FIFTH ANNUAL AFRICAN DIALOGUE CONSUMER PROTECTION CONFERENCE Mobile

FIFTH ANNUAL AFRICAN DIALOGUE CONSUMER PROTECTION CONFERENCE Mobile Technology and Cyber Security: Perspectives from Botswana

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY AND CYBER SECURITY The rapid advancement of mobile technology means that more and more citizens experience the internet through mobile technology. Issues of cyber security have consequently become of greater importance both throughout the continent and in Botswana.

THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK In Botswana, cyber crime is governed by the Cyber Crime and Computer Related Crimes Act of 2007, which is currently under review. In addition to this, Botswana led by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Justice and Security and BOCRA , has started working with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) on the development of a national cybersecurity framework which will include E-commerce and Data Protection legislation.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK CONTD…. . A national Cyber security Reference Group has been formed with primary objectives including ; Development of national Cyber security Policy Framework Establishment of a national computer incident response

AWARENESS PROGRAMS Botswana is working on developing awareness programs of cyber security such as National awareness partnerships Education system by introducing cyber security in the academic syllabus Different awareness media- TV, newspapers, banners e. t. c Partnership with ITU-IMPACT through use of Child Online Protection(COP)

EXAMPLES OF CYBER SECURITY CHALLENGES What examples do we have of recent security challenges? Credit Card offers are made on-line (Cellphones) Easy exchange of customer information by businesses such that business offer credit online to customers Pyramid schemes are operated online Gambling is operated online Consumers buy products online Consumers receive 411 scams through the internet Family emergency scams are sent online Lotteries and sweepstake scams