MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) has launched a new cybersecurity service designed to protect businesses from digital attacks that can cripple networks and disrupt online services. The MTN Anti-DDoS Solution, unveiled on Wednesday, November 5, marks the company’s latest move to reinforce Rwanda’s digital infrastructure against cyber threats. ALSO READ: How manufacturers are shaping the next phase of telecom Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks, commonly known as DDoS, occur when hackers flood a website or online system with fake traffic, overwhelming its capacity and forcing it offline. These attacks have become increasingly common worldwide, targeting everything from banks and government portals to small businesses. MTN Rwanda’s new service detects and blocks such attacks in real time, allowing businesses to maintain uptime and protect sensitive data. The system operates through a combination of local and cloud-based monitoring centres that filter out malicious data before it reaches a client’s servers. ALSO READ: MTN Rwanda begins 5G network rollout Ali Monzer, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Rwanda, described the launch as a milestone in the country’s digital journey. “We are unveiling a new chapter in MTN Rwanda’s story,” Monzer said. “A story that goes beyond connectivity and speed—one that is about trust, protection, and resilience.” He explained that the anti-DDoS platform reaffirms MTN Rwanda’s commitment to “safeguarding Rwanda’s digital progress” and ensuring that essential systems, from financial platforms to customer-facing applications, remain secure and operational. “Fraudsters are often one step ahead,” Monzer noted, “but we have invested in the right technology and processes. Our dedicated security operations team monitors threats and incidents around the clock, detecting breaches in real time and responding immediately.” Understanding the technology DDoS attacks, Monzer explained, work by bombarding a server with massive amounts of fake requests. “That fake traffic creates a backlog on your platform and crashes it,” he said. The new anti-DDoS Solution acts like a digital filter, distinguishing between legitimate users and harmful data. “It kills the fake traffic before it reaches the platform,” he added. The service is part of MTN’s broader effort to evolve from a traditional telecom company into a trusted technology partner. Businesses that adopt the anti-DDoS solution will receive continuous monitoring, incident response, and data protection supported by MTN’s 24-hour Security Operations Centre (SOC). According to Didas Ndoli, General Manager of MTN’s Enterprise Business Unit, the company’s focus is to keep businesses “connected, secure, and resilient” as digital transformation accelerates across Rwanda. “The MTN Anti-DDoS Solution reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, future-ready technology that protects Rwandan enterprises in the digital era,” Ndoli said. “We want to equip businesses with tools to safeguard operations, ensure uptime, and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.” The service integrates with MTN’s existing cybersecurity offerings, including its Firewall Services, Secure Web Gateway, Web Application Firewall, and SD-WAN with integrated security. It is designed for flexibility, serving both small and large enterprises, whether they operate in the cloud or on-premises. A shared responsibility The event also featured remarks from leaders across Rwanda’s financial and cybersecurity sectors, highlighting how cybersecurity has become a collective national priority. Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Kigali, spoke candidly about her own experience with a major DDoS attack in 2020. “I’m not a cancer survivor,” she said with a smile. “But I’m a survivor of a massive DDoS attack.” She recalled how, during the bank’s first virtual annual general meeting, the network went down just as staff and customers tried to access digital services. “It was pre-COVID, and already a difficult time,” she said. “I got threats on Twitter and calls demanding attention—it was chaos. That’s when we realised cybersecurity isn’t a problem you solve alone.” Karusisi emphasised that no amount of spending or large internal teams can single-handedly prevent attacks. “It’s not a problem you throw money at. It must be solved as an ecosystem,” she said, adding that MTN’s shift “from a telco to a technology provider” helps strengthen that ecosystem. David Kanamugire, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA), echoed the same sentiment, calling cybersecurity “an obligation, not an option.” “Businesses that succeed must move from chasing opportunities to protecting what they’ve achieved,” he said. “Cybersecurity is not about growth—it’s about preservation.” Kanamugire likened cyber threats to “gravity problems,” meaning one wrong move could bring everything down. “If your network has been penetrated, if your engineers aren’t trained, one incident can erase years of progress,” he warned. He also cautioned leaders against complacency, saying many organisations invest in flashy solutions that offer little real protection. “Be wary of the dog that doesn’t bark,” he said. “In cybersecurity, the most dangerous threats are often the ones you can’t see.” Kanamugire concluded by urging companies to cultivate what he called a “cybersecurity mindset” rather than just relying on technology. “There might not be a perfect solution,” he said, “but there is a right mindset. Without it, even the best tools won’t keep you safe.” MTN’s anti-DDoS launch represents more than a new product. It signals a maturing digital ecosystem in Rwanda, where both private companies and public institutions are aligning their efforts to protect critical infrastructure. By offering scalable, real-time protection, MTN aims to help businesses focus on growth and innovation without fear of disruption. The service, executives say, is not just about defending networks—it’s about ensuring that Rwanda’s digital economy continues to build on a foundation of trust. As Monzer put it, “Our goal is to become a trusted partner securing the digital foundation so customers and businesses can thrive because they trust the platform behind it.”
