Cybersecurity: ANINF at the heart of Gabon’s data protection strategy
Cybersecurity is a major issue for the highest authorities in Gabon. The National Agency for Digital Infrastructures and Frequencies (ANINF) plays a key role in protecting data and securing digital infrastructures. Data protection encompasses all means used to ensure that private information remains confidential, accurate and always accessible. This includes strategic cybersecurity rules and technological tools. The aim is to protect individuals and organisations against privacy breaches and cyber-attacks. Thus, ANINF is working to secure sensitive data, including citizens’ personal information such as that contained in the Personal Identification Number (PIN) and medical records through the Health Information System currently being deployed. There is also financial data, through applications such as e-Solde development to secure management of public servants’ administrative documents, and critical infrastructures. Data protection is based on key tools such as the Information Systems Security Policy (PSSI), the Information Systems Security Charter (SIE), the Information Systems User Guide and the Information Systems Hygiene Guide. Physical security measures and vulnerability testing reinforce this protection. Thanks to its expertise in cybersecurity, ANINF implements robust solutions and works with international partners to monitor and anticipate incidents, while ensuring constant monitoring and regular security patches updates. But all this is done within the existing regulatory framework in the Republic of Gabon. Gabon’s data protection and cybersecurity legislation is evolving rapidly. Data protection regulations are based on Law 25/2023 amending the 2011 law on personal data, Law 27/2023 on cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime, and Law 25/2021 governing electronic transactions.