Cybersecurity: "If information systems shut down, it's a national crisis," warns the Director General of Information Systems Security.

Cybersecurity is not limited to combating cyberattacks. It also relies on the protection, integrity, and availability of data. In a context of accelerated digital transformation, Senegal intends to strengthen its system to preserve the continuity of public services, digital sovereignty, and the security of its citizens.

Invited to the RTS program "Point de vue", Colonel Aly Mime, Director General of Cryptography and Information Systems Security, discussed the challenges related to cybersecurity in Senegal, the threats facing the country and the need to strengthen the protection of strategic digital infrastructures.

Cybersecurity has become a strategic issue for states. According to the Director General of Cryptography and Information Systems Security, it is based on three fundamental principles: confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.

"The first promise is to ensure that the data we handle is correct and not manipulated. The second is that it is confidential and reserved for those who are authorized to access it. And the third is that when we need it, we can access it," he explains.

The continuity of public services, a major challenge

With digital transformation, more and more sectors depend on IT systems. Health, energy, water, telecommunications, aviation, and administrative services are now heavily linked to digital technology.

For Colonel Aly Mime, this dependence represents both an opportunity and a risk. "If these systems stop, in fact, the country stops," he warns, believing that a major disruption of essential digital infrastructure could quickly turn into a "national crisis."

Ensuring the continuity of government services is therefore one of the main challenges of cybersecurity. This includes guaranteeing that critical infrastructure can continue to function, even in the event of a failure or cyberattack.

Another key issue is the protection of personal data. Banking information, tax details, passwords, and other sensitive data represent a veritable goldmine for cybercriminals. Poor protection of this information can expose citizens to numerous risks, including fraud and identity theft. "Cybercriminals need this data. It's highly valuable to them," he emphasizes.

Cybersecurity is also linked to state sovereignty in the digital space. According to the Director General of Cryptography and Information Systems Security, states must, in particular, know where their data is stored, who can access it, and what infrastructure they depend on.

This question is linked to that of strategic autonomy and digital sovereignty, which are supported by national digital transformation policies.

In a service economy like Senegal's, trust is also a determining factor. The development of e-commerce, digital finance, and online services requires, in his view, sufficient security guarantees. "Investing in e-commerce or even digital finance presupposes security and trust," he explains.

The development of a genuine cybersecurity economy is also among the objectives mentioned.

Who are the hackers, really?

The image of the lone hacker, sitting behind their computer in a bedroom, no longer reflects current reality, according to the official. "Today, what we're facing are organized groups," he asserts. He cites, in particular, criminal groups structured around ransomware, networks of scammers targeting individuals, and also actors linked to certain states. These latter groups can carry out operations involving sabotage, espionage, intelligence gathering, or even economic intelligence.

In addition to this, there are non-state groups, terrorist organizations and activists who also use cyberspace to defend their causes.

Artificial intelligence, a new risk factor

This development is taking place in a context marked by a growing dependence on digital technology and the rise of artificial intelligence.

According to Colonel Aly Mime, AI is also contributing to the evolution of threats and methods used by cybercriminals. Cyberspace is now considered a true battleground, just like land, sea, and airspace.

In light of this evolution, cybersecurity has emerged as an issue that extends far beyond the realm of IT alone. It now touches upon the protection of citizens, the continuity of the State, the economy, sovereignty, and national security.