History of the Licensing and Accreditation System
No government organization had the authority to oversee the regulation of cybersecurity service providers (CSP), cybersecurity establishments (CEs), and cybersecurity professionals (CPs) prior to the promulgation of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) and the creation of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). The industry was also not generally regulated.
To control cybersecurity threats and to safeguard the interests and safety of the general public, children, businesses, and the government, it has become essential that the industry be governed by the CSA. In accordance with the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), CSPs, CEs, and CPs have evolved into crucial elements for reducing cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities inside Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
By their very nature, cybersecurity services are private and intrusive. Access to a client’s critical information assets allows cybersecurity service providers (CSPs), cyber security establishments (CEs), and cyber security professionals (CPs) to learn about any vulnerabilities and sensitive data that might be misused or exploited.
Additionally, it is conceivable for CSPs, CEs, and CPs to lack expertise or to use subpar procedures to the disadvantage of Ghana’s digital ecosystem. Since there is no repository of licensed and authorized CSPs, CEs, or CPs, certain firms or government bodies are also unable to determine the legitimacy or qualification of these professionals.
Regulations in the industry are also being driven by national security concerns to guarantee that only institutions and people who are qualified and in good standing perform these crucial services. To guarantee that CSPs, CEs, and CPs reach a higher level of competency, the government, through the CSA, regulates the industry by providing a licensing system in accordance with Sections 49 to 59 of Act 1038.
