Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held every October, is a collaboration between the government and private industry to empower everyone to secure their personal data against digital forms of crime.
As our reliance on technology grows, it is more critical than ever to strengthen and adapt our cybersecurity behaviors. This year commemorates the 20th year of Cybersecurity Awareness Month globally and the 4th in Ethiopia. As a result, in order to raise awareness about cyber security, our newspaper published an interview with Huawei Ethiopia CEO Liu Jifan (Michael Liu). Continue to follow us.
Capital: Thank you for being here today. As the just completed October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, could you please introduce yourself and share your thoughts on the significance of this initiative?
Liu Jifan: It’s a pleasure to be here. I’m Liu Jifan (Michael Liu), the CEO of Huawei technologies Ethiopia. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a pivotal time for individuals and organizations to reflect on the importance of digital security. It’s an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to safeguarding sensitive information and staying vigilant against evolving cyber threats. It provides a platform to highlight the critical role of cybersecurity in the digital era. For Huawei, ensuring the security and integrity of our products, solutions and services is a top priority as we strive to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.*
Capital: Huawei is a prominent player in the global technology landscape. How does the company contribute to promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices, not only in Ethiopia but worldwide?
Liu Jifan: Huawei is deeply committed to cybersecurity. We invest heavily in research and development to create innovative solutions that prioritize security from the ground up. We ensure compliance with the applicable laws, regulations, standards of relevant countries and regions, and reference to the industry best practice. In Ethiopia, we collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure our technologies align with the cybersecurity priorities and also we actively participate in the ecosystem building via various initiatives like ICT academy.
Capital: Ethiopia is experiencing significant growth in its digital infrastructure. What advice would you give to Ethiopian businesses and individuals on navigating this digital evolution while prioritizing cybersecurity?
Liu Jifan: It’s heartening to witness Ethiopia’s digital transformation and to be part of it. To navigate this journey successfully, businesses and individuals should prioritize cybersecurity from the outset, not as an add-on. This includes regular security assessments, investing in robust security solutions, and educating employees on best practices and enhancing the cybersecurity awareness of the end users. Such measure will ensure a secure digital transformation.
Capital: Looking ahead, what do you believe will be the most significant trends in cybersecurity, and how should businesses, especially in emerging tech markets, prepare for them?
Liu Jifan: Artificial intelligence, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping the digital landscape. These technologies offer incredible opportunities but also bring new challenges for cybersecurity. Businesses should focus on holistic security strategies that encompass not only technology but also processes and people. Security should integrate into every aspect of operations in order to adapt to the evolving threat landscape. Collaborative approaches with industry experts to enhance threat detection and response capabilities will be essential.
Capital: Thank you for your insights. For aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts in Ethiopia, what advice would you offer as they embark on their own digital journeys?
Liu Jifan: I would encourage them to be fearless in their pursuit of innovation. However, they should never compromise on security. Start by building a solid foundation of cybersecurity knowledge, engage with local and global cybersecurity communities, and seek out mentorship from experienced professionals. Remember, cybersecurity is not just a technical concern; it’s a fundamental aspect of responsible digital entrepreneurship. Embrace a culture of continuous learning and surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals who share your commitment to a secure and thriving digital future.
Capital: Is there a final message you’d like to leave our readers with, especially in the spirit of Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
Liu Jifan: Absolutely. I urge everyone to make cybersecurity a shared responsibility. By staying informed, adopting best practices, and collaborating with trusted partners, we can collectively build a safer, more secure digital environment for all. Together, we can embrace the potential of technology while safeguarding what matters. By collectively raising awareness and prioritizing security, we can build a safer, more resilient digital world for all. Finally, I want to say, at Huawei we guarantee that our commitment to cyber security will never be outweighed by the consideration of commercial interests.