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GAMBIA NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 2020-2024

Establishing National Risk Assessment Dimension: Identifying and Managing Risks to Critical Information Infrastructure of The Gambia

The Government of The Gambia has recognized the importance of protecting its critical information infrastructure (CIIs) from cyber threats. To achieve this, a comprehensive national cyber security strategy is being implemented, focusing on two main dimensions: Building Cyber Security Capabilities and Enhancing National Response.

Dimension 1: Establishing National Risk Assessment

This dimension aims to identify and manage risks to CIIs by developing a robust risk assessment framework. The goal is to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the threats and vulnerabilities affecting their systems and take proactive measures to mitigate them.

Strategy 1: Controlling Risk

Under this strategy, seven major programs have been formulated to address the aspects of mitigating or reducing vulnerabilities, likelihood of threat occurrence, and potential losses or damages. These programs include:

  • Preventive Program
  • Protective Program
  • Response Program
  • Enhancement of Law Enforcement Capability Program
  • Government Cybersecurity Enhancement Program
  • Crisis Management Program
  • Remediation Program

Program 2: Preventive Capability Program

This program aims to strengthen cyber intelligence collection by:

  • Establishing a Cyber Special Operations Unit
  • Producing monthly National Intelligence Estimates (NIE) targeting strategic and operational intelligence on cybercrimes
  • Developing and managing a cyber-criminal database
  • Implementing sectoral cyber-intelligence training programs for the Ministry of Defense and SIS

Program 3: Protective Capability Program

This program focuses on protecting CIIs by:

  • Identifying, understanding vulnerabilities, and establishing measures to address current and future cyber threats
  • Driving improvements in CII protection procedures and processes

Conclusion

The Gambia’s national cyber security strategy aims to identify and manage risks to CIIs by developing a robust risk assessment framework. The implementation of this strategy will ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the threats and vulnerabilities affecting their systems and take proactive measures to mitigate them, ultimately protecting the country’s critical information infrastructure.

Recommendations

  • Implement the Preventive Capability Program to strengthen cyber intelligence collection.
  • Develop and implement a robust risk assessment framework to identify and manage risks to CIIs.
  • Enhance regional and international cooperation in the protection of CIIs.
  • Establish mandatory equipment specifications, guidelines, regulations, security requirements, procedures, and regular vulnerability monitoring and disclosure for CII.

By implementing these recommendations, The Gambia can ensure a robust national cyber security strategy that protects its critical information infrastructure from cyber threats.