THE Police Force has established new online security units in six regions with an aim to enhance the force’s capacity to combat cyber security.

ACP Joshua Mwangasa, Tanzania Police Force in-charge of cyber security unit unveiled this in Dar es Salaam recently when opening the JR Institute of Information Technology sponsored by Punjani Charitable Trust in collaboration with Khoja Leadership Forum and Africa Federation.

He said some of the cyber security centres have been opened in Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha regions in Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar specifically to enhance security and continue to attract tourists.

He said that significant efforts will continue to be made to enhance security at the time digitalization is on the rise in the country and across the continent.

Mwangasa commended the institute for providing police with training that added value to their skills, as part of the strategy to enhance the force's capability to combat cybercrime. 

“When we have partners like this (institute) who are willing to volunteer, it's a great opportunity for us as the police and for Tanzanians in general. We commend them for this step and will continue to collaborate with them," he said.

According to him, the opportunity provided by the institution has come at an opportune time, as the police force has expanded its cyber security unit, establishing centres in six regions where previously there was only one in Dar es Salaam. 

Mir Pirbhai, Director of JR Institute of Information Technology said that the institute was established after understanding that there was a shortage of cyber security professionals in the country.

He said it was important to support the government in strengthening the area because cyber security was one of the big challenges affecting the community.

“We are motivated to establish the institute to produce professionals to combat these crimes. Our goal is to assist universities and government employees, that’s why we partnered with the police to train more experts to control the problem,” he said.

Happiness Alexander, a graduate of the online security training, thanked the institute for providing training that will help her and the nation to combat cybercrime.

“With a high number of professionals in the country, we will be able to recognize and apprehend the criminals,” she said.

Alexander said they were confident of securing jobs, as cyber systems professionals are needed in various sectors including financial institutions, security and private companies. 

Challenges that lie ahead are cybercrime landscape, limited digital literacy, data privacy concerns, inadequate resources and infrastructures.