Dear Colleagues,
It is my hope that you are keeping safe, I share below some updates on AFRINIC activities for the month of May 2021.
Security features for MyAFRINIC and RPKI
In June 2021, We plan to deploy enhanced security features for the MyAFRINIC portal and RPKI users. The most interesting enhancement is the introduction of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) which will allow us to deprecate the use of BPKI.that includes a Time-based One-time Password (TOTP) app that is linked and used by simply scanning a QR code, once the 2FA is activated, BPKI will not be needed to manage the RPKI. The team will communicate with members about further details of the upgrade. Besides, the RPKI infrastructure will be equipped with a new Hardware Security Module (HSM). The HSM will significantly increase the level of security with respect to digital keys and certificates.
MyAFRINIC V2 Webinar
In 2020, AFRINIC embarked on a project for updating the current version of MyAFRINIC the goal here was to make it as user friendly as possible to both our members and our community, allowing our members to better engage with AFRINIC services and products. We launched an online consultative survey and received feedback from 283 respondents of which 85 were complete responses. We have organized a webinar to enable our stakeholder to test this platform. I, therefore, extend an invite to the “Breaking the ice around MyAFRINIC v2’’ Webinar that will take place today 20th May 2021 at 12:00 UTC. This session is a follow up on the initial engagement of AFRINIC with you to understand and solve your problems and challenges. You can join us, Register here
Update on the application for Injunction ref Cloud Innovation Ltd vs AFRINIC
In last month's update, I shared with you the existence of the application for injunction lodged by Cloud Innovation Ltd, the latter being one of AFRINIC’s resource members. We have since received all the documentation in connection with the said application for injunction and AFRINIC has retained the services of legal advisers to defend its position. We can not go into the details of the said application as the matter is still pending before the Hon. Judge in Chambers. We can, however, relate the gist of the application. It transpires that despite the clear provisions of the Registration Service Agreement whereby AFRINIC has informed Cloud Innovation by letter dated 10 March 2021 of certain shortcomings and failures on their part and which the member was contractually bound to remedy within a delay of 30 days and/or to at least respond to AFRINIC within the said delay, Cloud Innovation instead opted to seize the Hon. Judge in Chambers of the Supreme Court by applying for an injunction against AFRINIC.
Update on other pending applications for an injunction against AFRINIC
In regard to the other 2 existing applications for an injunction against AFRINIC, namely Afri Holdings Ltd & Others vs AFRINIC and Logic Web Inc. vs AFRINIC, both matters are still pending before the Hon. Judge in Chambers of the Supreme Court. You may recall that both cases concern misappropriated IP number resources that had been reclaimed by AFRINIC.
Leasing Unused IPv4 address and the CPM
On 13 May 2021, a circulating email to AFRINIC's Resource Members purported to provide assistance to Resource Members who wished to lease unused IPv4 address blocks. As a reminder, the allocation of IP Number Resources is effected on a strict-need basis according to the provisions of the Registration Service Agreement (RSA). Members should notify AFRINIC about any change impacting allocated IP Number resources and surrender to AFRINIC any IP number resources no longer required. Stock-piling of allocated IP number resources is strictly prohibited as outlined in the Consolidated Policy Manual (CPM). We are planning to have a series of webinars in the coming weeks on CPM.
AIS’21 Online
We are now only a few days before the AIS’21 Online starts. The registration for this meeting is set to close tomorrow 21st May 2021. AIS’21Online will take place via the Meetecho Meeting Platform and we have prepared some brief notes about the platform to help you navigate through the meeting platform.
Please take note of the Pre-Meeting Notable Sessions in the Meeting Agenda (Draft).
- 27 May 2021 – 9:00-11:00 UTC AFRINIC Government Working Group (AfGWG)- Closed Session
- 28 May 2021 – 9:00-11:00 UTC Newcomers Session
- 28 May 2021 – 11:00 - 13:00 UTC Inclusivity and Diversity Session
One AFRINIC board seat for the Southern Africa region will be up for election this year as well as one Seat on the AFRINIC Governance Committee. We invite you to vote for these important elections. The opening of the comment period on the final candidates' slates is ongoing following its publication on the AFRINIC website while the e-voting open tomorrow 20th May 2021.
See you soon at the AIS’21 Online.
Kind Regards,
Eddy Kayihura
Chief Executive Officer,
African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC)
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