Cybersecurity Maturity Models as a QA Tool for African Telecommunication Networks

Abstract

Africa has a digital economy based on telecommunication networks, which are extremely susceptible to cyber threats because of weak security systems and ineffective compliance. This paper discusses how cybersecurity maturity models can be used as a Quality Assurance (QA) tool to assess, enhance, and maintain network security among African telecommunication providers. Through the inclusion of standardized maturity models like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and CMMI into the QA lifecycle, the telecom providers will be able to evaluate their cybersecurity posture systematically, discover gaps, and focus on remediation. This study will use a mixed-method design, which incorporates interviews, surveys and case studies of few African telecommunication firms to assess the model applicability and performance. Findings indicate that the vulnerability management, regulatory compliance, and network reliability improved significantly when the maturity models are incorporated in the QA processes. The present paper suggests a viable model of the ongoing security validation and provides suggestions to the regulators, telecommunication providers and policy makers to harmonize the practice of cybersecurity QA within the continent.