New Forum to Strengthen Cybersecurity Ecosystem
The Ministry of Communications, Digitalisation, and Information (MoCDTI) and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in Ghana have jointly launched a cybersecurity industry forum. This move is a major milestone in collaborating with various stakeholders from both public and private sectors to deepen the cybersecurity landscape in the country.
During this launch, the officials also handed over the baton of the long-standing Facilitating Committee which had been working towards this forum for the last 20 months. The change therefore indicates a move from mere planning to the active engagement of the industry.
Goals and Purpose of the Forum
The Industry Forum is an open platform designed to include participants from cybersecurity agencies, telecommunications firms, banks, information security professionals, civil society groups, and the judiciary. It also serves as a forum for finding and sharing security solutions, for discussions on upcoming threats, as well as for policy formation in the digital protection of Ghana. CSA’s goal is to create through this forum, a strong and united front for cyber threat protection, thus encouraging shared responsibility among the stakeholders.
High-Level Support and Participation
Collaboration between government entities and private sector experts was among the main points stressed by the officials from the MoCDTI. The forum being practically oriented and reflecting the insecurity issues of the digital world suffered by businesses, institutions, and individuals is, therefore, one of their main concerns.
The likes of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana indicate how far the forum has been able to reach across various sectors that significantly depend on secure digital platforms for their operations.
Independent Assessors and Industry Codes
CSA besides the announcement of the forum, has also named 18 Independent Assessors. These security professionals who have been certified in the cybersecurity field will be the authority’s arm in regulation activities such as conducting security audits, research, and compliance checks under the authority’s mandate.
The industry codes and standards which are the blueprint of the forum’s work will be there to provide guidance for uniform practice and also to build the strength of the self-regulatory efforts in the cybersecurity ecosystem further.
Next Steps for Cybersecurity in Ghana
The end of the Facilitating Committee and the launching of the forum represents another chapter in which members and the community at large will be actively involved. The issue of the changing threats can only be addressed by the members of the forum through harmonizing policy, technology, and best practices so as to be able to protect national and private digital assets.
