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Is Africa taking Cyber Security seriously? Soji Akinlabi and Tumediso Lobelo look into the world of cybersecurity and how it impacts Africa. As the least connected continent, we are vulnerable to cyber-crime. We discuss interesting developments in Kenya and talk about the cost of cybercrime globally. Kenya has become the latest Africa country to sign into law the framework of cybersecurity and digital safety; on May 16, President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Bill 2018 that criminalizes abuse of persons on social media, removing the legal lacuna that existed. The new bill spells out stiff punishment to cybercriminals –provides for timely and effective detection, prohibition, prevention, response, investigation, and prosecution of computer and cybercrimes. This includes search and seizure of stored computer data, a record of and access to seized data, production order for data, expedited preservation, partial disclosure, real-time collection and interception of data. Some analysts criticized the new act while some commend the move. Tope Ogundipe, Director of Programs at Digital Rights NGO Paradigm Initiative warns that while the passing of laws tackling cybercrime should be encouraged across the African continent, these laws should not be used to limit important freedoms. Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary in the Information, Communication and Technology Ministry described the law as a necessary intervention ahead of the debates by parliamentarians and consideration by President Kenyatta, "Because cybersecurity criminal were becoming sophisticated and the government is sensitizing security and judiciary personnel on collection and interpretation of cybersecurity evidence for credible trial of suspects." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/digibiz-africa/support