Employers from various enterprises have gained cybersecurity and data protection insights at the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA), seminar held in Accra.
Organised in collaboration with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), Cyber Security Authority and the Data Protection Commission, the seminar aims to deepen employers’ understanding of cybersecurity to protect their enterprises and data from cyber threats.
It also seeks to enhance employers’ capacity to safeguard the rights of individuals and entities from whom data is obtained, promoting a culture of trust and responsibility in handling personal data in the digital age.
The two-day awareness and capacity-building programme covered essential topics for protecting businesses and their digital infrastructure.
It focused on key subjects including cybersecurity threats and mitigation strategies, incident response management, and the provisions of the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), among others, drawing participants from various sectors, including tourism, health, banking, and finance.
In an address, the Chief Executive Officer of the GEA, Alex Frimpong, stressed that with the increasing amount of data managed by businesses, employers must stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and risks.
He noted that both individual and corporate data are at risk, and it is imperative to understand and mitigate these dangers pointing out that everyday activities, such as using phones, emails, websites, and social media, require robust security measures to protect sensitive information.
He highlighted that effective data management and protection require significant sacrifices and commitment from both cybersecurity authorities and the Data Protection Commission.
Mr. Frimpong called for a collective effort to enhance cybersecurity resilience, stressing that understanding and implementing these practices is vital for protecting our digital lives.
He also encouraged attendees to take proactive steps in securing their devices and online accounts, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant and informed in an increasingly digital world.
The Principal Manager, of Cyber Security Authority (CSA) Eric Bansah, also noted that the seminar will raise awareness about best practices in cybersecurity, with a particular focus on the importance of licensing and accreditation for cybersecurity professionals and service providers.
He emphasised the critical role that qualified and accredited cybersecurity personnel plays in safeguarding sensitive data within organizations.
He added the need for the leaders to verify the credentials and accreditation status of the professionals they hire, underlining the importance of informed decision-making at the top levels of management and understanding and implementing robust cybersecurity measures that can positively influence policies and practices across their organisations.
In addition to educational efforts, the programme also addresses the need for comprehensive incident reporting.
Despite the progress made, many cybersecurity incidents remain unreported, highlighting the necessity for a collaborative approach that involves the media, organisational leadership, and individuals. The goal is to spread cybersecurity knowledge widely, fostering a resilient cybersecurity environment across the nation.
The programme has been well-received, with numerous reports from business owners acknowledging the importance of these initiatives.
However, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that all organizations, regardless of size, embrace robust cybersecurity practices.
