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Gambia National Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2024

Establishing National Risk Assessment: A Key Element of a Strong Cyber Security Framework

In pursuit of ensuring the protection of critical information infrastructure (CIIs) in The Gambia, the Government has devised a comprehensive strategy to identify and manage risks associated with cyber threats. This strategy is a crucial component of the country’s overall cyber security framework.

Building Cyber Security Capabilities: A Multi-Faceted Approach

The strategy involves two key dimensions: building cyber security capabilities and establishing measures to prevent attacks. The former dimension encompasses seven major programs aimed at:

  • Strengthening the country’s ability to respond to cyber threats
  • Enhancing law enforcement capabilities
  • Ensuring crisis management

These programs include:

  • Preventive measures
  • Protective measures
  • Response measures
  • Enhancement of law enforcement capability
  • Government cybersecurity enhancement
  • Crisis management
  • Remediation

Strengthening Cyber Intelligence Collection

The Government has launched a program aimed at strengthening cyber intelligence collection, which involves:

  • Establishing a cyber special operations unit
  • Production of monthly national intelligence estimates targeting strategic and operational intelligence on cybercrimes
  • Development of a cyber-criminal database
  • Implementation of sectoral cyber-intelligence training programs

Protecting Critical Information Infrastructure

The Government has also developed a program aimed at protecting CIIs, which involves:

  • Identification and management of critical information infrastructure
  • Establishment of a national CII register
  • Development of a national CII governance framework
  • Promotion of regional and international cooperation in the protection of CIIs

Impact Analysis

In addition to these programs, the Government has also established an impact analysis program aimed at periodically assessing the implications of any attacks against information systems and critical infrastructures on the operations of government and the economy.

Conclusion

The Gambia’s National Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2024 is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the protection of CIIs and prevent cyber threats. The strategy involves a multi-faceted approach that encompasses preventive, protective, response, enhancement of law enforcement capability, government cybersecurity enhancement, crisis management, and remediation programs.

Recommendations

The Government is encouraged to:

  • Strengthen its cyber intelligence capabilities through the establishment of a robust cyber-intelligence framework
  • Enhance regional and international cooperation in the protection of CIIs
  • Establish a comprehensive national CII register and governance framework
  • Implement mandatory equipment specifications, guidelines, regulations, security requirements, and procedures relating to the management of risks by CIIs

By implementing these recommendations, The Gambia can further strengthen its cyber security posture and ensure the continued safety and reliability of its critical information infrastructure.