The first ever Africa Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Convention on Cybercrime will commence in July this year, with its main conference being held in Cape Town in September.
This awareness campaign will be a co-ordinated, industry-wide effort to inform and educate African citizens on the safe and responsible use of ICT in order to minimise the inherent risks as well as increase customer trust.
Mauritz Robertson of mobile security company IMPI says: "As ICT practitioners, it is our shared responsibility to work together to ensure online safety and security, and it is therefore crucial for our industry as a whole to join forces in the fight against cyber crime. The initiative creates a platform for participation to bring increased focus on the problem of cyber crime and to help build an effective cyber crime prevention programme. This falls within the framework of the National Cybersecurity Policy approved by Cabinet in March 2012.
"As much as we would like to tackle cyber security from a purely technical perspective, the reality is that there is a major social component to it, and creating awareness of the problem in the broader society is paramount to reduce the risk of being a victim of cyber crime," says professor Willem Visser from Computer Science at Stellenbosch University.
Robertson continues: "The inaugural campaign encompasses a variety of activities that span over a period of six months in a format that is the first of its kind in Africa. A brief outline is available on our resource Web site Cybercrime.org.za/awareness. As a long-term project, we plan to host and co-ordinate events in different African countries each year with a view to providing public authorities, private sector, industry and civil society, and organisations and individuals the platform to connect."
The theme guiding the campaign is based on working together to ensure a safe and secure online environment through industry innovation, collaboration and transformation.
Robertson adds: "We're dedicated and truly passionate about making a difference by promoting the personal and professional development of all aspiring and practicing technologists, and ultimately ensuring a safe and secure online environment in South Africa and Africa at large.
"We believe there is no shortage of great ideas on our continent, but rather a lack of collaboration and support to turn those ideas into action. The success of this initiative is therefore only achievable with the active participation and generous support of partner organisations. This Call for Partners is the first step in our Call to Action that allows ICT-focused organisations in Africa the opportunity to explore a range of levels of engagement," he concludes.