01 Oct 2020

The growth of internet usage is Botswana has reportedly necessitated the launch of Cyber Smart BW challenge to sensitise and educate Batswana on cyber security and crime.

This was said by the e-Botho Campaign Coordinator, Mr David Moepeng during the official launch of Cyber Smart BW Challenge recently.

He said the main objective of the campaign was to educate people about cyber security and safety, more especially youth aged 14-21, since they were more active on the internet and ICT.

Mr Moepeng said the Cyber Smart BW campaign would run through out October, with entries made in the of form of creative and informational expression not exceeding two minutes.
He said first prize was over P5000 and a tablet.

He said the cyber smart challenge would help people to understand the tricks scammers and hackers use to penetrate accounts and what could be done to protect personal accounts.

Speaking at the event, BOCRA Chief Technology Officer, Mr Tshoganetso Kepaletswe said ICT played an important role in the economy because it facilitated the social and economic transactions.

He said the new normal, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, required heavy reliance on the use of ICT to deliver various services, which demanded a secure and safe cyberspace for the general public.

Mr Kepaletswe said BOCRA had initiated the registration of e-commerce through www.xxxx.shop.bw, to assist shops in Botswana to go online as well as e-agriculture to facilitate production in most production areas thorough www.xxxx.agric.bw.

He said the use of ICT had increased during the pandemic due to working from home initiatives by many companies, as another way of curbing the spread of the virus.

Mr Kepaletswe said the weakest link in cybersecurity was the human aspect and there was need for a change in culture and mannerism online.

Head of Politics, Press and Information at the European Union Delegation to Botswana and SADC, Ms Silvia Bopp-Hamrouni, said the internet was a great driver of growth and the global economy was changing faster than ever before.

Ms Bopp-Hamrouni applauded the partnership with civil society to help people recognise the importance of adopting cyber hygiene practices.

“The cyber smart BW campaign is designed to teach young people about both the risks of the internet and precautions they can take to protect themselves,” she said.

She said  October had been set aside as cyber security awareness month, revealing that the campaign would be broadcasting a series of tips and organising online discussions with internet experts on BTv as well as on social media platforms. ENDS