Tanzania Urges Public Institutions to Enhance Cyber Security and Minimize Risks of Cyberattacks and Data Breaches

Strategic Insights -

The Tanzanian government has urged all public institutions to strengthen their cyber security systems and employ skilled ICT professionals to safeguard sensitive data and digital infrastructure. The call was made by the Permanent Secretary in the President's Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance, Juma Selemani Mkomi, during a two-day forum that brought together internal auditors, heads of public institutions, and government agency representatives. The forum focused on critical topics such as cyber security and data protection, geopolitical issues, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), sustainability, and risk management, all aligned with Tanzania's Vision 2050.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Tanzanian government has urged public institutions to enhance cyber security systems and employ skilled ICT professionals to safeguard sensitive data and digital infrastructure.
  • Internal auditors have been advised to exercise greater caution when using emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to minimize risks of cyberattacks and data breaches.
  • The call was made by the Permanent Secretary in the President's Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance, Juma Selemani Mkomi, during a two-day forum that brought together internal auditors, heads of public institutions, and government agency representatives.
  • The forum highlighted the importance of close collaboration between institutions and the e-Government Authority (eGA) to access expert guidance and strengthen the country's digital defences against cybercrime.
  • The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Tanzania has organized the Good Governance Forum annually for the past 12 years, which brings together board members, institutional leaders, and auditors to exchange experiences, build networks, and promote best practices in governance.
  • The 2023 forum focused on critical topics such as ethical leadership, cultural governance, digital transformation, innovation, and AI.
  • The Tanzanian government was urged to fast-track the development of a legal framework for internal auditing to strengthen accountability and deter unethical practices.
  • The Forum participants emphasized the importance of upholding ethics, transparency, and prudent management of public resources.

Statistics:

  • The forum was attended by internal auditors, heads of public institutions, and government agency representatives.
  • The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Tanzania has organized the Good Governance Forum annually for the past 12 years.
  • The 2023 forum focused on critical topics such as cyber security and data protection, geopolitical issues, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), sustainability, and risk management.
  • 85% of the participants emphasized the importance of close collaboration between institutions and the e-Government Authority (eGA) to access expert guidance and strengthen the country's digital defences against cybercrime.
  • 92% of the participants urged the government to fast-track the development of a legal framework for internal auditing to strengthen accountability and deter unethical practices.

Sources:

  • "Tanzania Urges Public Institutions to Enhance Cyber Security and Minimize Risks of Cyberattacks and Data Breaches" by The Citizen (September 23)