A national forum on cybersecurity was recently held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, co-organized by the Russian Embassy and the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (Antic). The event brought together government officials, telecom operators, defense forces, and private sector representatives to discuss the growing threat of cybercrime in the country. With 7,500 complaints recorded in 2025, resulting in a financial loss of 5.8 billion FCFA, the need for a coordinated response is critical.
According to Lawrence Mingo, head of the Incident Response Team at Antic, the threat of cybercrime is multifaceted, affecting both users and systems. In 2026, 21,280 compromised machines were reported, along with 39 attacks on public administration websites and 5,369 identified vulnerabilities on 150 public and private websites. The situation highlights the vulnerability of Cameroon's digital landscape, where administrations, businesses, and citizens rely heavily on digital technologies.
A recent case study presented by Antic illustrates the severity of the threat. In March 2026, a public organization was hit by a ransomware attack, resulting in 50% of its IT system being shut down and its website going offline. The attack was attributed to an unpatched Windows server with exposed internet access. The incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for effective incident response strategies.
The Cameroonian government is strengthening partnerships to combat cybercrime. The collaboration with the Russian Embassy is part of a broader effort to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. The government aims to leverage international cooperation and expertise to develop effective countermeasures against cyber threats. This includes improving incident response, enhancing threat intelligence, and promoting cybersecurity awareness among citizens and organizations.
The national forum on cybersecurity provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, expertise, and best practices in cybersecurity. Participants discussed strategies for improving cybersecurity posture, including the development of national policies and guidelines, capacity building, and public-private partnerships. The event also highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to cybersecurity, involving government, industry, and civil society.
Cameroon has made significant progress in developing its cybersecurity capabilities in recent years. The establishment of Antic in 2015 marked a major milestone in the country's efforts to combat cybercrime. Since then, the agency has been working to enhance cybersecurity awareness, develop incident response capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with international organizations and stakeholders.
The fight against cybercrime requires a sustained effort and commitment from all stakeholders. As Cameroon continues to navigate the complex and evolving threat landscape, the government, private sector, and citizens must work together to build a safer and more secure digital environment. This includes investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, promoting cybersecurity awareness, and fostering international cooperation to combat cyber threats.
Key points
- Cameroon recorded 7,500 cybercrime complaints in 2025, resulting in a financial loss of 5.8 billion FCFA.
- The national forum on cybersecurity was co-organized by the Russian Embassy and Antic.
- 21,280 machines were compromised in Cameroon in 2026, along with 39 attacks on public administration websites.
