CYBER SCAPE AFRICA | Q2
2019
At the beginning, the scary part was actually to
go into information and cybersecurity, because I
was seeing myself only behind a computer, doing
some coding or hacking. But, hopefully, I
discovered that there are so many specifications
and areas of skills to explore. That was a great
relief and a motivation to learn. If a data breach or leak occur, an African company
will not have the same consequences and
damages (legals and financials sanctions) as a
European company, for instance. Simply because
there are rules, regulations, and sanctions in
EUROPE.
The fact that am a woman, black woman for that
matter, was neither an issue for me (maybe for
others too). I was raised with the mind of hard
work and faith in God in everything, regardless of
our gender, color or race. So I can say, I was well
prepared for this battle. Same thing, when a secret document of the
government is leaked - every other day, we can
read on social media some secret information,
from public administrations. If an african company
is under a cyber attack, I can imagine that, due to
lack of cybersecurity prevention, detection,
response plans, the company could just be a
victim without any help.
You are originally from Benin but based out in
Switzerland. Tell us more about this.
I think sooner or later, Africa authorities and
companies, will be obliged to be compliant to the
cybersecurity laws and regulations of Europe or
USA, to maintain their collaborations. But, it will
be, obviously, at the detriment of our interests,
because we weren’t able to design and
implement our cybersecurity strategy and bolster
its maturity.
My parents lived and studied in switzerland. They
went there on scholarships, and fell in love with
the country. Then they all returned to Benin.
When my friends were destined to go to France,
canada, USA, my parents were focus on
Switzerland. It a big love story between my family
and switzerland. It became my love story!
How is the eco-system in Benin ? Are you
actively involved in It?
Right off the batt, it’s easy to say in your case,
that there is a brain drain of cybersecurity
talent in Africa. Any thoughts on this issue ?
I am trying to be actively involved in the digital
ecosystem in Benin, without sacrificing my
integrity, my sincerity and my passion for
information security.
I am not considering myself as talent "brain
drained" from Africa, simply because, whenever
and wherever I get the opportunity to offer my
skills to my country and to any other country in
Africa, I am available to assist.
The ecosystem in Benin is majorly dominated by
the government. It is very difficult to do
something without the approval or at least, the
support of the government. The digital
ecosystem in my country, is run by and for several
people, some of them have great skills and
projects, some are just in for politicals reasons.
From my experience and point of view, there is
not lack of talent, but lack of opportunities to
express and to apply skills. Thing is, I am more
valued and sought for in Switzerland than in
Benin.
The government launched so many projects, like
Sèmè City (the digital city) they are working with
the Tony Elemelu Foundation entrepreneurial
program, sponsoring some forums, some
competitions, etc.
I think that the mindset in Africa, and particurlarly
with our authorities, is, they do not yet
understand the gravity of cybersecurity,
cybercrime and cyberterrorism. Therefore, there
isn’t some relevant requirements or obligations
from companies and organizations, whether
private or public, to adopt a cybersecurity
strategy.
I think, cybersécurity in Benin, is focused more on
cyber fraudsters (gay mens, yahoo boys, 419, etc)
and the police department of cyber criminality is
evolving.
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