The Deputy Minister for Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, along with her Aid, Mr. Jamil Mohammed AbdulRahman, and Administrative Officer, Ms. Aisha Jibril, paid a courtesy call to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in Accra on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize herself with the CSA’s operations and its growth trajectory since its establishment as an Authority in 2021.
Emphasizing Cyber Hygiene for Digital Citizens
During the meeting, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the Director-General of CSA, stressed the importance of basic cyber hygiene skills for users of digital systems, especially mobile money users. With the increasing cyberattacks and the prevalence of digital platforms in all businesses, he emphasized that practicing cyber hygiene best practices is essential to ensure safety and protect against cyber threats.
Significance of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM)
The Director-General also briefed Hon. Abubakar on the significance of the annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) which takes place in October. This event stands as the biggest and most impactful annual event on the CSA’s calendar, aiming to raise awareness about cybersecurity and promote safe online practices.
Ghana’s Role in Global Cyber Capacity Building Conference
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako informed the Deputy Minister about the upcoming Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B), scheduled to take place in Ghana in November. This conference is a first-of-its-kind event, and Ghana was selected as the host country after a competitive process, showcasing its strides in cybersecurity and international cooperation activities.
CSA’s Commitment to Cybersecurity Goals
The Director-General expressed CSA’s commitment to driving Ghana’s goal of becoming a leading country in cybersecurity in Africa and ranking among the top twenty-five countries globally in the Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
CSA’s Visibility and Stakeholder Engagement
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako highlighted the importance of maintaining a neutral stance as a security sector institution while effectively broadcasting CSA’s achievements and initiatives. He requested the Ministry’s support in publishing CSA’s monthly advisories and alerts on the Ministry’s platforms for wider outreach.
Ministry’s Support for CSA
Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar praised the CSA for its achievements in a short span since its establishment and expressed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting CSA in matters of content publicity. The Ministry aims to facilitate effective dissemination of information to the media through all available channels.
Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation
Addressing the Ministry’s campaign against Misinformation and Disinformation, Hon. Abubakar emphasized the need for state agencies to provide mechanisms for the public to verify information before dissemination, ensuring accurate and reliable information reaches the public.
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister’s visit to the Cyber Security Authority reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digitized world. The emphasis on cyber hygiene skills and public awareness initiatives aims to enhance the safety and security of digital citizens and businesses in Ghana.