THE OPENING CEREMONY WORKSHOP/TRAINING ON AFRICA CYBERSECURITY, CYBERCRIME AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION 2024

Today marks the beginning of an exciting moment where you start a new journey, facing a new reality. This training workshop focuses on the realms of cybersecurity, cybercrime, and critical infrastructure protection in Seychelles. As we navigate through the digitalization of government services and embrace the advancements of the digital era, it is paramount for us to strengthen our efforts in securing and safeguarding our cyberspace and protecting our virtual borders against threats that lurk in the shadows.

In a world where technology reigns supreme, the need for robust cybersecurity measures cannot be emphasized enough. As we embark on this journey of digital transformation, let us from the onset focus on best international practices – a foundation that shall uphold the integrity of our digital assets and protect our critical infrastructures from potential harm.

Today, as we gather to delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity, cybercrime detection, prosecution and deterrence, let us forge a collective resolve to combat these threats head-on. The menace of cybercrime looms large and it is vital that we equip ourselves with the requisite knowledge, tools and strategies to prevent such criminal activities and ensure a safe digital environment for all.

Furthermore, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to fortify our defenses against potential attacks on our critical infrastructures. These vital assets serve as the backbone of our nation and any breach in their security could have far-reaching consequences. It is imperative that we remain vigilant, proactive and united in our efforts in protecting these assets.

We should not underestimate the significance of Seychelles' Tier 1 classification on the US State Department's index of trafficking in persons, which was published last week. While this achievement is praiseworthy, it is vital to acknowledge that traffickers are adapting their techniques by utilizing technology to recruit and exploit victims. The use of social media, mobile messaging applications, online job portals, and illegal money transfers has become increasingly prevalent in human trafficking operations.

It is of utmost importance that we address these emerging challenges in the cyber realm in order to protect our nation, secure our virtual borders, and prevent further exploitation. The upcoming two-day session will provide invaluable insights and strategies to enhance our cybersecurity measures and effectively combat cybercrime.

I extend my dear thanks to our esteemed partners from the US for graciously offering their expertise and resources to conduct this two-day workshop. Your unwavering dedication to advancing cybersecurity initiatives globally is truly commendable and your contributions to this workshop will undoubtedly enrich our knowledge and empower us to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity with proficiency and finesse.

We all know the importance of the task ahead, what we don’t know is how big the task is. But today is a start, to find out. To make that giant leap.

Thank you all and I wish you a productive workshop ahead.