By Wilfred Golden

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has challenged security agencies in the country to take responsibility in upholding, protecting, and defending principles that form the foundation of national security.

Director of Finance at MACRA, Mphatso Phiri said the knowledge gained during the national security executive programme on cybersecurity transcends mere technical expertise as it reflects a shared commitment to the protection of digital assets and the security of the nation.

She was speaking on behalf of the Director General at MACRA, during the closing session of the national security executive programme on cybersecurity which has been held for the past two weeks in Lilongwe.

Phiri emphasized that in the world where virtual and tangible things are increasingly intertwined, the importance of the skills acquired cannot be overstated.

“Our cyberspace is not just a network of computers, it is the lifeline of our critical infrastructure, the guardian of sensitive information, and the battleground where the forces of good and ill converge.

“Your dedication to understanding and mastering the tools of cyber defense is a testament to your commitment to a safer, more secure future,”she said.

Conquering with MACRA, Brigadier General Professor Dan Kuwali from Malawi Defense Force (MDF) said completion of the programme is not an achievement, but that officers should utilize the knowledge gained in the programme.

“It is not what you learn that makes you educated, but what you remember after graduation and most importantly how you use that education and skills for the benefit of your country.

“Intellectual capital is the most potential tool in the knowledge economy. In a globalized world where states compete for influence and the threats to peace and security are complex and ever-evolving, knowledge has become the key economic resource and the dominant, perhaps even the only source of competitive advantage. This is why the motto of National Defense College (NDC) is knowledge coupled with wisdom is power,” Kuwali said.

The trainings where organized by National Defense College (NDC) with financial support from MACRA where 70 security officers from different security agencies in the country including immigration, Malawi Police Service l, Malawi Defense Force as well as National intelligence department have been eqquiped with knowledge in various security disciplines including cybersecurity national security, counter rencegency orientation course as well as conflict analysis and transformation.