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Ghana has introduced a comprehensive cybersecurity policy in response to growing threats from cyberattacks. This initiative, led by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), aims to fortify the nation’s digital infrastructure, ensuring the safety and integrity of its networks and systems.
The policy follows recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Digital Transformation (ACDT), which highlighted the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, including regular security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities. Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, emphasized the urgency of the strategy, noting that the increasing reliance on digital networks for socio-economic development has made Ghana more susceptible to cyber threats.
“Our world today has changed, with digitalisation presenting both opportunities and risks to individuals, businesses, societies, and nations. The growing dependency on networks and digital systems has attracted malicious actors who aim to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of these infrastructures,” she stated.
The Ghana Cyber Security Authority (CSA) will oversee the implementation of this new policy, working closely with both public and private sectors to enhance cyber resilience across industries.
In a related effort to bolster cybersecurity in the financial sector, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) launched the Financial Industry Command Security Operations Centre (FICSOC) in May 2023. FICSOC facilitates the sharing of threat intelligence and coordination of cybersecurity initiatives across the banking sector, improving the industry’s ability to detect and respond to cyber threats.
Despite these proactive measures, Ghana faces significant challenges in the cybersecurity landscape. In the first half of 2024, cyber fraud activities resulted in direct financial losses amounting to $4.32 million (GH¢49.5 million), representing only a fraction of the total cases reported to government agencies.
Furthermore, Ghana was ranked ninth among African countries with the most data breaches in 2024 and 92nd globally. The country witnessed a staggering 997% increase in data breaches during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, with over 1.2 million recorded breaches.
In response to these alarming trends, the CSA has taken action by granting licenses and accreditation to 51 cybersecurity industry players, including eight Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), eight Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and 35 Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs). These efforts are part of the broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework and address the rising threats to its digital infrastructure.
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