{"id":27602,"date":"2024-06-28T14:14:34","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T14:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ipris.digital\/?p=27602"},"modified":"2024-08-16T06:43:59","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T06:43:59","slug":"icta-mauritius-ict-regulatory-authority-unveils-new-cybersecurity-guidelines-developed-while-participating-in-ipris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ipris.digital\/mystaging03\/icta-mauritius-ict-regulatory-authority-unveils-new-cybersecurity-guidelines-developed-while-participating-in-ipris\/","title":{"rendered":"ICTA, Mauritius ICT Regulatory Authority Unveils New Cybersecurity Guidelines Developed While Participating in iPRIS"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a landmark move driven by its active participation in the <\/span>ICT Policy & Regulation \u2013 Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS)<\/span><\/a> programme, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Mauritius (ICTA) has announced comprehensive cybersecurity guidelines for all licensed telecommunication operators. These guidelines are designed as robust self-assessment tools, enabling operators to critically evaluate and enhance their security preparedness. The guidelines are available <\/span>here\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

ICTA delegates part of the second round of iPRIS<\/b><\/p>\n

Three <\/span>ICTA <\/span><\/a>representatives, Mr. Trilok Dabeesing, Director of IT, Ms. Priya Chutoorgoon, Legal Officer, and Mr. Pralash Nahullah, Engineer, Licensing officer, are currently engaged in the 13-month-long iPRIS peer-to-peer learning programme as part of the second iPRIS Cohort (2024 A). iPRIS aims to bridge the digital divide by boosting the capacities of African telecommunications regulatory bodies through peer to peer learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

In May 2024, they started the peer-to-peer learning programme by participating in an intensive three-week peer-to-peer learning session in Stockholm Sweden. The sharing of best practices among African and European peers during the iPRIS European Phase in May significantly inspired ICTA's efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures within the telecom sector.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The intensive session for the 2024 A cohort included participation by European (PTS and ILR)\u00a0 and African NRAs from Gambia, Lesotho, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa and regional regulatory bodies from West, East, Southern, and Central Africa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The NRAs represented in the 2024 A cohort include The Gambia\u2019s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA), Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).<\/span><\/p>\n

Strengthening the\u00a0 ICT security framework of Mauritius\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

These newly issued guidelines represent a pivotal step towards strengthening the security framework of Mauritius' telecommunications infrastructure. They reflect the nation\u2019s commitment to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats and ensuring resilient digital connectivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn Mauritius, telecom companies have traditionally self-regulated their security standards. However, in response to the rapidly escalating cyber threat landscape inherent in IP networks, there is a need to mandate that telecom service providers better manage security risks. The guidelines will not only enhance the security and resilience of nationwide infrastructure but also improve the management of security risks within their supply chains, including third-party suppliers\u201d, Mr. Trilok Dabeesing, Director of IT at ICTA.<\/span><\/p>\n

The authority will use these guidelines as a benchmark to issue forthcoming regulations to all telecommunication operators. These regulations will be issued at least six months after the date of issuance of the present guidelines and will be grouped into the following categories:<\/span><\/p>\n