Accra: Mr Roey Gilad, the Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, emphasized the necessity for broader collaboration between governments and institutions to develop innovative solutions to combat cyber-attacks. He highlighted the increasing global cyber threats and urged for collaborative strategies involving both private and public institutions, as well as cross-border partnerships, to manage the growing menace.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gilad expressed these views while inaugurating the 2025 Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) Summit in Accra. The event brought together Chief Information Security Officers, Information Technology leaders, regulators, and global cybersecurity solution providers to address emerging challenges in the sector and propose solutions to build resilience. He noted that Israeli companies have significantly invested in the cyber security sector and are eager to partner with Ghana to establish robust technological systems. Highlighting the importance of public awareness as a primary defense line, he stated, "Israel cannot do it alone."
Israel's cyber security sector has seen substantial growth, with investments reaching $3.8 billion in 2024, accounting for 36 percent of all investments in the high-tech industry. The Ambassador invited participants to the 2025 Cyber Week in Israel, scheduled for June, to explore further opportunities.
In 2023, Ghana experienced direct financial losses amounting to GHS49.5 million due to cyber fraud activities from January to June. This figure, provided by the Cyber Security Authority, represents only a portion of cases reported to state agencies, with unreported cases potentially leading to greater financial losses. In response, Ghana initiated the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy in 2024 to tackle the rising threats from the country's rapid digital transformation.
Addressing the summit, Mr Divine Selase Agbeti, the Acting Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, emphasized that decisions on cyber security should be influenced by business risk and technology trends. He urged organizations to integrate cyber security into their corporate strategy to foster a cyber security culture, noting that "Technology alone cannot secure organizations. People are often the weakest link. CISOs must work closely with HR and leadership to cultivate a successful and secure community."
