Cybersecurity assessors inaugurated to ensure best practice

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has inaugurated 13-member independent assessors to ensure cybersecurity ecosystem compliance in line with best practices and standards. 

The authority also launched an industry forum made up of key stakeholders, mainly from the private sector, to support the government’s efforts in the development of a cybersecurity system.

The launch of the forum was in compliance with Section 81(1) of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which states that: “There is to be established under this Act, an Industry Forum which is a platform that periodically brings the industry together to discuss matters of common interest in the industry”.

A Justice of the High Court, Justice Dr Bridget Kafui Anthonio-Apedzi, led the assessors, comprised of top-tier accredited cybersecurity professionals to take the official oath and oath of secrecy at a ceremony in Accra yesterday. 

Collaboration

The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, said despite the gains made by the government in addressing cybersecurity issues in the country, there was still more to be done to enhance the ecosystem.

That, she said, required enhanced collaboration with industry stakeholders, including building a formidable ecosystem that was underpinned by world-class standards and practices, and also address cyber skills and talent gaps in the country.

“I am confident that the launch of the Industry Forum will serve as a critical platform to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, share knowledge and experiences, promote innovation, build a skilled workforce and strengthen national resilience against cyber threats,” Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said.

The minister urged industry players to actively engage the assessors to leverage their expertise to strengthen the cybersecurity system. 

Responsibilities

The Director-General of the CSA, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, explained that as an integral component of the CSA’s ongoing cybersecurity regulatory activities, the independent assessors were to support the authority to advance its mission of improving the regulatory landscape.

He said this could be done through advice and recommendations on specific projects and offering independent and impartial evaluations.

“To the Independent Assessors, you bear the vital responsibility of upholding the highest ethical standards, avoiding false representation and maintaining good faith in the discharge of your duties, while complying with the Act and all applicable laws.

“I encourage you to perform your duties diligently and professionally to ensure the success and sustainability of this initiative,” the D-G said. 

Human capital

The Rwanda High Commissioner to Ghana, Rosemary Mbabazi, stressed the importance of human capital development in the country’s cybersecurity space.

She said with Africa’s young blossoming youth, it was important for countries to embrace their innovativeness by creating spaces for them to showcase their capabilities.

That, the ambassador said, would provide competent human skills to help win the war against cyber criminals in the every-changing digital world.