Cybersecurity expert calls for digital accuracy in West Africa

The President for Women in Cyber Security for West Africa, Olayinka Naa Dzama Wilson-Kofi, has asked cyber security professionals to champion accuracy and security in the digital space.

She said it was important for professionals within the cybersecurity space to arm themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate issues surrounding them.

Mrs. Wilson-Kofi was speaking at a 2-day workshop organised by the Women in Cyber Security in collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana and support from TAG International through the UK Government’s FCDO Africa Cyber Programme as part of activities to mark the cyber security month.

“Today, we aim to tackle these critical issues, arming ourselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate them effectively.” Mrs. Wilson-Kofi ,  President for Women in Cyber Secuirty said. 

The West African WiCyS president added that misinformation was spreading very fast because of the evolution of digitalisation and this predisposes the world to opportunities and challenges which impact individuals, shape public perception and even affect national stability. 

She indicated that fact-checking was the core responsibility of digital citizens and so when individuals practice accurate fact-checking of information, they uphold integrity, encourage informed decisions and protect their communities from harm. 

She mentioned that cyber resilience ensures that systems, organisations and individuals can thrive and adapt even when faced with cyber threats. 

 
Workshop 

The 2-day workshop, held on the theme “Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy” amplified the techniques, tools and strategies needed to foster a resilient digital culture.

It highlighted the powerful link between social media fact-checking and cybersecurity. 

Also speaking at the workshop, the Assistant Director for the Africa Cyber Programme under the auspices of the British High Commission, Tim Galvin, said it was paramount for countries to embrace international collaboration to combat crimes since criminals are worldwide and not limited to a particular continent. 

“All different sorts of countries could potentially be attacking. You'll hear a lot in the next few days about misinformation and disinformation which can impact your country. 

It could be coming from Russia or it could be from wherever; The UK. There are criminals in every country”. Mr. Galvin, the Assistant Director for the Africa Cyber Programme said. 

Mr Galvin congratulated Ghana on occupying the second position in Africa as a role model country for cybersecurity according to the global cyber security index.