Resilient digital ecosystem hinges on private-public collaboration – minister

By Rashidatu IBRAHIM

Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has singled out public-private collaboration as key in building a resilient, cyber-secure digital ecosystem.

She said this in her keynote address at the Cybersecurity Industry Forum launch and Inauguration of Independent Assessors held in Accra.

She noted that despite gains the country has made in addressing cybersecurity issues, there is still much work to be done in the area; hence the need for multi-dimensional stakeholder collaborations.

“There are matters that require deep collaboration with industry stakeholders, including building a formidable ecosystem that is underpinned by world-class standards and practices, as well as addressing cyber skills and talent gaps in the country.

“Let us not underestimate the power of a collective approach in this endeavour. Each one of us has a role to play in building a secure and resilient digital future, recognising that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Let us in the spirit of collaboration leverage the Industry Forum to cultivate a culture of cybersecurity that will ultimately help us realise our vision of a secure and resilient digital Ghana,” she said.

Cybersecurity Industry Forum Launch

The Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), provides for establishing an Industry Forum to create a platform that brings industry together to discuss matters of common interest.

Through the Forum, the cybersecurity industry can identify and resolve critical cybersecurity challenges and create best practices, procedures and solutions geared toward securing a resilient digital ecosystem.

The  Cybersecurity Industry Forum launch, according to Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General-Cyber Security Authority (CSA), signifies collective efforts in protecting the nation’s digital future.

Underpinning the Forum’s role in addressing cyberthreats and the essence of collaborations, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako emphasised that cybersecurity is not entirely a government initiative but a shared responsibility.

“As we know, the cybersecurity industry has become a cornerstone of digital innovation – growing in importance as the world becomes more interconnected. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, we have a collective responsibility as a nation to safeguard our digital assets and infrastructure. To effectively respond to this growing sophistication of cyber threats in the country, section 81 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) provides for the establishment of an Industry Forum.”

This, he indicated, will serve as an essential bridge between the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) as a regulator and its stakeholders: such as cybersecurity service providers, establishments, professionals, telecommunications network operators, academia, civil society and other critical players in the digital landscape.

The Forum, he added, will support Ghana’s cybersecurity development and serve as the starting point of a long-term partnership to drive policy, standards, innovations and technological advancement.

He further urged all professionals, including service providers and network operators, to engage fully with the platform to ensure that the Forum remains dynamic, forward-looking and responsive to the fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Independent Assessors inaugurated and sworn-in

The Authority also inaugurated and swore-in Independent Assessors to, among other things, be responsible for supporting the CSA in its execution of relevant regulatory activities – including conducting cybersecurity audits as well as assisting the CSA in research and development.

The Independent Assessors comprise a group of top-tier accredited cybersecurity professionals in the country that have been mandated to support the Authority’s regulatory mandate.

“Their involvement in the regulatory process advances the CSA’s mission of enhancing the regulatory landscape through providing advice and recommendations on specific projects, and offering independent, impartial evaluations,” Dr. Antwi-Boasiako noted.

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