Republic of Mauritius - National Cyber Security Strategy c To develop an efficient collaborative model between the authorities and the business community for the purpose of advancing National Cyber Security and Cyber Defense The strategic guidelines of the Cyber Security Strategy are reinforced by strengthening active collaboration between actors whose aim is to achieve a shared situation awareness and effective defense against the cyber threats. A common set of criteria will be created to facilitate identification of critical IT infrastructures and systems. A method will be devised for risk and vulnerability assessments. Cyber defense will be advanced by promoting the exchange of information and regulations as well as through cooperation between the authorities and the business community. d To improve the Cyber Expertise and the comprehensive Cyber Security Awareness of all societal actors Encouraging a cadre of cyber security professionals and building capacity to deter and defend against high-end threats In a secure information society, everyone must be aware of the information security risks of their actions and their responsibility in preventing those risks. This strategy is intended to raise the level of competence by investing in the expertise of information security professionals and in the general awareness of information security of all actors. To continuously improve the competence and awareness of the actors, inputs will be made to promote the development of a cadre of skilled cyber security professionals and capacity building so that Mauritius can retain an edge in this area and development to keep producing innovative solutions operations in cyberspace. By promoting awareness of the need for cyber security, the Strategy will encourage individuals, Industry and all levels of government to adapt behaviour and adopt the technology required to confront evolving cyber threats. The cooperation between industry and academia on knowledge sharing in information security areas will also be promoted by holding regular annual conferences on information security targeting major players and participants in the region. 5. IMPORTANCE OF THE NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN The ICT sector is influencing the lives of people through direct or indirect contribution to the various socio-economic parameters such as employment and standard of living. It is playing a significant role in transforming Mauritius into a cyber-hub in the African region. The Government has also been a key driver for increased adoption and promotion of IT based 15 | P a g e