The Internet: A Growing Network of Connections
With over 4 billion people accessing the internet globally, the online world has become an integral part of daily life, enabling connections with friends, businesses, and strangers alike. As this digital space evolves, the need for widespread education on maintaining online safety becomes increasingly critical.
Today marks Safer Internet Day, a global event highlighting the importance of protecting personal and professional data online. Originally launched in 2004 as part of the EU SafeBorders initiative, the event has grown significantly and is now observed in over 170 countries worldwide.
Each year, Safer Internet Day centers around a specific theme to address pressing online issues. Past themes have focused on cyberbullying, fraud, and identity theft. This year’s theme, continuing from last year, is “Together for a better internet.”
The Expanding Digital Landscape
As of 2021, the internet hosted 4.9 billion active users, with 3.9 billion engaging on social media platforms. This surge in daily online activity underscores the urgency of protecting the vast amount of shared personal and professional information.
Cybersecurity in Africa
Cybercrime poses a significant threat across Africa. According to a 2017 report by Kenyan-based IT advisory firm Serianu, cyberattacks cost the continent an estimated $3.5 billion annually. Of this, Nigeria accounted for $649 million in losses, while Kenya faced losses exceeding $200 million. Botswana reported that up to 97% of cyber-related crimes went unresolved in 2018.
Despite often lagging in internet speed and cybersecurity measures, the rise of young internet users in Africa has brought new challenges. Platforms that encourage creativity and expression must prioritize safeguarding their users’ online identities. Meanwhile, parents and guardians must play an active role in ensuring their children’s safety in the digital space.
What Steps Can Be Taken?
- For Entrepreneurs: African tech-driven businesses and e-commerce platforms must integrate updated fraud detection and security tools. Payment processing systems should comply with PCI standards and adhere to regulatory requirements.
- For Users: Despite low internet connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa—where only 24% of the population has internet access—users must prioritize their online safety and avoid falling victim to cybercriminals.
Although Sub-Saharan Africa trails behind North America (75%) and Europe (68%) in internet adoption, mobile internet usage is slowly rising, with 26% penetration reported at the end of 2019, per GSMA’s Mobile Internet Connectivity report.
As internet adoption grows, Safer Internet Day serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to create a secure and inclusive online environment for everyone, especially the younger generation.
