On Friday, December 6, 2024, There was anticipation as students, faculty members, and cybersecurity enthusiasts eagerly awaited to engage with the “Cubersecurity Meets Culture” workshop’s diverse agenda as the serene Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) campus became the hub of an international exchange of ideas during a workshop themed “National and Organizational Culture to Cybersecurity in Cameroon and Switzerland.” Held in CRB 3 300A, this impactful event sought to address the ever-evolving cyber threats faced by institutions, individuals, and organizations while exploring cultural dimensions of cybersecurity in two distinct national contexts: Cameroon and Switzerland.
Registration tables were set early, managed by dedicated facilitators from the BUIB team, participants were handed branded materials, including jotters and pens, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of the workshop, setting the hall with vibrant conversations and an electric sense of readiness for the day ahead.
The workshop opened with a warm welcome from the representative of the Vice-Chancellor of BUIB, Professor Fonkeng Epah George, DVC in charge of Academic Affairs and Research, whose address set a reflective tone for the event. He on behalf of the VC, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding academic institutions and fostering cross-border collaborations. Prof. Fonkeng Epah George shared insights on the cultural influences shaping cybersecurity practices in Cameroon. His address underscored the need for awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks of cyber threats in the nation’s rapidly digitizing economy.
Complementing Prof. Fonkeng’s remarks was Prof. Dr. Bettina Schneider from FHNW, who emphasized the importance of integrating cybersecurity into organizational policies. Her speech highlighted Switzerland’s approach to addressing cyber threats through stringent IT regulations, collaborative research, and educational initiatives.
The day’s first academic session was a paper presentation facilitated by the executing team members. These experts laid the foundation for understanding the intersection of culture and cybersecurity, offering thought-provoking data on how societal values influence organizational approaches to IT security. The presentation sparked keen interest among participants, some of whom took detailed notes while others eagerly awaited the chance to ask questions during the subsequent sessions.
The second session resumed with a presentation by Dr. Stephen Nseme Ndode. With his engaging energy and delivery, Dr. Stephen N. Ndode shed light on “Raising Awareness on Cyber Threats” and the various types of cyber threats plaguing institutions and individuals in Cameroon. From phishing scams to ransomware attacks, he emphasized how limited awareness and poor digital hygiene practices exacerbate vulnerabilities. His session was practical, offering protective measures that could be implemented both at the individual and institutional levels.
Dr. Stephen N. Ndode concluded with a powerful call to action, urging participants to share their newfound knowledge with others and contribute to a safer digital environment in their respective spheres.
A short break followed, providing participants with the opportunity to enjoy coffee and snacks while networking informally. The refreshments served as a bridge between the intellectual rigor of the sessions and the equally important task of building relationships among attendees.
Dr. Nkemeni Valery led the following session on “Stories of Organizations/Individuals That Have Been Hacked.” His presentation brought a human element to the discussions, narrating real-life experiences of cyber breaches that ranged from corporate espionage to personal data theft.
One striking story was about a small business owner whose entire financial database was compromised through a seemingly innocuous email attachment. The narrative left participants in shock, as many realized the ease with which hackers exploit unprotected systems. Participants also shared stories on how colleagues’ WhatsApp and social media accounts were recently hacked
Dr. Valery juxtaposed these local cases highlighting similarities and differences in the nature of cyber threats faced by Cameroon, Switzerland and other countries. His session ended with a brief but impactful discussion on lessons learned and the resilience required to recover from such attacks.
The focus then shifted to the role of university staff in ensuring IT security, presented by Herman Grieder from FHNW. Grieder shared insights into how Swiss universities approach cybersecurity, particularly in the face of increasing attempts to breach sensitive academic data. Using FHNW as a case study, Grieder detailed measures like staff training programs, automated monitoring systems, and robust IT frameworks. He also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of vigilance, where every university member, from administrators to students, takes responsibility for maintaining a secure digital environment.
Grieder’s session resonated strongly with the audience, especially as he outlined actionable steps that Cameroonian universities could adopt to boost their cybersecurity efforts.
As the workshop concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose. The day’s discussions had not only illuminated the cultural dimensions of cybersecurity but also highlighted practical solutions for addressing cyber threats.
The final segment of the day was reserved for networking and refreshments. Participants mingled freely, exchanging contact information and discussing how they could collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives.
