MTN’s Bernard Acquah advises companies to strengthen cybersecurity by building capacity, assessing risks, and enforcing security measures.
The Chief Information Officer of MTN, Mr. Bernard Acquah, has urged companies to build the requisite capacity and resources to manage cybersecurity issues and challenges.
He said most institutions face cybersecurity issues and challenges because they do not have the requisite tools and resources, “saying, risk assessment of the loopholes and vulnerabilities in a business and an understanding of regulatory requirements regarding your space can serve as a good foundation for mitigating this risk.”
“It is also important to look at the people you work with, that is your staff and third parties because their digital practices could pose a risk to your business”, he added.
He said essential cybersecurity frameworks, guidelines and best practices of organizations, should be considered in their strategies, key data protection and cybersecurity regulations and comply with.
The Chief Information Officer was speaking at the “Bright Conversations” meeting to commemorate this year’s cybersecurity awareness campaign.
Mr. Acquah, called for the enforcement of robust access controls to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data to reduce potential attacks and minimize the impact of a breach. He also called for the allocation of appropriate resources and all stakeholders should adhere to cyber security policies and practices.
However, while the use of technology and its advancements has increased, it does have it pros and cons on users which allows data collection of users without consent, increased surveillance and breach of privacy.
Focusing on individuals, he urged all to turn on their two-factor authentication systems across all social media platforms to prevent cyber security threats.
He added that the public should desist from sharing their Ghana identification cards to avoid sharing personal information with foreigners.
“At MTN, we are dedicated to empowering our community with knowledge and tools for online safety. Our theme, ‘living with security” reflects this commitment, he said.
Over the years, MTN Ghana has commemorated Cybersecurity Awareness Month to educate the public, encourage safe online behaviour, discuss emerging threats, and foster cyber resilience.
