Lesotho held its first cybersecurity hackathon today in Maseru, organized by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) in partnership with Internet Society Lesotho. The event gathered IT experts and stakeholders to fortify the nation’s cybersecurity, a pressing need given the rapid digitalization and increasing cyber threats.
Mr. Molupe Molupe, Chief Information and Technology Officer at LCA, highlighted Lesotho’s cybersecurity journey. In 2020, Lesotho ranked 38th among 43 African nations in the Global Cybersecurity Index and 164th out of 182 globally. While no new rankings were released for 2024, progress was assessed across five pillars: Legal Measures, Technical Measures, Organizational Measures, Capacity Development, and Cooperation. Lesotho achieved a 30.8% score, with Legal Measures reaching 7.82 but limited progress in areas like public awareness and the absence of Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs).
Mr Molupe added that Lesotho has faced cyber threats, including phishing, malware, and ransomware, particularly affecting the financial and healthcare sectors. The LCA is said to have responded by establishing a cybersecurity unit, creating computer labs in schools, and organizing Digital Finance Cybersecurity events for financial institutions amongst other initiatives. Additionally, efforts are underway to implement CIRTs and establish a National Cybersecurity Council, though progress on formal regulations, such as the Cybersecurity Bill drafted in 2012, remains slow.
Internet Society Lesotho Chairperson, Mr. Letsatsi Lekhooa, emphasised the organization’s mission: “Our mission at Internet Society Lesotho is to build and develop exceptional human capital in cybersecurity. Through events like this hackathon, we aim to empower our nation’s youth, IT professionals, and aspiring cybersecurity experts with the skills and knowledge to protect our digital future. This hackathon is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for creativity, collaboration, and community. In a world where digital threats continue to evolve, it has never been more crucial to strengthen our digital defenses. Through this event, we aim to inspire fresh ideas, explore creative solutions, and spark a deeper understanding of cybersecurity among professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike.”
The inclusion of women in technology was also prioritized, with outstanding women in the tech sector receiving special recognition. Among the honorees were Dr. Lehlohonolo Mohasi, Ms. Nthabiseng Pule, Mrs. Mamonaheng Koenane, Mrs. Maneo Mapharisa, Ms. Ts’enolo Lerotholi, Ms. Palesa Lits’iba, and Mrs. Itumeleng Mokopotsa.
Attendees of the hackathon proposed several recommendations, including the establishment of a cybersecurity fund, encouraging incident reporting, and integrating cybersecurity with public communication and law enforcement. They emphasized collaboration between higher education and industry experts to build expertise and standardize security frameworks.
The hackathon included teams from the National University of Lesotho, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, and Botho University, with six teams competing. Team Infinity Black took first place, followed by Intrusion Illusion and Mochalla. Prizes included short AI courses at Lerotholi Polytechnic, gadgets such as laptops, and trophies. This event highlighted LCA and ISOC’s dedication to advancing cybersecurity skills and promoting resilience in Lesotho’s digital landscape.
