PRESS RELEASE

The EU Training Mission and UN Support Office in Somalia Conduct InfoSec Awareness Course for SNAF Cadets

Mogadishu, 17 September 2020 – On 14 - 16 September, the European Union Training Mission in Somalia and (EUTM-S) and the UN Support Office in Somalia’s Field Technology Services (UNSOS-FTS) delivered the first information security (InfoSec) awareness course to Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) officers. This new course leads the way to a new professionalism of the young officers and warrant officers.

Following this unique joint effort, a dozen military students successfully graduated at Villa Baidoa. The graduands expressed great interest and passion to attend more in-depth courses. “This course was mainly focusing on awareness and a general view about Information security, communication security and cyber security. We are glad that we had this training, and if there can be another in this field, I would prefer to be practical one. For example, we now know more but need practice,” said one of the cadets. The positive commitment together with the interactions occurred during the course highlighted a proactive attitude that has to be exploited to enhance new skills and knowledge.

The course included the introduction to information security and various principles, as well as cyber security and mitigation measures, amongst others. “I would like to thank all SNAF participants for having attended the InfoSec Awareness Course and congratulations for completing the program. I strongly believe that, in this digital age and to remain productive, developing an information security-focused culture is as equally important as the physical security. It was an absolute pleasure to be and instructor and I really valued all the inputs received during the virtual classes. Going forward, I hope the students will utilise aspects of the training that were imparted.”, said Sami Abdulahi of ICT Security at UNSOS.

“I would like to conclude with the quote from Dorothy Height,” he continued. “Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.”

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