A cybersecurity training in Accra highlighted the urgency of robust defenses as global cybercrime costs may hit $10.5 trillion by 2025, targeting executives
A cybersecurity training session held in Accra has asserted the pressing need for robust digital defence strategies as cybercrime costs worldwide are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
Hosted by Women in Cybersecurity West Africa, the two-day program took place at the Airport View Hotel on October 30 and 31, 2024, bringing together cybersecurity experts and professionals to address information integrity, social media fact-checking, and the development of resilient cybersecurity measures.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Dr. Albert Antwi Boasiako, Director-General, Cyber Security Authority, Madam Adwoa Tabiri highlighted the urgency of adopting proactive security strategies to counter the escalating threat of cybercrime.
Dr. Boasiako’s message specifically pointed to the vulnerability of corporate leadership in today’s digital age, stressing that cybersecurity must be a core priority for decision-makers, especially as cyber warfare increasingly targets C-suite executives. “Robust strategies,” he noted, “are not just advisable but essential in the face of sophisticated cyber threats.”
The workshop, titled “Information Integrity: A Social Media Fact-Checking and Ensuring Cyber Resilience Workshop,” aimed to equip participants with the skills to counter misinformation on digital platforms and secure their online assets.
Through interactive sessions, industry leaders shared effective approaches for safeguarding sensitive information, with an emphasis on both individual and organizational resilience. Women in Cybersecurity West Africa’s initiative showcased the importance of diversity in cybersecurity, encouraging more women to take an active role in fortifying West Africa’s digital defenses.
Global cooperation remains a critical element in Ghana’s cybersecurity advancements, and the event drew support from international partners, including the British High Commission. Tim Galvin, Assistant Director of the Africa Cyber Program at the British High Commission, praised Ghana’s dedication to cybersecurity and encouraged companies to report cyber incidents promptly.
Such transparency, Galvin emphasized, is crucial for identifying emerging threats and building a stronger collective response to cyber risks.
Dr. Boasiako’s remarks also touched on the unique threats faced by executives and leaders in the C-suite, who are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. The rise in these high-stakes attacks, he noted, requires leaders to adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. “Cyberwarfare in the C-suite,” he warned, “is a reality that demands our full attention and preparedness.”
