A book that seeks to provide a blueprint for countries looking to develop and enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure has been launched in Accra. 

Titled, “The Ten Commandments for Sustaining National Cybersecurity Development: Africa in Context, Practical Lessons and Good Practices,” the book was authored by the Director-General of the National Cyber Security Authority, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako.

The 11-chapter book, which highlights the importance of leadership, vision and commitment at all levels ranging from government, private sector and civil society, was written from the perspectives of the man whose leadership role helped to develop the country’s cybersecurity landscape from its formative years into a tier 1 status on the International Telecommunications

Union Global Cybersecurity index with a score of 99.27 per cent.

Other thematic areas featured in the book include awareness creation, capacity-building and sustainable funding for cyber security, among others. 

Author

Dr Antwi-Boasiako explained that the book is the outcome of his experiences working as a trainer on the continent and engaging with various stakeholders in the sector. 

“The book is basically a representation of the various interactions, and experience that I have gathered around the continent; in the private sector, government sector, as well as international partners that I have engaged with,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey in the field of cybersecurity, Dr Antwi-Boasiako recounted his early experiences establishing the E-Crime Bureau and how his forensic laboratory became a vital resource for both state and private sector institutions in the region, adding that the decision to write the book was birthed about 15 years ago in the industry.

The Ten Commandments, he said, served as a guide for nations looking to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure.

Dr Antwi-Boasiako called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to develop robust cybersecurity policies and practices, stressing that a comprehensive approach was critical to safeguarding national interests in the digital age.

Timely

The Chief Director of the Ministry of National Security, Sena Siaw-Boateng, described Dr Antwi-Boasiako’s book as a practical masterpiece. She recommended the book to policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders to help prioritise and sustain e?orts in securing the country’s digital spaces.

She said that the release of the book was timely. “This book could not have come at a better time. As we navigate an era defined by digital transformation, the security of our cyberspace has become not just a national priority but a developmental imperative”, she said.

For his part, the Commissioner-General, Ghana Boundary Commission, Maj. Gen. Dr Emmanuel Wekem Kotia, who received the book, said the revelations in the book were generally relevant to provide insight for countries developing cyber security strategies in the African context.

“The book can serve as a manual and a call to action for government to prioritise cyber security as a fundamental component of national security and sustainable development as the digital revolution continues to redefine society,” he said.