CSA increases SHSs to compete in 2024/25 cybersecurity challenge

Due to the increase in vulnerabilities, risks and threats in the online space, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has increased the number of participating Senior High Schools in the National Cybersecurity Challenge from 50 to 70.

The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako disclosed this while speaking at the launch of the 3rd edition of the National Cybersecurity Challenge.

He said the NCC was being institutionalised to be an annual rallying point for SHSs across the country to compete in the contest to ensure that more children became aware of cybersecurity issues to be able to interact with digital technologies confidently, safely and responsibly.

Highlighting some strides made by the Cyber Security Authority, the Director-General said his outfit had collaborated with UNICEF to put in place measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the digital space.

In line with that, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako said, they had developed a Legislative Instrument to support the implementation of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which is currently before the Cabinet.

“As a country, we will continue to embark on some major policy initiatives geared towards child online protection,” the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) told stakeholders at the launch of the Cybersecurity challenge

As a flagship programme of the CSA, Mr Antwi-Boasiako said his outfit had decided that the NCC would be run by a national steering committee to give it a national character and the needed impetus.

He, therefore, urged all stakeholders and partners to be part of the committee when called upon to support the exercise, adding: “We also call on civil society, media, businesses and stakeholders across the country to support the event to empower our children and to help keep them safe online”.    

The third edition of the Cybersecurity Challenge competition, which was launched in Accra last Wednesday, is on the theme: “Empowering young minds, creating opportunities, promoting a safer digital Ghana”.

The competition, which will begin in July this year, forms part of efforts by the Cyber Security Authority to promote cyber safety and awareness among high school students by providing them with firsthand experiences in identifying, preventing and mitigating digital threats, especially online child sexual exploitation and abuse.