Dr. Herbert Yankson Gustav, a cyber-security expert has said Ghana’s cyber arena has recorded significant development within the last two years of the introduction of Paperless Port, Digital Property Address System, Mobile Money Interoperability Systems, E-Immigration, E-Procurement, E-Justice and the National Identification Systems (Ghana Card). He added that there is the need to protect our cyberspace from the activities of cybercriminals who have built competencies and skills in the use of malware to perpetuate crime.
Dr. Yankson Gustav also called on the business community to have a business continuity plan in respect of cyber security in their operations, defined on the pillars of people, processes and technology to effectively ensure cyber security.
He made these known at a day’s conference organized by the Institute of Distance Learning (IDL) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for students offering security related programmes. The Conference was on the theme: “Cyber Crime: A Threat to National Security”.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Imoro Braimah, Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said the knowledge economy is being characterized by rapid changes making it possible to share and access information, data thus making communication easier.
He added that the growth in information, communication and technology (ICT), has brought an appreciable level of convenience and speed to all aspects of the economy. However, the same development has brought about the abuse, misuse and misapplication of technology with its attendant challenges.
In this light therefore, the conference was timely since it will enlighten students, staff and security professionals on the challenges associated with current technologies and to help discuss possible solutions to them.
Dr. Afrifah Kofi Adjapong, a Forensic DNA Specialist at the National Forensic Laboratory, Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, in his presentation stated that with the development of new technology and products, society has become increasingly dependent on forensic science in the detection, prevention and prosecution of crime. Forensic Science he noted, would enable the highest quality scientific analysis to help in the safety and efficacy of herbal products and food.
In conclusion, he advocated for the training of more forensic scientists, law enforcement and government agencies to ensure public safety.
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