CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) in Zambia with the help of the Zambian Cyber Security Initiative Foundation (ZCSIF) have adopted various practices to ensure a safe digital/online environment. Some of these practices include:
Cybersecurity awareness campaigns: CSOs in Zambia have been learning from the digital safety advocacy campaign programs initiated by Zambian Cyber Security Initiative Foundation. ZCSIF runs cyber security campaigns on all social media platforms including radio and television to raise awareness on best practices in terms of cyber security. The number of CSOs in Zambia have since partnered to work with ZCSIF to assist them on digital safety matters.
Promoting secure technologies: Zambian Cyber Security Initiative Foundation (ZCSIF) has continued to provide software licenses and promote use of secure technologies that promote data privacy, compliance with regulations, enhance security and increased productivity through improved systems performance. Such Technologies include but are not limited to licensed VPN, anti-virus software, windows operating system and secure messaging applications like signal which apart from using end-to-end encryption, takes extra steps to ensure that the metadata information of its users is kept private and does not go out of its way to collect extra data on its users.
Advocating for policies and regulations: ZCSIF and other CSOs have been advocating for policies and regulations that promote safe online practices and media freedoms by working with the government, internet service providers, and other stakeholders to develop policies and regulations that protect users’ privacy and security online.
Providing cybersecurity training: It is in the DNA of ZCSIF to offer cybersecurity trainings to individuals and organizations with the best illustrative and practical methods possible. ZCSIF has trained at least more than 30 organizations and individuals in their hundreds so far. This is aimed at equipping organizations and individuals with basic cyber security knowledge and tools to operate in the current digital era. CSOs in Zambia have been working with ZCSIF to bring their staff up to speed with digital trends.
