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Sierra Leone Unveils National Cybersecurity Policy to Safeguard Citizens’ Rights Online
Introduction
Freetown, Sierra Leone - In a move aimed at promoting the well-being of citizens in cyberspace and protecting their rights online, the Government of Sierra Leone has launched its National Cybersecurity Policy. The policy was developed in collaboration with international partners and is designed to create a robust institutional, legal, and regulatory framework for effective governance of cybersecurity in the country.
Key Objectives
The National Cybersecurity Policy aims to:
- Promote public education and awareness on cybersecurity, online child protection, rights, and privacy of citizens
- Develop cyber capabilities to support national security objectives, protect critical digital infrastructure, and respond to incidents
- Strengthen national, regional, and international cooperation
- Create a comprehensive approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges in Sierra Leone
Institutional Frameworks
The policy outlines the creation of institutional frameworks, including:
- National Cybersecurity Advisory Council (NCSC)
- National Cyber Security Centre/Authority
- National Cybersecurity Technical Working Group (NCTWG)
International Partnerships
Sierra Leone has partnered with various international organizations, including:
- International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
- Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
- United Nations (UN), among others
These partnerships will provide technical assistance, capacity building, and funding for implementing the policy.
Budget Allocation
The Government has committed to allocating a budget for implementing the special actions and initiatives outlined in the policy, while seeking grants from donor agencies and international partners.
Contact Information
For more information on the National Cybersecurity Policy, please contact:
- Ministry of Information and Communications Email: mic@sierraleone.gov.sl Phone: +232 31 222 333
- National Cybersecurity Centre/Authority Email: ncsc@sierraleone.gov.sl Phone: +232 31 111 222