Strengthening Cyberdefence in Namibia

Preparing your organisation’s cyberdefence for 2024 is a critical undertaking that necessitates strategic planning and a comprehensive understanding of the evolving threat landscape.

Reflecting on the previous year’s cyberactivities is a crucial first step, enabling a meticulous analysis of the threats encountered.

Conducting in-depth research into the specific threats that emerged, the tactics employed by cybercriminals and their methodologies could provide invaluable insight into fortifying your defence strategies.

Securing both physical access to hardware and software infrastructure stands as a foundational aspect of cyberdefence.

Implementing robust measures to safeguard network and internet infrastructure is essential.

This includes fortifying all organisational devices and extending security protocols to staff-owned devices.

Protecting sensitive organisational data repositories while ensuring privacy standards are maintained is paramount.

Developing comprehensive back-up plans and incident response protocols is essential in case of a breach.

Educating users about best cybersecurity practices and instituting stringent security policies are integral components of a holistic cyberdefence framework.

Commencing cybersecurity strategising early in the year yields significant advantages.

Allocating resources wisely and proactively can potentially safeguard your organisation’s economic stability.

Collaborating with consultants could bring specialised expertise to maximise your defence infrastructure.

Do not make the mistake of assuming immunity from cyberattacks or downplaying vulnerability due to organisational size.

Although the temptation to rely on past strategies may be enticing, it’s pivotal to acknowledge that the cyberlandscape is in a perpetual state of flux.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that cyberthreats are highly dynamic and constantly evolving, especially with the integration of industrial control systems and operational technology, generative artificial intelligence into cybersecurity, adding complexity to the landscape.

Instead of pondering if an attack will occur, prioritise readiness to effectively defend against potential threats.

In essence, the proactive approach lies in questioning your readiness to defend against potential cyberthreats rather than merely assuming last year’s strategies would suffice.

Embracing the ever-changing technological landscape and adapting defence strategies accordingly are crucial to staying ahead of cybercriminals.

Therefore, it is essential for cybersecurity specialists, information technology (IT) and OT specialists, and organisational governance to work together to design strong systems that prevent costly operational disruptions.

To ensure the development of resilient defence, this collaboration requires continual learning and cooperation within this constantly evolving field.

• Iyaloo Waiganjo is an IT lecturer and cybersecurity consultant at the International University of Management.