Presbyterian Boys SHS, Legon, has been crowned champions at the maiden National Cybersecurity Challenge at the GNAT hall in Accra and earned the accolade of cyber hero.
The school garnered 64 points at the end of a quiz competition moderated by famous quiz master, Afari Yeboah, beating five other Senior High Schools for the crown.
The cybersecurity challenge forms part of events earmarked to celebrate National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCAM 2022).
October has been declared the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to be celebrated annually and this year’s celebration is on the theme, “Regulating Cybersecurity: A Public-Private Sector Collaborative Approach.”
The school walked away with s trophy, a laptop for their Cybersecurity Club, a cash prize of GH¢3,000, a certificate of participating, one week internship at the Cyber Security Authority with all expenses paid and souvenirs
Mfatsiman SHS, which took the second position received a laptop, GH¢2,000, a certificate for participation and souvenirs.
The third position went to Adisadel College. They received a laptop for the Cybersecurity Club, GH¢1,500, a certificate for participation and souvenirs.
For placing 4th, 5th and 6th, St. Monica’s Girls SHS, Oda Senior High School and Northern School of Business received GH¢500 each, certificates of participation and souvenirs.
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ms Ama Pomaa Boateng who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister stressed the internet has become a critical tool for communication and education in today’s world.
According to her, as internet usages advance, however, there are several crimes being committed in that space and hence the need for collective responsibilities to help address some of the challenges and promote safe and positive use of digital technologies, especially among children and young people.
Awareness Creation, she said, has been identified as the most effective way to address cybercrime issues worldwide and that is why the Government through the Cyber Security Authority has institutionalised the NCAM for Ghanaians to develop a cybersecurity culture and stay safe whilst using digital technologies to develop and enhance their way of life.
Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Albert Antwi-Boasiako, in his address stressed that cybersecurity month cannot be observed without involving children.
According to him, the objective of the National Cybersecurity Challenge is to create awareness of cybersecurity best practices for students, encourage them to stay safe online, sensitize them to career opportunities in cybersecurity and ultimately develop a cybersecurity culture among young children.
“It is also an opportunity to directly engage children on issues that affect them in cyberspace.
“Without a doubt, children are some of the most active users of the internet. Although increasing access to the internet has presented unparalleled opportunities for children and young people to communicate, connect, learn and access information from various parts of the world, these opportunities come with new security challenges,” he stated.
He assured that the CSA is committed to protecting the interests of children online in line with its mandate to regulate and promote the development of cybersecurity in the country.
