Namibia has recorded over one million cyber threats and more than one million system vulnerabilities between January and June 2025.
The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, said in the National Assembly that threats were detected by the Cybersecurity Incident Response team and also included cases of SIM card fraud, impersonation and online scams.
In response, the ministry is implementing a National Cybersecurity Strategy while the Cybercrime and Data Protection Bills are in progress to tackle these online threats.
The National Cybersecurity Strategy and Awareness Racing Plan has been developed to promote safer online behaviours and instil a culture of cyber hygiene among different age groups. This strategy is implemented in partnership with SALT Essential IT, Lifeline Childline Namibia, and UNICEF Namibia. Free physical and virtual cybersecurity creation awareness sessions are conducted in that regard. I therefore urge everyone to be part of this initiative to be equipped with the tricks on how to protect themselves online."
Theofelus further stated that a National Reporting Portal for Child Sexual Abuse Materials has also been developed to enable citizens to anonymously report digitally abusive materials affecting children.
The National Child Online Protection Guidelines, aimed at providing guidance to children, parents and guardians and teachers on online risk and prevention strategies, are also being finalised.
Some MPs raised their concerns on the matter.
"As we stand now, most of our police stations don't have even a computer at all. The computer is zero; there is nothing. 'As a result, the computer literacy rate among our investigators – how is it?' said Nudo MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu.
Swanu MP, Evalistus Kaaronda, said, "Most of our identities are stolen. You end up believing that you're actually communicating with someone and then realise that this person is not what they say they are."
Theofelus says although not all police stations have the technology to combat cyber threats, the police have a Cybercrime Investigative Unit that deals with these issues.
She emphasised that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, further urging the public to report online crime the same as physical offences.