October set to mark National Cyber Security awareness

The National Cyber Security Centre, under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications, has indicated that plans are advanced for the launch of October as the cyber security month.

The awareness month, which will be launched on October 1, is expected to educate and create awareness among the citizenry on the effects of cyber-crime and the need to protect children online.

A press release signed by the Ministry’s Head of Public Relations, Naa Korkoi Essah, said the one month-long event will be conducted in a hybrid format, comprising physical engagements (under strict COVID-19 protocols) and the use of virtual platforms.

“It will involve thought-leadership sessions, panel discussions, workshops and media engagements aimed at intensifying capacity building and awareness creation efforts on cybercrime and cybersecurity issues among Ghanaians,” it noted.

It added that the event will educate children, the public, businesses and government stakeholders on cyber hygiene best practices, consistent with the Safer Digital Ghana campaign.

Event outline

Per the statement, this year’s event will have weekly high-level events; launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month and Child Online Protection Reporting Portal; forum on Impact of COVID-19 on Ghana’s Digitalisation Agenda; cybersecurity forum with industry players; and other activities covering the four pillars of the Safer Digital Ghana campaign.

The theme for this year’s edition is “Cybersecurity in the Era of COVID-19”, reflecting on the current trends on cybersecurity incidents as a result of the increasing use of digital platforms by individuals, businesses and governments for socio-economic activities in view of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 pandemic has changed our way of life and this event will focus on how our children, the public, businesses as well as Government institutions can ensure utmost protection of their online activities whilst utilising digital platforms,” it stated.

Resource persons with expertise in the cybersecurity will be drawn from the country and representatives from other countries to educate citizens, in collaboration with Ghana’s cybersecurity partners.

Source: dailystatesman.com.gh/Paul Nyojah Dalafu