“The Best Defense Is You”: Facing Cyber Threats, the State Enlists Every Citizen

Amid rising cyberattacks, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation designated October 2026 for the campaign slogan “The best defense is you,” urging citizens and businesses to follow five protective habits, including using two-factor authentication and avoiding suspiciously attractive offers. The ANSSI recorded more than 14,700 complaints in 2025, with financial losses approaching 23 billion CFA francs, involving mobile-money fraud, online blackmail, fake investment offers and identity theft. Côte d’Ivoire had more than 40 million mobile Internet subscriptions in the first quarter of 2026, while its 2026–2030 National Cybersecurity Strategy is under validation. On October 28 and 29, more than 800 people are set to take part in CYBER.EX 2026 in Abidjan, a simulated major cyber crisis designed to test the resilience of strategic sectors.