CSA accredits 51 cybersecurity entities, individuals

By Mohammed AWAL ([email protected])

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has successfully accredited and licensed 51 cyber-security establishments, professionals and service providers as part of its efforts to bolster the country’s cyber defense capabilities.

Since the process began last year, the CSA has received 1,629 license and accreditation requests. This includes 220 institutions registering to apply for licenses as cyber-security service providers, 51 seeking accreditation as cyber-security establishments and 1,353 applying to be accredited as cyber-security professionals.

The 51 certified institutions and individuals form only 3.1 percent of these requests after meeting the requirements and successfully completing the application process.

Speaking at a short ceremony to publicly recognise and issue certificates to the institutions and individuals, the Director-General of the CSA, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, said the initial certifications underscore the country’s “unwavering commitment to digital security and resilience”.

Citing portions of the Act governing establishing the Cyber Security Authority, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako explained that the authority is duty-bound to regulate activities within the country’s cyberspace, including the licensing and accreditation of institutions and professionals in the space.

“To this end, the authority, in March 2023, officially started the registration process for the licensing and accreditation of Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs) and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs),” he stated, noting that the authority’s approach to this cyber-security regulation, consistent with its collaborative regulatory approach, has been focused on inclusivity and best practices.

“Since October 2022, we have been engaging all relevant stakeholders on the regulatory regime provided in Act 1038 by deploying different engagement strategies. This is reflected in more than 30 different industry engagements conducted across different sectors, including industry players, academia, civil society organisations and government institutions,” he said.

The newly licensed CSPs, CEs and CPs are expected to play a crucial role in various sectors, including government agencies, financial institutions and private corporations, ensuring robust cyber defense mechanisms are in place.

This accreditation not only validates their technical abilities, but also reinforces the importance of continuous education and certification in the field of cyber security, said Adelaide Benneh Prempeh, a member of the CSA governing board.

Since the inception of this registration process in March 2023, the CSA, she stated, had seen tremendous dedication from stakeholders across sectors with the Cyber Security Authority meticulously overseeing the process of implementing this process.

“This regulatory framework, is a strategic pillar to development of the cyber-security industry in Ghana. It is also a testament to our proactive stance in safeguarding our digital landscape,” she stated.

The initial certification of the 51 institutions and individuals, she added, “is not just a culmination but a catalyst for continued collaboration and innovation in our cyber-security ecosystem” and that the synergy among CSPs, CEs and CPs would drive the country toward adaptive resilience and continuous improvement.

She commended the Director-General of the CSA and his supportive management team for the visionary leadership and commitment to achieving this feat.

The list of professionals and entities certified are as follows: