Ethical Implications of Cooperation and Safety vis-à-vis Cyber Security in Africa

Abstract

Discourses on the threats to cyber security in today's digital society have revealed that cyberspace has become an arena of complex national security concern. This lends credence to the fact that many countries, especially in Africa, need to urgently scale up their efforts to effectively secure the Internet and ICT infrastructures. Drawing upon extensive literature on cyber-security challenges, this chapter examines the phenomenon of cybercrime using Ronald Rogers' “protection motivation theory”. The study employs qualitative analysis of the current cyber-security landscape in Africa. Findings posit that with the risk and vulnerability of the cyberspace, cyber security in Africa poses a number of unique challenges which predicate a coordinated response for security and safety engagement. The study suggests collaborative measures to counter cybercrime through investigation, prosecution, and sharing information.