Cyber Security Authority Empowers University Leaders to Combat Rising Digital Threats in Tertiary Institutions

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has convened a high-level capacity-building workshop in Accra for the members of Vice-Chancellors’ Ghana (VCG) to address the escalating digital threats targeting the country’s higher education sector. Held in collaboration with the Shadowserver Foundation and the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), the initiative aims to equip tertiary education leaders with the requisite knowledge and strategic foresight to manage cybersecurity risks. As universities increasingly rely on digital infrastructure for academic and administrative functions, the workshop underscores a critical shift toward prioritizing cybersecurity at the highest levels of institutional leadership.

During the sessions, Dr. Jamal Seidu Tozua of the CSA emphasized the urgent need for robust cyber hygiene and proactive risk management strategies. He urged Vice-Chancellors to ensure their institutions collaborate closely with the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-GH) to streamline threat intelligence sharing. A significant focus was placed on the regulatory environment, with Dr. Tozua advising universities to engage only licensed cybersecurity providers to ensure compliance with national standards. He further proposed the establishment of a dedicated Education Sector Computer Response Team to provide a tailored defense mechanism for academic institutions across the country.

The workshop featured practical, hands-on training modules designed to simulate real-world crisis scenarios. A key highlight was a ransomware simulation and tabletop exercise, which allowed participants to navigate the complexities of a coordinated response to a digital extortion attempt. These exercises aimed to improve crisis coordination and decision-making under pressure. Beyond technical defenses, discussions also touched upon the development of a National Cybersecurity Competency Framework, a roadmap intended to standardize skills and knowledge across various sectors, ensuring that Ghanaian professionals are well-prepared for the evolving digital landscape.

Expressing the commitment of the academic community, Prof. Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Chairman of Vice-Chancellors’ Ghana, lauded the CSA for the timely intervention. He noted that the partnership between the authority and educational institutions is vital for creating a secure digital ecosystem that supports research and innovation. Moving forward, the CSA and VCG intend to maintain a continuous dialogue, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness that permeates all levels of tertiary education, ultimately safeguarding the intellectual and digital assets of Ghana’s premier learning institutions.