To drive the safety and security of consumers, fifty-one (51) cybersecurity entities have been certified by the Cybersecurity Authority to provide service in accordance with domestic and international best practices.
The entities include eight cybersecurity services providers, thirty-five cybersecurity professionals, and eight cybersecurity establishments.
The cybersecurity establishments approved by the Authority are Absa Bank Ghana Limited, GCB Bank PLC, Fidelity Bank Ghana, e-Crime Bureau Limited, Ostec Limited, Cybertec Falcon Limited and Guarantee Trust Bank.
The cybersecurity service providers certified are Virtual Infosec Limited, eCrime Bureau Limited, CWG Ghana Limited, Enterprise Computing Limited, Apotica Company Limited, Cyberhawk Limited, Red Mango Limited and Geronimo Data Systems Africa Limited.
The cybersecurity professionals certified are Lewis Duah, James Tankia, Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, John N. Mensah, James A. Senanu, Olivia Jones, Barbara Osei, Caleb Frimpong, Razak Trokosi Osman, Emmanuel Appoh, Samuel H. Aryee, Richard D. Tseh, Mawuko K. Kpatah, Kelvin K. Graham, Michael Kwarteng, Ebenezer N. Narkoja, Kingsley Hayfron, Francis Acquah, Georgette M. Kissi and Abdullah Toutoungi.
The rest are Jeanette Quayson, Lawrence Frimpong Junior, Godfred N. Davidson, Fauziyah Oppey, Clement A. Anane, Chris Benyin, Emmanuel Frimpong, Josie Akoma, Karl E. Graham, Isaac Apenteng, Kester Quist Aphetsi, Benjamin Akufo, Columbus, K. Bruce, Elorm Kutsienyo and Tornyelli Tetteh.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Cybersecurity Authority, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, in an interview with the media, noted that the certification is necessary in protecting citizens in a vibrant cyber space.
“It’s not an area you just allow anyone to invade into. We have had instances where even repairers extracting people’s information and selling on the black market. It is an intrusive area and forward thinking, countries are taking steps, and Ghana is one of them. Within the African continent, we are the number one leading this process. So, it is necessary for the protection of our citizens within the digital ecosystem.”
He cautioned institutions running cyber services without the required accreditation to standardise their operations, adding that they have until October this year or risk being named and shamed.
“We have started the process of issuing warning notices and expecting within the next month or two those who will quickly go through the process and complete that fine. But I do believe by the time we start our cyber month in October, we have a clear idea of the compliant institutions. We will also publish them as well on our website. There is a portal so people can put their names there who are in good standing, and they will get the businesses to do. Of course, within cyber month in October, we will be able to issue such notices to the public warning them against doing businesses with such institutions, “Dr. Antwi-Boasiako stressed.