Namibia records over 1 million cyber threats in six months
Parents urged to monitor children online activities
In just six months, Namibia has recorded more than 1.1 million cyber threats and over one million system vulnerabilities, highlighting the rapid escalation of cybercrime in the country.
Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus revealed the figures, warning that no system in Namibia is immune to digital intrusion.
According to a report from the Namibian Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (NAMSIRT), between 1 January and 30 June 2025, the team detected 1.1 million cyber threats and nearly one million system vulnerabilities.
“These statistics show that our cyberspace is constantly under attack. The moment you have a website, an online system, or a network, whether at home or at work, someone will attempt to breach it,” Theofelus said.
She likened cyber protection to physical security: “Just as we install alarms and locks to keep intruders out, we must protect our digital systems. NAMSIRT monitors cyberspace to detect spikes in vulnerabilities and sends alerts so companies, institutions, and individuals can take the necessary precautions to safeguard their data.”
The minister noted that Namibia’s growing reliance on technology exposes citizens to new forms of crime. “Cybercrimes are a global and borderless phenomenon. Therefore, there is a greater need for all of us, at both individual and organizational levels, to play our part in protecting ourselves,” she said.
Raising awareness
The National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Raising Plan aims to promote safer online behaviour and a culture of cyber hygiene across all age groups. The initiative is implemented in partnership with Lifeline Southern Namibia and UNICEF Namibia, offering free physical and virtual cybersecurity awareness sessions.
The Ministry has also launched a WhatsApp chatbot and the iSecure website to strengthen public awareness. Additionally, the National Reporting Portal for Child Sexual Abuse Materials allows anonymous reporting of digital content that exploits or abuses children.
The Ministry is finalising the National Child Online Protection Guidelines, which will provide guidance for children, parents, guardians, and teachers on online risks and prevention strategies.
Protecting children online
Theofelus stressed the importance of parental supervision. “Children should not be left unsupervised online. Providing unlimited access to connectivity is not responsible parenting. We must remain vigilant because children are vulnerable and can easily be manipulated or exploited,” she warned.
She encouraged parents to monitor behavioural changes in their children. “There are always times when a child is troubled. We must recognize those signs and ensure they get the help they need,” she said.
SIM card fraud
The minister also addressed the rise in SIM card-related cybercrime, where fraudsters impersonate others to gain access to sensitive information, such as one-time banking PINs, to commit financial fraud. Victims, including pensioners and politicians, have suffered significant losses.
She stressed that SIM card registration is critical in supporting investigations and creating a secure foundation for e-commerce and digital transactions.
However, Theofelus warned that cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. “They work tirelessly to find loopholes in any system, much like burglars attempting to break into homes or buildings with modern security systems,” she said.
The ministry has engaged mobile network operators (MNOs) and the communications regulator, who have confirmed that SIM cards are registered according to legal requirements. Some operators have implemented fraud management solutions to detect cloned or suspicious SIM cards, while others are building the necessary capacity to tackle SIM card fraud effectively.
Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus revealed the figures, warning that no system in Namibia is immune to digital intrusion.
According to a report from the Namibian Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (NAMSIRT), between 1 January and 30 June 2025, the team detected 1.1 million cyber threats and nearly one million system vulnerabilities.
“These statistics show that our cyberspace is constantly under attack. The moment you have a website, an online system, or a network, whether at home or at work, someone will attempt to breach it,” Theofelus said.
She likened cyber protection to physical security: “Just as we install alarms and locks to keep intruders out, we must protect our digital systems. NAMSIRT monitors cyberspace to detect spikes in vulnerabilities and sends alerts so companies, institutions, and individuals can take the necessary precautions to safeguard their data.”
The minister noted that Namibia’s growing reliance on technology exposes citizens to new forms of crime. “Cybercrimes are a global and borderless phenomenon. Therefore, there is a greater need for all of us, at both individual and organizational levels, to play our part in protecting ourselves,” she said.
Raising awareness
The National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Raising Plan aims to promote safer online behaviour and a culture of cyber hygiene across all age groups. The initiative is implemented in partnership with Lifeline Southern Namibia and UNICEF Namibia, offering free physical and virtual cybersecurity awareness sessions.
The Ministry has also launched a WhatsApp chatbot and the iSecure website to strengthen public awareness. Additionally, the National Reporting Portal for Child Sexual Abuse Materials allows anonymous reporting of digital content that exploits or abuses children.
The Ministry is finalising the National Child Online Protection Guidelines, which will provide guidance for children, parents, guardians, and teachers on online risks and prevention strategies.
Protecting children online
Theofelus stressed the importance of parental supervision. “Children should not be left unsupervised online. Providing unlimited access to connectivity is not responsible parenting. We must remain vigilant because children are vulnerable and can easily be manipulated or exploited,” she warned.
She encouraged parents to monitor behavioural changes in their children. “There are always times when a child is troubled. We must recognize those signs and ensure they get the help they need,” she said.
SIM card fraud
The minister also addressed the rise in SIM card-related cybercrime, where fraudsters impersonate others to gain access to sensitive information, such as one-time banking PINs, to commit financial fraud. Victims, including pensioners and politicians, have suffered significant losses.
She stressed that SIM card registration is critical in supporting investigations and creating a secure foundation for e-commerce and digital transactions.
However, Theofelus warned that cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. “They work tirelessly to find loopholes in any system, much like burglars attempting to break into homes or buildings with modern security systems,” she said.
The ministry has engaged mobile network operators (MNOs) and the communications regulator, who have confirmed that SIM cards are registered according to legal requirements. Some operators have implemented fraud management solutions to detect cloned or suspicious SIM cards, while others are building the necessary capacity to tackle SIM card fraud effectively.
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