatives.</p> <p>The top 10 ranked countries in Africa are Mauritius, Egypt, Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, Uganda, South Africa, Algeria and Botswana.</p> <p>The least committed countries in Africa are Equatorial Guinea at the bottom, followed by the Central African Republic and then Guinea-Bissau.</p> <p>They are also the least committed in the world.</p> <p>Watch this edition of <strong><em>Hi-Tech</em></strong> on <strong><em>The Morning Call</em></strong> with <strong><em>Ismail Akwei</em></strong> for more.</p>