MAREN’s Cybersecurity Expertise Recognised at ARMA Professional Development Workshop

When organisations seek trusted voices on cybersecurity, it speaks volumes about the expertise behind them.

The Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) was invited by the Association for Records Managers and Archivists (ARMA) to deliver a cybersecurity training at its Continuing Professional Development Workshop held in Salima on 25 June 2026.

Convened under the theme, “Actualizing Efficient Service Delivery Through Advanced Records Management,” the workshop brought together records and archives professionals to explore innovative approaches to strengthening records management and improving service delivery. MAREN contributed a critical cybersecurity perspective, highlighting that efficient records management depends not only on digital transformation but also on securing the systems and information that underpin it.

Representing MAREN, Cybersecurity Engineer Samuel Loga facilitated the training by providing participants with practical insights into today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape and the measures institutions can take to protect digital records and information systems. The training emphasised proactive risk management, cybersecurity awareness and practical safeguards that enable organisations to strengthen resilience against emerging cyber threats.

Speaking on the significance of the training, ARMA President Alufeyo Manda said cybersecurity had become an indispensable component of modern records and archives management as organisations increasingly adopt digital systems for managing information.

He said ARMA engaged MAREN because of its recognised expertise in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and capacity building, expressing satisfaction with the practical knowledge participants gained during the training.

“Advanced records management cannot be fully realised without robust cybersecurity measures supporting digital records throughout their lifecycle,” said Manda. “MAREN’s experience in delivering technical training made it an ideal partner to help bridge the gap between records management and cybersecurity, ensuring participants received practical, relevant and industry-aligned knowledge.

The invitation represents an important recognition of MAREN’s growing cybersecurity expertise and reflects the confidence that organisations are placing in its ability to build institutional capacity in cybersecurity. Beyond providing connectivity and digital services, MAREN is increasingly supporting institutions with the knowledge and technical expertise needed to safeguard critical digital infrastructure.

As universities, colleges, research institutions and other organisations continue to digitise their operations, protecting digital infrastructure and information assets is essential to ensuring service continuity, operational efficiency and public trust. Institutions are encouraged to partner with MAREN to build safer, more resilient digital environments that support teaching, learning, research and innovation.