Niël Terblanché
Namibia is confronting an alarming surge in cyber threats, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded in 2024 alone.
These attacks have targeted businesses, government entities, and individuals, leading to substantial financial losses and data breaches.
Telecom Namibia suffered a major ransomware attack in December 2024, resulting in the exposure of sensitive customer data.
The hackers, identified as the group Hunters International, leaked approximately 626 gigabytes of data after the company refused to pay the demanded ransom.
In a related incident, scammers exploited the likeness of former First Lady Monica Geingos to perpetrate investment fraud.
Using manipulated videos and social media accounts, the scammers deceived Namibians into fraudulent schemes, which again pointed to the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals.
The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, while addressing the National Assembly on Wednesday, expressed deep concern over the escalating incidents of scams and cyberattacks facilitated through telecommunication and digital platforms.
She pointed to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into communication systems as a contributing factor to the rise in scams, synthetic media, deepfakes, and other forms of digital deception targeting unsuspecting Namibians.
“These cyber incidents pose a serious threat not only to an individual’s privacy and financial security but also to our national trust and social cohesion,” Theofelus told the National Assembly.
The Minister acknowledged that Namibia, like many nations, has yet to establish specific legislation governing the use and regulation of AI technologies.
She added that currently, the country relies on existing legal instruments, including the Electronic Transactions Act and the Communications Act, to investigate and prosecute AI-related crimes.
Theofelus stressed the necessity for a more tailored and forward-looking regulatory approach.
“The dynamic nature of emerging technologies necessitates a more tailored and forward-looking regulatory approach,” she said.
Theofelus added that in response to the growing threat, the ministry, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is actively investigating recent scams perpetrated through telecommunications.
They are working closely with service providers in the telecommunications and banking sectors to trace malicious actors and strengthen cybersecurity protocols across Namibia’s digital infrastructure.
She told the National Assembly that the widespread use of social media in Namibia has amplified the reach and impact of such scams.
As of 2024, over 703,900 Namibians are active users on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now X), WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok.
She said that while these platforms have revolutionized communication and information sharing, they have also become tools for malicious actors leveraging generative AI to create and spread disinformation and fake news.
To combat these challenges, the information ministry is considering the introduction of a national system for the authentication of information sources.
This system would enable Namibians to validate the credibility of information by cross-checking it against a database of verified institutional accounts and communication channels.
Additionally, a comprehensive public campaign is being developed to sensitize citizens to the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.
According to Theofelus, this campaign will include multimedia content in indigenous languages, community workshops, and social media engagement using trusted influencers and public figures.
The ministry also rolled out a digital literacy program throughout the country, educating participants on the responsible use of AI and empowering them with skills to mitigate its negative impact.
According to Theofelus, the ministry is also in the process of developing a National Digital Literacy Framework to guide the delivery of various digital literacy initiatives, ensuring that citizens are equipped to navigate the digital space and combat misinformation and disinformation.
Theofelus said the ministry is set to launch the Namibia Cyber Incident Response Team and its website on 14 April 2025, which will create an avenue to fight cybercrimes.
She added that the ministry continues to implement the National Cybersecurity Awareness Creation Plan, aiming to empower citizens with information to ensure their safety online.
Regular online cybersecurity training sessions are offered, and the public is encouraged to engage with the Ministry for tailored awareness-raising sessions.
“From a regulatory standpoint, in collaboration with other ministries, efforts are underway to develop the Cybercrime Bill, Data Protection Bill, and Artificial Intelligence Bill and Process Guiding Principles in line with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Theofelus implored fellow Members of Parliament to expedite the passage of this legislation, stressing that technology waits for nobody.
She called on all Namibians to remain vigilant, verify information before sharing it, and report any suspicious digital activity to the relevant authorities.
“The fight against scams and cyberattacks is not just a government responsibility. It is a national imperative that requires all our collective action,” she said.
