Cyber security analyst and CEO of Slamm Technologies, Samuel Boateng, has called on public and private institutions alike to engage the services of indigenous information technology security experts as there are economic and ethical benefits to be gained from such engagements.
This, he argued, makes sense as there is an abundance of very highly qualified local cyber security professionals who would offer competitive pricing, increased accessibility as well as a proper understanding of the cultural context in which businesses operating in the country find themselves.
Speaking to the B&FT at the official launch of the ‘Slamm1million campaign’ – an initiative undertaken by his firm which aims to equip one million individuals with introductory ICT skills– Mr. Boateng suggested that a lack of trust in the capabilities of indigenous IT experts was perhaps the biggest contributing factor.
“There is a sense in which it seems we don’t trust our own professionals and systems to get the work done. Perhaps, it’s as a result of the years of orientation that we have received but we must get to a point where we utilize our own people. We have to trust the persons and the systems that we have; whether they are trained locally or abroad.
Personally, I have trained a number of people who are doing quite fantastic in other parts of the world, providing solutions for large multinational businesses. There are so many benefits that will come if we adopt this; savings for the companies and increased employment for our young people,” he said.
With the rise in adoption of technological solutions, spurred on in particular by the ongoing pandemic, the subject of cyber security has gained added prominence as many businesses and individuals are not adequately equipped for the increased dependence on digital measures for the execution of their day-to-day activities.
A recent Interpol assessment report revealed a significant rise in the number of cyberattacks particularly from the onset of COVID-19 as “many businesses and individuals are not ensuring their cyber defenses are up-to-date.” In view of this, he suggested that whilst the heavy lifting might be left to the experts, individuals, in general but business leaders in particular must ensure that they are equipped with at least rudimentary cyber security information.
“Far from suggesting that business owners earn cybersecurity certifications themselves, well if they can, perhaps, they should but what I’m recommending is that they ask basic questions and equip themselves so as to be able to see the early signs of a possible cyberattack.”
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) under the auspices of the ministry of communication has earmarked the entirety of the month of October for its annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).
