The MAREN-CSIRT team participated in a comprehensive capacity-building workshop which took place from the 09th to the 13th of December 2024, in Lilongwe. Jointly organized by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority’s (MACRA) mwCERT and MAREN-CSIRT, the workshop was designed to enhance the technical expertise of MAREN cybersecurity engineers and foster closer collaboration between the two cybersecurity teams. This initiative represents a crucial step in addressing the increasingly complex cyber threats facing research and educational institutions and the public at large.

The workshop delved into several critical areas of cybersecurity, including incident response, threat analysis, vulnerability management, and the protection of critical information infrastructure. Through hands-on sessions and knowledge-sharing activities, participants gained valuable skills that are essential for tackling sophisticated cyber challenges. These skills will not only strengthen MAREN-CSIRT’s operational capacity but also enhance Malawi’s overall cybersecurity ecosystem.

A key outcome of the workshop was the acquisition of advanced incident response techniques. MAREN-CSIRT members are now better equipped to identify, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity incidents swiftly, minimizing potential disruptions to MAREN’s network and its member institutions as well as enhancing MAREN’s capacity to monitor attempted attacks and minimize cyberattacks that might be experienced by clients . Additionally, the team’s proficiency in threat analysis has significantly improved. By leveraging modern threat intelligence tools and methodologies, MAREN-CSIRT can now anticipate and counteract cyber threats before they escalate. Furthermore, the workshop emphasized best practices for securing critical infrastructure, strengthening MAREN’s ability to safeguard its systems and ensure the resilience of its network infrastructure.

Cybersecurity is central to MAREN’s mission of providing reliable and secure digital connectivity to research and educational institutions across Malawi. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, it is vital for MAREN-CSIRT to remain at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. This training has empowered the team to proactively defend against threats, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. It has also strengthened collaboration with national partners like mwCERT, fostering a unified approach to digital safety. By providing a secure digital environment, MAREN-CSIRT is enhancing the trust and confidence of its member institutions.

The knowledge and tools acquired during the workshop will have a direct impact on MAREN’s operations, improving its cybersecurity posture and enabling the organization to offer more robust support to stakeholders. As the team implements what it has learned, MAREN is poised to contribute to a safer and more resilient digital ecosystem for Malawi. MAREN extends its gratitude to MACRA’s mwCERT for this impactful workshop.