The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana has reported that approximately 1,400 individuals and businesses have registered with CSA to seek licenses and accreditation since the commencement of the cybersecurity regulatory regime in March 2023.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana further stated that some of these entities have been issued provisional licenses, while others are still at various stages of the licensing and accreditation process. CSA has also established a licensing and accreditation clinic to assist entities in completing the online application processes for a license or accreditation.
“As of February 19, 2024, the CSA had registered 1,137 Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs), 194 Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs) and 52 Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), bringing the number to 1,383.”
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) emphasized that businesses and individuals operating in the cybersecurity field without a license or accreditation are prohibited from conducting business in Ghana.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) stressed that this course of action is in line with the December 31, 2023, deadline set by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) for all existing Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) to obtain a license or accreditation as per “sections 3(a), 4(k), 49, 50, 51, 57, and 59 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038).”
In addition, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has cautioned that entities that offer cybersecurity services without a license or accreditation granted by the CSA are in contrast to Act 1038 and will face legal consequences, including administrative penalties and criminal prosecutions.
According to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), steps have been taken to ensure regulatory compliance with the Cybersecurity Act and provide a secure digital ecosystem for Ghana.
Future of Ghana’s Cyber Space
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) assured the general public that it is committed to enforcing the provisions of the Cybersecurity Act and established a licensing and accreditation clinic to assist entities in completing the application process for a license or accreditation.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) provided assurance that it is working with the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to ensure that public sector institutions follow the rules established under Act 1038 and engage only licensed and accredited Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs).
Additionally, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) reiterated that it has established a licensing and accreditation clinic on the 3rd floor of the NCA Tower, Airport City, Accra, effective since February 8, 2024. This clinic is designed to assist all Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) who qualify but have difficulty completing the online application process for a license or accreditation.
As indicated by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the clinic will be opened every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Similarly, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) disclosed that it is actively working to enforce the provisions of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) by liaising with the Judicial Service of Ghana.
“This collaboration is to guarantee that CSPs, CEs, and CPs who testify in all matters before the courts are licensed and/or accredited under Act 1038”.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) restated that collaboration is to uphold the integrity of the justice system and ensure that all testimonies related to cybersecurity are provided by individuals or entities with the necessary regulatory compliance.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) advises businesses and individuals seeking to engage Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) to verify whether an entity or individual has been granted a license or accreditation. This can be done by checking the certificate number of the entity or individual online at the Cyber Security Authority’s (CSA) website at https://www.csa.gov.gh/licence.
However, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has recommended to those who are unable to authenticate the certificate number online to contact CSA for assistance via email at compliance@csa.gov.gh or by telephone at 0531140408.
The Cyber Security Authority’s (CSA) actions aim to ensure regulatory compliance with the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) and streamline the provision of cybersecurity services in accordance with approved standards and processes that align with domestic laws and international best practices. This is crucial for maintaining the security of the digital space and ensuring that the services provided by the CSPs, CEs, and CPs meet the necessary standards to protect against cyber threats.
READ ALSO: Ghanaians Certain Of Their Preferred Choice For President
