Freetown, 16th August 2024 – In a strategic move to bolster cybersecurity across government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), the National Cybersecurity Coordination Agency (NC3) conducted a one-day training session for staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. The training, held at the ministry’s conference room in the Youyi Building, was designed to enhance the cybersecurity awareness and capabilities of the ministry’s personnel.
The primary goal of the training was to arm staff with critical knowledge about cybersecurity threats, the associated risks, and potential career opportunities within the cybersecurity field. The session also focused on enabling staff to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities that could compromise government operations and sensitive information.
In his opening address, NC3 Director Victor Sesay emphasized the dual role of ministry staff in fulfilling their regular duties and protecting sensitive data within their departments. He urged the ministry to prioritize cybersecurity within their systems and budget plans, stressing, “Cybercrime can happen anywhere and at any time.” Sesay highlighted the necessity of implementing robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical government information.
Gemma Pyne Bailey, NC3’s Outreach and Training Officer, provided hands-on guidance on the significance of cybersecurity and the safe use of cyberspace. She discussed several factors that can lead to cyberattacks and data breaches and offered strategies to mitigate these risks. Bailey underscored the importance of strong data protection practices, including the use of robust passwords and continuous system monitoring. She also encouraged the ministry to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Madam Elizabeth Ellie, recognized the importance of the training and its relevance to the ministry’s objectives. She urged staff members to adopt the necessary precautions to protect their personal data and the ministry’s information assets from cyber threats. Madam Ellie described the training as timely and essential for ensuring the ministry’s effectiveness in public service delivery.
The cybersecurity training, organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Agency (NC3), represents a critical step in enhancing the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources’ ability to protect sensitive data and defend against cyber threats. The session equipped staff with the knowledge and tools needed to implement proactive cybersecurity measures, ensuring the security of the ministry’s information and the continuity of its public service mission.
CREDIT: SLENA
