Accra Technical University (ATU) has called for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity awareness and education at its Cyber Security Symposium on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the University auditorium. The event themed “Empowering the Next Generation Cyber Defenders: Building a Resilient Digital Future,” addressed both national and global cyber security challenges, including cybercrime, data protection, and the need for cybersecurity education.
Delivering the keynote address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, reiterated ATU’s commitment to prioritising cybersecurity in response to the growing digital landscape in Ghana. He noted the significant losses caused by cyberattacks such as phishing, ransomware, and malware, stressing that public data has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Professor Acakpovi called for stronger measures to protect public data and foster public awareness, emphasising the importance of compliance with Ghana’s Data Protection Act, which faces enforcement challenges. He further advocated for integrating cybersecurity education across all academic disciplines, promoting capacity-building initiatives to equip the next generation with the skills to safeguard digital infrastructure.
Mr. Stephen Cudjoe-Seshie, Lead, National Computer Emergency Response Team, Cyber Security Authority (CSA), who represented the Director General, highlighted the pivotal role of information technology in driving innovation but acknowledged the associated risks. He revealed that 36% of Ghanaians have experienced data breaches in recent years, with cybercrimes such as online fraud, WhatsApp hacks, and cyberbullying becoming prevalent. Mr. Cudjoe-Seshie pointed to a troubling shortage of skilled cyber security professionals in Ghana, noting that even those available often lack critical expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, incident response, and application security. “There is a growing need for cyber security professionals to protect our digital infrastructure, but there’s a significant gap in the necessary skills,” he said. He also outlined the CSA’s efforts to address this gap through targeted programmes for training and licensing cybersecurity experts. Additionally, the CSA has partnered with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to incorporate cyber security into the national education curriculum.
The symposium featured a panel of experts who discussed the need for inclusivity in cybersecurity education. Mr. George Babafemi, a Fintech Consultant and Board Member of eTranzact Ghana Limited, talked about the psychological effects of cybercrime and the need for sensitisation among the public as everyone stands at risk. He spoke about the fear, anxiety and distress surrounding cyber-related crimes and the irreparable damage they cause to people’s lives. Dr. Edward Ansong, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Computer Science, University of Ghana, advocated demystifying the perception that cybersecurity is solely a tech career. He argued that cybersecurity affects all aspects of life and should be embedded in the education system, making it accessible to students across all disciplines.
The Panelists agreed on the idea of enhancing cyber security education. Mr. Babafemi stressed the need for all to be vigilant in protecting data. According to him, “data is the new gold” and for every institution that deals with people’s data, it is imperative to prioritise data protection. Dr. Ansong again said that training on cyber security should not be relegated to top management but even among the least on the institutional hierarchy. He said that data protection is a collective responsibility.
Director of ICT at Accra Technical University, Dr. Sylvester Hatsu, buttressed this sentiment, calling for revisions to the university’s curriculum to provide short courses and professional certifications in cybersecurity for students outside of traditional science programs. The Cyber Security Awareness Symposium was part of ATU’s celebration of October, dedicated to the national cyber security awareness celebration.
The event was a partnership between Accra Technical University and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and sponsored by eTranzact Ghana Limited, Digital Arena, Tellingent (GH) Systems and Improtech Systems.
