The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) was established in 2021 by the Cyber security Act, 2020 (Act 1038) as a government agency under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation.
The CSA which officially begun its operations on 1st October 2021 previously operated as a Secretariat thus, National Cyber Security Secreteriat (NCSS) after the appointment of a National Cyber Security Advisor before transitioning into a centre by name National Cyber Security Centre and then finally becoming an agency that operates under the then Ministry of Communications.
The Cyber Security Authority is responsible for regulating cyber security activities in Ghana so as to prevent manage and respond to cyber security threats and incidents promptly.
The CSA offers a range of services, including; Cyber security awareness and training, Incident response and management, Cyber security audits and assessments, Cyber security consulting, Development and implementation of cyber security policies and standards, International cooperation on cyber security matters among others.
The CSA is guided by the following core values; confidentiality, reliability, inclusiveness, commitment, professionalism and integrity.
The CSA’s mission is to build a resilient digital ecosystem, secure digital infrastructure, develop national capacity, deter cybercrime, and strengthen cyber security cooperation.
Ghana has made significant strides in strengthening its cyber security capabilities in recent years and in its quest to promoting Cyber Security in Ghana, The CSA has featured at the Ghana Jobs and Entrepreneurship Fair which is underway in Accra’s at the Black Star Square from Thursday, September 19, 2024, to Monday, September 23, 2024, as a security-sector organisation. The CSA through this initiative is offering sensitization, skill development and job opportunities to interested applications.
The establishment of the CSA and its efforts to promote cyber security awareness and education have contributed to the country’s improved cyber security posture and evidences of their diligent efforts recognition of their efforts are reflected by the current Cyber Security indexes of Africa and the world at large. The CSA ranks second (2nd) in Africa on the cyber security index and nineteen (19th ) in the world.
Every October, the CSA organizes a Cyber Security Awareness Month to raise awareness about cyber security threats and best practices. This initiative involves various activities such as workshops, seminars, and online campaigns to educate the public and businesses about the importance of protecting their digital assets.
The CSA also brings together students in Senior High Schools across all zones of the country to compete with each other in a Cyber Security quiz competition annually dubbed “National Cyber Security Challenge” so as to create, sustain and promote cyber security among children.
The 2024 Cyber Security Challenge has been launched under the theme, “Empowering Young Minds, Creating Opportunities, Promoting a Safer Digital Ghana” with participating schools all set to battle it out at the Regional level. Winners of the Regional event will advance to the four zones namely, Northern, Middle, Eastern and Southern zone where champions of each zone will come together to compete at the National level.
The Cyber Security Authority plays a crucial role in safeguarding Ghana’s digital infrastructure and protecting its citizens from cyber threats. Through its regulatory functions, awareness campaigns, and international cooperation, the CSA is working to ensure a secure and resilient digital ecosystem for the country.
The CSA has several points of contacts through which the public can engage with them including their 24 hour toll free number (292), website (CSA.gov.gh), Cyber Security report channel (report@CSA.gov.gh) and telephone number (0501603111).
