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What is the state of Cybersecurity in Sierra Leone? What is the cybersecurity situation in Sierra Leone, and how can you secure your business interests? As a local business, how safe is your investment in digital infrastructure in Sierra Leone?
In this detailed study based on research by IA Sawaneh, FK Kamara, A Kamara – Asian J., I look at the overall data security situation in the country and prefer some solutions for those who want to stay safe and ward off cybercriminals.
My interest in this subject is because as a web development company operating in Sierra Leone, we have become aware of the blatant disregard of even basic data protection practices in the web design industry to the detriment of local client businesses. This article goes beyond websites though, to cover the entire digital landscape of Sierra Leone.
Cybersecurity in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is embracing digital transformation but the country faces a rising tide of cybersecurity threats that endanger individuals, businesses, and government institutions. These threats, exacerbated by weak legal frameworks, limited awareness, and underdeveloped infrastructure, pose significant risks to economic stability, public trust, and national security. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates legislative reform, education, and technological investment.
This article examines the state of cybersecurity in Sierra Leone, the underlying causes of its vulnerabilities, the threats to local businesses, and actionable solutions to mitigate these risks.
Cybercrime is projected to cost the world 10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025.
The Escalating Cybersecurity Threat
Cyber threats in Sierra Leone have grown significantly in recent years, fueled by the rapid adoption of digital technologies and increased internet usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the internet has brought numerous benefits, including improved communication and economic opportunities, it has also created new vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals exploit these weaknesses, targeting individuals, businesses, and government systems.
Globally, the cost of cybercrime is projected to reach USD 6 trillion annually by 2025. In Sierra Leone, these risks are amplified by the lack of robust cybersecurity infrastructure and awareness. For example, in January 2020, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank reported a cyber-attack. Although no customer data was compromised, the incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber threats in the country.
Cybercrimes targeting Sierra Leone range from phishing scams and ransomware attacks to cyber espionage and misinformation campaigns. These threats have financial, operational, and reputational implications, impacting the nation’s progress in adopting digital technologies.
The IC3 received approximately 1,000 cybercrime complaints each month before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, that number is closer to 3,000.
Cybersecurity Threats to Local Businesses
Local businesses in Sierra Leone, which form the backbone of the economy, are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. As businesses increasingly adopt digital tools and online platforms, they expose themselves to risks such as data breaches, ransomware, and financial fraud.
Phishing scams are a common threat, tricking employees into divulging sensitive information such as passwords and banking details. Ransomware attacks, where critical files are encrypted and held hostage for payment, can cripple operations, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources.
The lack of cybersecurity preparedness among local businesses exacerbates these risks. Many operate without basic defences like firewalls or antivirus software, and few invest in regular system updates or staff training. Additionally, the perception that cybersecurity is a low priority compared to immediate operational concerns leaves businesses ill-equipped to prevent or respond to attacks.
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these challenges. The shift to remote work introduced vulnerabilities such as unsecured home networks and personal devices used for business purposes. Phishing scams exploiting pandemic-related fears further endangered local businesses, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack affected approximately 150 countries and 230,000 computers, resulting in an estimated 4 billion USD in financial losses globally.
Broader Cybersecurity Threats
1. Threats to Individuals
Cyber threats to individuals in Sierra Leone often involve harassment, identity theft, and phishing scams. Social media platforms are commonly used to spread defamatory content, hate speech, or blackmail. Phishing emails, which deceive victims into revealing sensitive information, are particularly effective due to low levels of awareness about cybersecurity risks.
Around 61.6% of people in Sierra Leone use the internet daily.
2. Threats to Property
Crimes against property include the transmission of malicious software, computer vandalism, and ransomware attacks. These threats disrupt business operations and destroy critical data, causing significant financial losses and operational delays.
3. Threats to Government Institutions
Cyberattacks on government institutions threaten national security and public trust. Cyber espionage and denial-of-service attacks aim to disrupt essential services or extract sensitive information. During the COVID-19 pandemic, attempts to spread misinformation and disable critical infrastructure were observed globally, and Sierra Leone faces similar risks.
Sources of Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
Sierra Leone’s cybersecurity challenges stem from several interconnected factors.
1. Weak Legislative Frameworks
The absence of comprehensive cybersecurity laws leaves Sierra Leone vulnerable to modern cyber threats. Existing legislation, such as the Public Order Act of 1965, is outdated and insufficient to address the complexities of cybercrime. This creates a legal vacuum, allowing perpetrators to operate with impunity.
2. Limited Awareness
Many Sierra Leoneans lack basic knowledge of cybersecurity practices, making them susceptible to phishing scams and other cybercrimes. The absence of formal cybersecurity education in schools and limited public awareness campaigns contribute to this knowledge gap.
3. Socioeconomic Challenges
High unemployment rates, especially among the youth, drive some individuals toward cybercrime as a source of income. Rapid urbanization and increased internet access have also expanded the pool of potential victims and perpetrators.
4. Technological Deficiencies
Sierra Leone’s technological infrastructure is underdeveloped. Many organizations and institutions lack essential cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and system updates. This lack of preparedness makes them easy targets for both local and international cybercriminals.
There were 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs in 2021. This is an increase from 1 million unfilled jobs in 2014.
Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges
1. Legislative Reform
Sierra Leone must enact robust cybersecurity laws to replace outdated frameworks. These laws should address the full spectrum of cyber threats and align with international treaties to enable global collaboration. Capacity-building programs for law enforcement agencies are also essential to equip them with the skills and tools to combat cybercrime effectively.
2. Public Education and Awareness
Nationwide campaigns are needed to educate citizens and businesses about cybersecurity risks and best practices. Schools, colleges, and universities should integrate cybersecurity into their curricula to build a culture of online safety. Professional training programs can enhance the skills of IT professionals, strengthening the country’s overall cybersecurity capacity.
3. Strengthening Technological Defenses
Investing in robust technological solutions is critical. Government institutions and businesses must adopt secure systems, including firewalls, antivirus software, and encrypted communication channels. Regular updates and backups can minimize vulnerabilities and mitigate the impact of cyberattacks.
North America has the highest internet penetration rate at 94.6%. Europe is second with 87.2%, and Africa has the lowest penetration rate at 39.3%.
4. Supporting Local Businesses
For local businesses, affordable access to cybersecurity tools and services is essential. Partnerships between the government and private sector providers can help subsidize these costs. Additionally, regular cybersecurity audits can identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations.
5. International Collaboration
Cyber threats often transcend national boundaries, making international cooperation essential. By partnering with global cybersecurity organizations, Sierra Leone can benefit from shared intelligence, resources, and expertise. These partnerships can also help the country align its standards with global benchmarks, enhancing resilience against cross-border threats.
Digital Security in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s integration into the digital age brings immense opportunities but also significant cybersecurity risks. The rise of cybercrime threatens individuals, businesses, and government institutions, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action.
In 2020, Asia had the highest percentage of global internet usage, at 50.9%. Europe was second with 15.7%, and Africa was third with 11.3%.
By addressing legislative gaps, enhancing public awareness, strengthening technological defences, and fostering international collaboration, Sierra Leone can build a secure and resilient digital environment. Local businesses, as vital contributors to the economy, must prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard their operations and customer trust.
Through collective effort and proactive measures, Sierra Leone can turn its cybersecurity challenges into opportunities for growth and development in the digital era.