In my work at the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) and by extension, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), I’ve witnessed a remarkable shift towards integrating cutting-edge conservation technology into the core of operations. The role of technology in wildlife conservation has become more prominent than ever in recent years.
For over 20 years, UCF has been investing heavily in infrastructure in Uganda’s largest national parks, through initiatives like The Recovery of Murchison Falls National Park and the Recovery of Queen Elizabeth National Park Programmes, and various initiatives in Kidepo Valley National Park. The foundation has designed, built, furnished, and equipped three Joint Operations Command Centers, centralizing the management of the respective parks and bringing together the different arms of park operations. More importantly, these centers seamlessly connect them through advanced technology, including direct connections with the UWA headquarters in Kampala.
Strategic investments have been made in communications infrastructure, ensuring connectivity across the parks. EarthRanger, the park management system of choice across Africa, has been successfully deployed. This integration aids top management in overseeing and supporting park operations effectively. Park management can now monitor events in real-time, offering numerous benefits and risks. But I’ll delve into more detail on this another time!
Fortunately, security has been a priority for top management throughout these advancements. As we embrace these technological benefits, we continue to implement measures to counter cybersecurity threats, safeguarding our national parks, UWA staff, assets, and the invaluable tourists who contribute to the country’s economy.
Here are the top 3 cybersecurity threats that I believe conservationists will have to contend with:
- Inadequate Security Protocols: The digitization of many processes, systems, data, and information brings unprecedented convenience and ease of access to users.
Unfortunately, this is a double-edged sword. In the event of unauthorized access, an attacker can exploit weak security protocols, potentially causing significant harm. For example, sensitive data on wildlife movements, anti-poaching strategies, investigations, and ranger deployments can be compromised, endangering both wildlife and personnel. Establishing robust security protocols, regular audits, and continuous monitoring are critical to mitigating these risks.
- Lack of Standardization: With the rapid deployment of various technologies across different parks, a lack of standardization can lead to significant vulnerabilities.
Different systems and devices may have varying security features, creating inconsistencies that attackers can exploit. For example, if one park uses a different communication protocol or outdated software, it can become a weak link in an otherwise secure network.
Additionally, this lack of standardization poses practical challenges for staff. If staff members are transferred between parks, they would have to learn entirely new systems, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased risk of errors. At the headquarters, trying to monitor or interpret reports coming from different systems across multiple parks becomes a daunting task. The inconsistencies can lead to delays in critical decision-making and make it harder to maintain a comprehensive security posture.
Establishing and adhering to standardized security practices and protocols across all operations is essential to creating a unified and resilient defense against cyber threats. Standardization ensures that all staff, regardless of their location or role, are familiar with the same systems and procedures, enhancing both efficiency and security.
- Human Error: Human error remains one of the most significant cybersecurity threats. Employees and volunteers, while well-meaning, can inadvertently create security breaches through actions such as using weak passwords, falling for phishing scams, or misconfiguring systems.
Continuous training and awareness programs are vital to educating staff about best cybersecurity practices. Ensuring that all personnel understand the importance of cybersecurity and are equipped to recognize and respond to potential threats is crucial.
UCF addresses this through frequently engaging with UWA staff, both in the field on an ongoing basis, as well as formal training sessions facilitated by the world’s top experts on the relevant subject matters.
Bonus: Insider Threats
Insider threats are a common challenge across all industries, not just in conservation. These threats can arise from disgruntled employees or individuals with malicious intent who have legitimate access to systems and data, making it easier for them to cause harm, intentionally or unintentionally.
It’s also important to consider past employees, as they may retain knowledge or access that could be exploited if not properly managed. Implementing strict access controls, monitoring user activities, and fostering a positive work environment are essential strategies to mitigate this threat.
Additionally, the offboarding process must be handled with care to ensure that departing employees do not retain access to sensitive systems or information. This includes revoking access rights, retrieving organization-owned devices, and ensuring that any residual access points are closed.
Encouraging current staff to report suspicious behavior and ensuring there are clear protocols for handling such reports can further enhance security. It’s important to note that the majority of employees are well-intentioned, and these measures are about safeguarding the collective mission and integrity of the organization.
As we continue to advance in our conservation efforts through technology, staying vigilant against these cybersecurity threats is imperative. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can ensure the safety and security of our national parks, the dedicated individuals who work to protect them, and the diverse wildlife that calls these parks home.
