Google.org Supports Cybersecurity Effort to Protect 15 Million Public Records in Africa
Google.org has announced funding for a groundbreaking three-year initiative to protect more than 15 million public records and safeguard over two million people across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. The Resilio Africa project, led by the CyberSafe Foundation, aims to strengthen the cybersecurity of public and nonprofit institutions that are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals across sub-Saharan Africa.
Cyber threats in Africa are on the rise, with INTERPOL reporting a 23% increase in ransomware attacks in 2023 alone. Public sector and nonprofit organizations remain particularly vulnerable, while the International Telecommunication Union highlights that over 60% of African nations show “low commitment” to national cybersecurity readiness. This growing digital vulnerability underscores the urgency of initiatives like Resilio Africa.
Resilio Africa will focus on 200 Critical Community Institutions (CCIs) that manage sensitive public and personal data. Participating organizations will receive free cybersecurity tools, risk assessments, threat intelligence, and incident response frameworks. Google.org’s support aims to empower these institutions, ensuring they can continue providing essential services safely in an increasingly digital world.
“At Google.org, we believe secure digital systems are essential for inclusive growth,” said Haviva Kohl, senior program manager at Google.org. Confidence Staveley, founder of the CyberSafe Foundation, added, “Africa’s digital transformation cannot succeed if our communities remain vulnerable. With this support, we are helping critical institutions safeguard the people they serve and maintain trust in public systems.”
Under the program, CyberSafe Foundation plans to provide more than 10,000 hours of pro bono cybersecurity consulting, train over 4,500 employees, and deploy tailored cybersecurity playbooks. Applications for participation are now open to eligible institutions across the four countries, marking a significant step toward a more resilient digital Africa.
source: Business day