National cybersecurity awareness month launched to educate public on digital Safety

The National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) has been launched with the aim of educating the public on the importance of digital safety and best practices in the face of growing cyber risks.

This year’s cyber security awareness month is themed “Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in a Digitally Resilient Democracy: Our Collective Responsibility.”

The media launch took place at the Ministry of Information in Accra.

The campaign is scheduled to run throughout October and would bring together government officials, private sector players, cybersecurity professionals, and civil society organisations to promote cybersecurity awareness and encourage responsible use of digital tools.

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who launched the campaign, emphasised that Ghana has witnessed a significant transformation in how citizens live, work, and interact due to the rapid advancement of digital technologies.

She mentioned that the developments have also introduced new risks, including cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

“The point of digitalization is cybersecurity—you can’t have one without the other. While we celebrate the introduction of new technologies like artificial intelligence for their potential to positively transform our lives, we must also acknowledge the significant challenges they bring,” Owusu-Ekuful stated.

The Minister added that Ghana’s progress in mobile connectivity was a key pillar of the digital transformation journey highlighting that the rollout of high-speed data networks nationwide, including 4G and 5G, was to ensure that all citizens have access to the digital initiatives that are rapidly unfolding.

She encouraged all to work together to preserve the peace and stability of our country, ensuring that Ghana remains a digitally resilient democracy.

“As we prepare for upcoming elections, it is crucial that we use digital platforms to campaign peacefully and factually, rather than to spread fear and heighten tensions unnecessarily,” the Minister appealed.

Statistics

Owusu-Ekuful stated that despite these successes, the increasing use of digital platforms has also exposed Ghanaians to the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media.

She revealed that as of January 2024, Ghana had 24.6 million internet users, representing 69.8% of the population, and 7.4 million active social media users.

“The deliberate use of digital platforms to spread misinformation can stoke unimaginable insecurity,” warned the representative. “A study by the University of Oxford revealed that social media platforms were used to spread misinformation in 81 countries, with 70% of online misinformation being spread by just 10% of social media accounts”, the Minister mentioned.

Measures Against Disinformation Threat Ahead of Elections

The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, stated in his address that his outfit is ramping up efforts to combat the threat of disinformation as the country approaches its next election.

He stated that the authority has provided a hotline for citizens to verify any suspicious information circulating online. 

“If you have any suspicions, regardless of the information circulating, please do, just call 292,” Antwi-Boasiako said.

Background

The NCSAM, which originated in the United States in 2004 under the auspices of the US Department of Homeland Security, has evolved into a collaborative international event, with Ghana being the latest nation to join the effort to promote cybersecurity awareness and ensure a safer digital future for all.

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