4. Conclusion The Internet has become increasingly important for economic and social development in Africa. It is a new source of growth and a driver for innovation, social well-being, national security, governance, media and citizenship. As the Internet economy grows, the entire economy and society, including governments, become increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure to perform their essential functions. With greater technological exposure and reliance on the Internet, Africa is confronted with many new challenges related to cyber threats. Like elsewhere in the world, cyber threats have become increasingly diverse. More and more attackers with diverse motivations are attracted by the new opportunities the Internet provides to Africa. Their direct and indirect impact is no longer limited to individual target organizations; they are now also national security concerns. Low levels of cyber security awareness, shortages of funding, the absence of government and other stakeholders’ readiness to fight cybercrime and, above all, scarce cyber security skills make Africa particularly vulnerable. The protection of critical Internet infrastructure in Africa should be both a national and a crossborder priority. Through a multistakeholder approach at regional and national levels, African countries can scale up efforts to mitigate cyber security risks. But, responsibilities must be shared by all stakeholders including governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the technical community. This set of recommendations is a first, yet significant step in creating a visible positive change in the African cyber security landscape. The Internet represents an opportunity for Africa. Unlike the technological revolutions of the past, the digital revolution is well within its reach. With fast Internet adoption rates and a young population, Africa could become a world leader in Internet and other ICTs. By taking the recommended actions and employing essential principles to protect Internet infrastructure, stakeholders can help the continent protect this opportunity and move closer to embracing and leading the digital revolution. internetsociety.org Internet Infrastructure Security Guidelines for Africa 21