Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Collaboration: Highlights from the MAREN-CSIRT and mwCERT Workshop

From December 9th to 13th, 2024, the MAREN-CSIRT team took part in a transformative capacity-building workshop in Lilongwe, jointly organized by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority’s (MACRA) mwCERT and MAREN-CSIRT. This collaborative initiative underscores the importance of partnerships between government entities and National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in addressing the growing complexity of cyber threats faced by research and education institutions.

The workshop provided a platform for in-depth training on critical cybersecurity domains, including incident response, threat analysis, vulnerability management, and the safeguarding of critical information infrastructure. Participants engaged in hands-on activities and knowledge-sharing sessions, acquiring practical skills essential for countering advanced cyber threats. These capabilities are crucial not only for MAREN-CSIRT’s operations but also for enhancing Malawi’s broader cybersecurity ecosystem.

One of the most significant outcomes of the workshop was equipping MAREN-CSIRT with advanced techniques in incident response and threat analysis. This enhanced capacity enables MAREN to swiftly identify, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity incidents, minimizing disruptions and bolstering the resilience of its network infrastructure. Moreover, the integration of modern threat intelligence tools allows MAREN-CSIRT to anticipate and neutralize potential threats, reinforcing the trust and confidence of its member institutions.

This initiative highlights the vital role that government agencies, such as MACRA through mwCERT, play in the success of NRENs like MAREN. By facilitating such training programs, these entities provide NRENs with the resources and expertise needed to secure their digital environments. Collaborative efforts like this foster a unified approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that NRENs remain at the forefront of digital safety innovation.

As MAREN-CSIRT integrates the knowledge gained from this workshop into its operations, it is well-positioned to offer stronger cybersecurity support to its stakeholders and contribute to a safer digital landscape for Malawi. UbuntuNet Alliance applauds this successful partnership and encourages continued collaboration to strengthen the digital resilience of Africa’s research and education communities.

The full article was posted on MAREN’ LinkedIN page here.

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