Certainly! Here are seven facts about Cybersecurity education in Cameroon since 2020-2024:

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the ongoing effort to protect networked systems and data from unauthorized use or harm. It encompasses safeguarding devices, programs, and networks from cyberattacks of any kind. Whether at the state level (national security), personal level (protecting identity and data), or corporate level (safeguarding an organization’s reputation and customer data), cybersecurity plays a critical role in our digital world.

1. Internet Access Growth:

   • Over the last five years, Cameroon has witnessed a rapid increase in internet access.
   • Year by year, the number of internet users has doubled, positioning Cameroon among the top three African countries with the highest growth in internet access.
   • In 2017, approximately 23.2% of the population was connected to the internet, and 16.9% of households had a computer.
   • Currently, 30% of Cameroonians are connected to the internet, with 83% accessing it through smartphones¹.

2. Social Media Usage:

   • Social media usage in Cameroon stands at 14%, with over 3.70 million social media users.
   • Facebook is the most widely used platform, followed by Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn¹.

3. Online Risks and Scams:

   • Despite the benefits of internet access, users face potential risks such as scamming, identity theft, and unauthorized disclosure.
   • Cybercriminals pose as suppliers of cash crops, minerals, or even orphans for adoption, using forged identification and business documents.
   • A recent cyber scam involves threatening emails demanding recipients demonstrate their stance in the Anglophone crisis by sending mobile funds to scammers¹.

4. Government and Online Intimidation:

   • In 2016, the President of the National Assembly labeled internet users as “traitors of cyberspace” and social media as “terrorists.”
   • Cameroonians have experienced online threats and intimidation from the government¹.

5. Educational Institutions:

   • Several university in Cameroon offer cybersecurity education:
     • Seven International University (SIU) Douala-Cameroon
     • Catholic University Institute of Buea (School of Information Technology), Buea-Cameroon
     • University Institute of the Gulf of Guinea, Douala-Cameroon
     • Institut Supérieur de Technologie Avancée et Management, Douala-Cameroon
     • The ICT University.

6. Challenges and Opportunities:

   • The growth of e-services, social media, and mobile penetration has improved efficiency and productivity.
   • However, addressing cybersecurity challenges is crucial to safeguarding users’ data and privacy.
   • Educational institutions play a vital role in training professionals to combat cyber threats.

7. Future Focus:

   • As Cameroon continues to embrace digital technologies, investing in robust cybersecurity education and awareness is essential.
   • Collaboration between academia, industry, and government will shape a secure digital landscape for the nation.

Remember, cybersecurity education is pivotal in building a resilient and secure digital future for Cameroon!