The Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (Malawi CERT) successfully held a two-day cybersecurity capacity-building event at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) from the 11th to the 12th of August 2025.
Organized in collaboration with MUST and the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN), the event aligned with Malawi CERT’s mandate to coordinate national cybersecurity incident response, build technical capacity, and promote proactive cyber defense. By delivering practical training, raising awareness, and fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and government, Malawi CERT is investing in the next generation of professionals who will protect Malawi’s critical digital infrastructure.
Alongside the cyber drill, Malawi CERT officially launched its new organizational logo, representing its growth and commitment to securing Malawi’s cyberspace.
Day One: Opening Ceremony and Knowledge Sharing
The opening ceremony included representatives from Malawi CERT, the Data Protection Authority, Muuni Fund, MAREN as well as lecturers and students from MUST. Discussions emphasized the importance of preparing future cybersecurity professionals, data protection, and multi-sector collaboration to strengthen Malawi’s cyber resilience.
Day Two: Cyber Drill
Students participated in team-based scenarios focused on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and digital forensics. They gathered intelligence from public sources, analyzed digital evidence, and captured flags within realistic timeframes, helping them develop the ability to react swiftly and effectively to real-world incidents. The exercise strengthened their technical, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.
The drill produced positive outcomes, with students expressing how much they learned and their eagerness for more practical cybersecurity exercises. Many thanked Malawi CERT for the valuable opportunity.
This initiative is part of Malawi CERT’s broader strategy to expand hands-on cybersecurity training across Malawi’s higher education institutions, building a skilled workforce ready to defend the nation’s digital infrastructure amid evolving threats.
PICTORIAL: Moments from the awareness and Cyberdrill
