By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, December 20, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has assured the general public that it is committed to fight against cyber-crimes in order to create a safe cyber space for all.

The sentiments were made on Thursday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre during the official closing ceremony of 2024 cyber security awareness month.

Speaking at the event, Board Director for MACRA, Stella Chuthi said that the fight against cyber related crimes is an ongoing battle which needs collaborated efforts, citing that MACRA is working hand in hand with security agencies and other stakeholders to mitigate the vice.

“We are making strides with the strategy that we are using.  For example we have worked with Malawi Prison Services to catch a guy who had one hundred sim cards which were brought to prison by his relatives and they were all arrested,” she said.

Director for Legal Affairs Services at MACRA, Thokozani Chimbe concured with Chuthi saying that the awareness month was set to emphasize on the importance of operating in a cyber space that is safe for everyone.

“During the past weeks MACRA and its stakeholders were involved in different activities to remind each other of our rights and responsibilities in making sure that our space is secure,” Chimbe said.

One of the youths who was reached with the message of cyber security, Fares Gondwe, a student at Ndirande Hill Secondary School singled out cyber bullying as something that hinders other people’s rights when using the internet.

“As youths we have a responsibility of taking care of the internet by not using it for wrong purposes and protecting other people so that they can use it safely,” she said.

The cyber security awareness month was declared to be a time dedicated by the public and private sector to work together in raising awareness about the importance of cyber security.

Reports from MACRA indicated that from January to October this year the country recorded 27, 000 attempted mobile money fraud cases.