Kaspersky and
the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) have signed a new
five-year cooperation agreement. This partnership is aimed at enhancing the
fight against cyber offenses through increased collaboration and intelligence
sharing. With Africa
experiencing a rapidly evolving cyberthreat landscape, the agreement formalizes
the existing relationship between the two organizations. It facilitates the
exchange of critical threat intelligence data, particularly concerning the
continent’s susceptibility to industrial threats. Notably, Africa records the
highest percentage of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) computers targeted by
malicious activities, making such a partnership vital for mitigating
risks.
The agreement
also paves the way for Kaspersky to provide AFRIPOL with in-depth technical
knowledge, expertise, and information security analysis. This will empower the
law enforcement agency to better analyze and respond to emerging cybercrime
trends.
The signing
ceremony, held at AFRIPOL’s headquarters in Algiers, saw Eugene Kaspersky,
founder and CEO of Kaspersky, and Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Acting Executive
Director of AFRIPOL, formalize the partnership.
Eugene
Kaspersky emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating cybercrime,
stating:
“An effective
fight against cybercrime is inconceivable without cooperation. Our company has
always prioritized collaborative efforts, sharing our expertise with security
experts, law enforcement agencies, and the public to increase awareness of
cyberthreats. By advancing our cooperation with AFRIPOL, we aim to equip the
agency with the tools and knowledge needed to address emerging threats,
fostering greater resilience and a safer cyberspace for all.”
Ambassador
Jalel Chelba in his remark stated that “This agreement represents a
significant step in strengthening Africa’s digital defenses. By leveraging
Kaspersky’s resources and expertise, AFRIPOL enhances its capability to counter
cyber threats, contributing to a secure digital space for all African citizens.
This collaboration bolsters AFRIPOL’s operational framework while allowing
Kaspersky to play a pivotal role in securing a continent of critical importance
to global cybersecurity. Together, we are advancing resilience and building
digital trust in Africa.”
The partnership
builds on a longstanding history of cooperation between the two organizations,
which have worked together on various initiatives, including the Africa Cyber
Surge Operations I and II led by INTERPOL. These initiatives have been
instrumental in disrupting cybercrime across the continent. Additionally,
AFRIPOL has endorsed Kaspersky’s first Transparency Center in Africa, located
in Rwanda.
By: Robert Annor
