Sierra Leone Unveils Ambitious National Cybersecurity Policy 2021
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Freetown, Sierra Leone - The Government of Sierra Leone has launched its National Cybersecurity Policy 2021, aimed at promoting the well-being of citizens in cyberspace and ensuring the country’s digital infrastructure is secure.
Background
The policy was developed through a multistakeholder approach involving government ministries, private sector organizations, and international partners. It aims to create a robust cybersecurity framework that will enable the country to effectively address cyber threats and protect its critical digital infrastructure.
Objectives
According to the policy document, the main objectives of the National Cybersecurity Strategy are:
- Create institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks for effective governance
- Promote public education and awareness, online child protection, rights, and privacy of citizens
- Develop cyber capabilities to support national security objectives
- Strengthen national, regional, and international cooperation
Key Institutions
To achieve these objectives, the policy establishes a number of key institutions:
- National Cybersecurity Advisory Council (NCSC): provides strategic leadership and oversight on implementing and developing national cybersecurity initiatives.
- National Cybersecurity Technical Working Group (NCTWG): takes operational decisions on implementing cybersecurity interventions.
- National Cyber Security Centre/Authority: responsible for coordinating all cybersecurity activities in Sierra Leone.
Budget and Grants
The policy outlines plans to allocate a budget for short-term interventions and seek grants from donor agencies and international partners to implement special actions and initiatives.
International Cooperation
The policy emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing cyber threats and promoting cybersecurity. Sierra Leone will actively participate and contribute to international cooperation efforts towards addressing cybercrime and cybersecurity challenges.
Implementation
The policy will be operationalized under the Ministry of Information and Communications’ oversight by developing strategies, guidelines, and action plans through a multistakeholder approach to address the challenges to Sierra Leone’s cyberspace.
Conclusion
The launch of the National Cybersecurity Policy 2021 is a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to ensure the country’s digital infrastructure is secure and protected. The policy will play a crucial role in promoting public education and awareness, online child protection, rights, and privacy of citizens, while also strengthening national, regional, and international cooperation.
Key Highlights
- Creation of institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks for effective governance
- Promotion of public education and awareness, online child protection, rights, and privacy of citizens
- Development of cyber capabilities to support national security objectives
- Strengthening national, regional, and international cooperation
- Establishment of key institutions such as the National Cybersecurity Advisory Council (NCSC), National Cybersecurity Technical Working Group (NCTWG), and National Cyber Security Centre/Authority