Acting Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr. Albert Antwi-Bosiako has stated the Authority has a mandate to protect Ghana’s critical information infrastructures against potential cyber-attacks, including attacks by terrorist groups.
According to him, under the Cybersecurity and Investigatory powers provided for in the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), the authority is tasked to support and facilitate the work of law enforcement and intelligence agencies including legal access to data and information to assist in investigations and prosecutions.
Addressing the formal opening of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT)/Tech Against Terrorism (TAT) multi-sector workshop in Accra on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, Mr. Antwi-Bosiako said the digital revolution has led to the development of internet technologies that have made it possible for individuals and groups to communicate effectively across borders with increasing anonymity and speed, to an almost limitless audience.
The internet, he said, remains the most equitable technological innovation for mankind with its full benefits to individuals and economies yet to be fully realised. He argued, however, that internet technology has also created a platform for undesirable and dangerous activities.
“The use of the cyberspace and digital platforms for violent extremism and terrorist-related activities is an area of grave concern, not only to governments and its law enforcement agencies but also the very organisations that own or deploy such technologies to users.”
The workshop, a joint initiative between the CSA, GIFC T and TaT, focuses on countering terrorism and violent extremism online.
According to him, the birth of GIFCT is significantly necessitated by the need for dialogue toward understanding among tech firms, governments and the civil society at large on how to counter the use of digital platforms for violent extremism and terrorism.
Ghana through the Cyber Security Authority has been associated with the GIFCT for the past 2 years through its representation on the Independent Advisory Committee of the Forum.
With the increasing dependency on networks and digital systems for socio-economic developments, malicious actors including terrorist groups are focusing on bits and bytes, rather than just bullets.
Any disruptive attacks by terrorist organisations against computer systems and networks could undermine the nation’s socio-economic activities.
Mr. Antwi-Bosiako indicated the CSA’s engagement with the GIFCT led to the workshop and is part of the Authority’s international cooperation mandate to straighten partnerships and collaborations to achieve a secure and resilient digital Ghana.
The workshop will discuss online threats, and share ideas, knowledge and skills to mitigate cyber terrorist threats to personal liberties and collective security of Ghanaians.
The CSA, he said, will continue to leverage partnerships and collaborations at home and with international partners to build capacity and support the national security mandate to make Ghana a safe place for citizens and residents.
Source: Mypublisher24.com
