The WannaCry ransomware attack that began in Europe has locked thousands of computers in more than 150 countries and is hitting new targets. It is difficult to fathom that what began in Europe thousands of miles away is causing socio-economic havoc in other parts of the world.

The global community must collaborate to dramatically reduce threats perpetrated by automated and distributed attacks. It must promote an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet that fosters efficiency, innovation, communication, and economic prosperity, while respecting privacy and guarding against disruption, fraud, and theft.

While African countries must urgently work towards mitigating the impact of, responding to, and recovering from adverse IT incidents, they ought to forge a fallback strategy that will enable them operate seamlessly in case the worst happens.