Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-04-19 07:04:45
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a warning to the public regarding electoral misinformation and disinformation that may affect this year’s general election. Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the Director-General of the CSA, expressed concerns about the potential use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spread misinformation via social media platforms in order to influence voters’ decisions.
To address this issue, the CSA is collaborating with social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to implement measures to detect and prevent the dissemination of misinformation. Dr. Antwi-Boasiako made these remarks during a three-day West African Symposium on Sector Collaboration and Information Sharing among Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) held in Accra.
The symposium, organized by the CSA in partnership with the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) and the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University, aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building for a secure and resilient cyber ecosystem in Africa and beyond. Representatives from 11 countries, including Ghana, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Nigeria, The Gambia, Liberia, Senegal, Togo, and Sierra Leone, participated in the event.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako emphasized the need for heightened cybersecurity awareness among the public to prevent cyber fraud and online criminal activities, which have resulted in significant financial losses. He highlighted the importance of building relevant skills, knowledge, and infrastructure to safeguard digital assets and combat cyber threats.
The CSA has implemented regulatory measures and partnered with institutions in the financial and telecommunications sectors to deploy advanced technologies and enhance capabilities for fraud detection and prevention. Additionally, Ghana prioritizes international collaboration to strengthen cybersecurity incident response, share information, and develop joint capacity-building programs to counter cyber threats effectively.
Dr. Angel Hueca, a Senior Cybersecurity Operations Researcher at the Software Engineering Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, underscored the importance of enhancing the skills of cybersecurity professionals to safeguard economies and critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks. He emphasized the necessity of regional cooperation to facilitate information sharing on cybercrime and stay ahead of emerging threats.
In conclusion, the CSA’s efforts to address cybersecurity challenges and promote collaboration among stakeholders underscore the critical importance of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness in today’s digital landscape. By fostering international partnerships and leveraging expertise and resources, countries can enhance their defenses and protect cyberspace for the benefit of all.
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