Beyond the Firewall: Are We Fighting Yesterday’s Cyber War?

By Sophia Bekele

As we move through Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a critical question emerges: are we making progress? Or are we simply getting more efficient at responding to the last attack?

Tomorrow, I’ll be pondering this and much more at the Official Cybersecurity Summit Silicon Valley 2025 at the Santa Clara Marriott. I’m excited to join fellow professionals to dissect the present and architect the future of our digital defenses. If you’re in the area, it would be great to connect —
click here to join.

My message at the Digital Trust Conference 2023 rings even more true today. The core challenge remains: how do we build systems that are not just secure, but inherently trustworthy?

Having spent years in the trenches of cybersecurity, my reflection is this: the “what” and “why” of our mission have fundamentally evolved. It’s no longer just about protecting a network perimeter; it’s about safeguarding the very fabric of our society. The “what” has expanded from data breaches to include attacks on critical infrastructure, AI-powered disinformation campaigns, and the weaponization of our own supply chains.

So, how do we combat this? The trends are clear. The old castle-and-moat model is obsolete. We are moving toward a paradigm of Zero Trust, where “never trust, always verify” is the mantra. Artificial Intelligence is a double-edged sword; while we leverage it for predictive threat hunting, adversaries use it to create hyper-realistic phishing and automate attacks.

But the most critical shift isn’t technological — it’s human. The future of cybersecurity hinges on resilience. We must assume breaches will happen and build systems that can isolate, adapt, and recover instantly. This requires a holistic strategy: embedding security into the DNA of every product (DevSecOps), fostering a culture of security awareness from the boardroom to the breakroom, and advocating for robust international cooperation.

The battle is no longer just against lone hackers; it’s against well-funded, state-sponsored actors and highly organized criminal enterprises. Our defense must be equally sophisticated, collaborative, and relentless. The summit tomorrow is a step in that direction. Let’s stop playing defense and start building an inherently safer digital future.

#CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth #CyberSecurity #FutureOfSecurity #ZeroTrust #AI #Resilience #CyberSummit #InfoSec #OfficialCybersecuritySummit #CRAEvents #cybersecurity

About the Author

Sophia Bekele is a global leader in technology governance, digital trust, and cybersecurity policy.
Her expertise—honed through years of leadership at the United Nations (UN),
ICANN, and within Fortune 500 boardrooms—focuses on building secure and accountable digital systems.
A certified CISA and CGEIT professional, Sophia currently serves as an advisor to
Harvard Business Review and Fortune’s AIQ, shaping strategic conversations on
risk management and ethical AI-driven innovation.

🔐 Cybersecurity Awareness in Africa

Every October, the world observes Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a global campaign promoting safer online practices and stronger digital resilience. In Africa, where technology is transforming economies and connecting millions, cybersecurity is more than an IT issue — it’s the foundation of digital trust, innovation, and sustainable development.

At DotConnectAfrica (DCA), we believe that the future of Africa’s digital economy depends on one key element: a secure, resilient, and trusted internet. As individuals, businesses, and governments move online, the urgency to strengthen cybersecurity in Africa has never been greater.

📈 The State of Cybersecurity in Africa: Opportunity and Risk

Africa’s digital revolution is accelerating fast. With over 570 million internet users and a rapidly growing mobile economy, the continent is leaping into the digital age. From mobile banking in Kenya to e-commerce in Nigeria and cloud services in South Africa, technology is reshaping how Africans live, work, and trade.

• 🔸 Cyberattacks in Africa rose by 20% in the past year.
• 🔸 The continent loses an estimated $4 billion annually to cybercrime.
• 🔸 About 80% of African businesses say they are not adequately prepared for cyber threats.

🔎Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025: “Secure Today. Protect    Tomorrow.”

This year’s theme — “Secure Today. Protect Tomorrow.” — reminds us that the actions we take today shape the future of Africa’s digital ecosystem. Whether you’re an individual, a small business owner, or a public institution, everyone has a part to play in protecting Africa’s online space.

Four Essential Steps to Strengthen Your Cyber Resilience

1. 🛡️ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) — Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts. Even if attackers get your password, MFA helps block unauthorized access.
2. 🔑 Use Strong, Unique Passwords — Weak or repeated passwords are among the biggest security risks. Create complex passwords and store them securely with a password manager.
3. 📬 Beware of Phishing Attempts — Phishing scams remain common across Africa. Be cautious of suspicious links, emails, or job offers. Always verify before you click or share information.
4. ⚙️ Keep Software Updated — Outdated software can expose vulnerabilities. Turn on automatic updates to keep your systems protected against new threats.

🌍 DotConnectAfrica: Championing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust

DotConnectAfrica is committed to advancing cybersecurity, innovation, and digital trust across the continent. Through
education programs, partnerships, and advocacy, DCA empowers African citizens, entrepreneurs, and organizations to build a safer digital future.

We believe that a secure internet is the foundation of Africa’s digital growth — powering e-commerce, digital identity, online learning, and innovation for millions.

🤝 Building a Safer Digital Africa — Together

Cybersecurity in Africa requires teamwork. Governments, the private sector, and individuals all play vital roles. By working together, sharing knowledge, and promoting a culture of cyber awareness, Africa can strengthen its defenses and secure its place in the global digital economy.

This October, DotConnectAfrica invites you to take part in creating a safer digital future. Review your online habits, protect your data, train your team, and advocate for cybersecurity in your community.

#DigitalTrust #ZeroTrust #CyberResilience #CybersecurityInAfrica #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth #DotConnectAfrica #SecureAfrica #DigitalTrust #ProtectTomorrow