Makerere University, UVRI lead cyber security efforts to safeguard high-risk laboratories

As cyber threats become an increasingly critical concern for laboratories handling high-risk biological materials, researchers from Makerere University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (COVAB) and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) are calling for urgent action in the emerging field of cyberbiosecurity.

With support from CRDF Global, the two institutions have embarked on a pioneering project to address the growing threat of cyberattacks on laboratories that handle potentially dangerous biological agents such as anthrax, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2.

The project, titled "Establishment of Cyber Biosecurity Inventory and Procedures for Effective Safety and Administrative Controls for COVAB and UVRI Laboratories in Uganda," seeks to map out and identify potential cybersecurity threats to these laboratories.

It also aims to develop comprehensive cybersecurity standard operating procedures, guidelines, and manuals that will lead to the establishment of a robust Cyberbiosecurity Policy.

The project began in April 2024 and is set to conclude in September 2024.

During a workshop held at the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health at Makerere University, Professor Lawrence Mugisha, one of the project lead, highlighted the critical need to protect laboratory facilities from cyberattacks.

He noted that the consequences of such attacks could be devastating, especially when they target laboratories dealing with high-risk and highly pathogenic organisms that could be exploited for bioterrorism.

"More recently, cyberattacks have extended to laboratories handling biological materials, including high-risk and highly pathogenic organisms," Professor Mugisha said.

"This project is crucial in securing and protecting these laboratories from cyber threats, ensuring that we are prepared to mitigate any potential risks."

Professor Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of COVAB, emphasized the reality of cyberbiosecurity threats and urged the team to focus on developing training programs and building a strong cybersecurity research team.