The U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with CRDF Global, has organized a training on Protecting Information Technology Systems Containing Genomic Data at Biological Laboratories in Sub-Saharan Africa which will be hosted on March 1-2, 2023, at the Marriott Crystal Towers in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. Mary Onsarigo, Mr. Denis Yegon, and Mr. Phelix Awuor from NACOSTI are among the selected participants for the training.
This two-day workshop will bring together academics, biological industry representatives, policymakers, and regulators to discuss the risks and vulnerabilities of genomic technology; the role of cyberbiosecurity in mitigating proliferation risk; and the steps necessary to develop a risk mitigation framework, including best practices to protect stored genomic data.
This workshop will raise awareness on the benefits of cybersecurity and cyberhygiene; host sessions on the risks to biotechnology-related labs, including the risk of cyber-attack on institutions that store genomic data; and provide measures to prevent the illicit procurement of dual-use biotechnology, bioweapon precursors, and related production equipment. Participants will receive the technical knowledge needed to begin exploring the implementation of cybersecurity and cyberhygiene measures, as well as knowledge on how to implement Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and due-diligence measures at their own institutions.