On the 26^th October 2022, NCSA partnered with the Eastern Province, the District of Nyagatare, Private Sector Federation, Rwanda Investigation Bureau, MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda, to conduct a town hall meeting with small to medium businesses from Kayonza, Rwamagana, Ngoma, Bugesera and Kirehe on fighting cybercrime, and creating awareness of people’s rights to privacy and protection of their personal data.  

Growth for small to medium enterprises has been highlighted as a key factor in Rwanda’s development. Sustained growth in this sector is vital for socio-economic development, and with modern business increasingly relying on digital solutions, cybersecurity has a large role to play in protecting SMEs (small and medium enterprises).

This event served as a platform for NCSA and  partners to reach out to small and medium sized businesses in the five Districts and discuss cybersecurity best practices that help secure the safety of their online business. 

In her opening remarks, Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana, Provincial Executive Secretary of The Eastern Province, noted the importance of all business owners and entrepreneurs present being ambassadors of cybersecurity awareness. She stated that the voice of the business community is strong, and therefore it should be used to ensure the community attaches great importance to online safety for businesses and customers. 

Representing NCSA, Chief Cybersecurity Standards Officer Ghislaine Kayigi, explained that part of NCSA's mandate is to foster awareness of cybersecurity best practices amongst the Rwandan population. She also mentioned that this town hall meeting was necessary because  members of the private sector are among segments of the population that are affected by cyber threats.

"Technology helps us to access services easily, but the more it evolves, the more others malicious actors can take advantage of it for unlawful acts."

She  described the key themes of the campaign, Protect Children Online, Fight Cybercrime, Know Your Rights to Privacy, and Know Your Obligations as a Data Controller or Data Processor, and how each of these themes is significant to the overall objective of keeping people safe online.

Paul Mutabazi, representing the Rwanda Computer Security Incident Response Team, shared best practices to the entrepreneurs and business owners present. He encouraged those present to avoid sharing their passwords, protect their devices including laptops and mobile phones, and monitor how their children use technology.

Hubert Rutaro, the Provincial Chief Investigator for Eastern Province explained that a mobile phone is all that is necessary for someone to commit a cybercrime and find themselves in trouble. He urged the entrepreneurs and business owners to protect their passwords otherwise other people are able to use their devices for criminal intentions.

Representing Mobile Money Rwanda, Alex Karenzi stated that protecting business people is a priority for Mobile Money Rwanda. "We advise business owners and entrepreneurs who have to manage many transactions, to do so with caution, and make use of the new reversal feature where necessary." 

Prioritizing cybersecurity for a small to medium enterprise does not categorically require large spending of  resources. A change of mindset, that brings along with it the adoption of key best practices, can help prevent your business from being the victim of a cyber-attack.

For more on SME cybersecurity: https://cyber.gov.rw/updates/article/what-makes-smaller-businesses-key-targets-for-cybercriminals-1/