Following the workshop held on Cybersecurity: Wake up Call for Directors, CEOs & CXOs at Hennessy Park Hotel on 6th July 2022, with the presence of the Financial Services Commission, Mauritius Finance and Rogers Capital,  the Minister for Financial Services and Good Governance, Hon. Mahen Kumar Seeruttun, in his key note address pointed out  ‘'we have gone digital in a way beyond imagination whereby we live, work and play in a cyberspace''.

Computers and network devices, he mentioned, touch every aspect of our Economy and Society and this networking of various dimensions of society has been spurred by the global pandemic. He also said that as cyber activity increases in frequency, scale, in sophistication at the same time, threats are growing in numbers and complexity.

As such, he stated that a lot is being done to maintain the digital infrastructure safe, such as the drafting of appropriate legislations, taking of policy actions, signing of international conventions agreements and collaboration with international allies in a bid to keep Mauritius open and abreast to emerging disruptions, making the most of available opportunities and concurrently, deal with emerging threats.

As illustration, he dwelt on the initiatives like the Cyber security and Cybercrime Act 2021, the ITU Centre of Excellence in the field of Cyber security, Mauritius’ engagement with regional partners such as AfricaCERT, amongst others, which have played an important role in the ranking of Mauritius in the ITU Global Cyber security Index and has placed the county First in Africa since the past 8 years.

Furthermore, he stressed on the threat of cybercrimes which can pose an enterprise-wide, sector-wide as well as country-risk, before mentioning that the endeavour is that a positive Cyber security mindset and culture is instilled in the current and future generations. He further stated that positioning our jurisdiction as a Fintech Hub is a very high ambition and in this respect, a strong Cyber security Culture promoted by Boards and the C-Level is a critical success factor to keep organisations and our country the safest place to live and do business online.

In his concluding remarks, he stated that Rogers Capital and Mauritius Finance’s openness and collaborative spirit is meaningful and invaluable, and as such, working together will ensure that Cyber security becomes another vital component of Mauritius’ protective shield ensuring the security of all its citizens.