Cyber Security Authority extends deadline for licensing of CSPS, CPS, CES

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has extended the deadline for the licensing and accreditation of Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs), and Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs) from the previous date, 30 September 2023, to the new date, 31 December 2023.

The authority announced the extension in a press statement issued on Sunday 29 October 2023. The extension, the CSA says “is to allow Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) who have not commenced the process of obtaining licenses and accreditations to do so in compliance with Act 1038”.

“The extension is also in line with the CSA’s adaptation of a collaborative approach in regulating the industry, and the need to create an enabling and vibrant ecosystem that allows for the development of the industry.

“The purpose of the regime is to ensure regulatory compliance with Act 1038 and to provide a streamlined mechanism for ensuring that Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) offer their services in accordance with approved standards and procedures in line with domestic requirements and international best practice” the CSA statement read.

“All applicants who have registered on the CSA’s licensing and accreditation portal but have not yet submitted complete applications are required to do so within this period of extension” the statement further read.

CSA

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) was established by the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) to regulate cybersecurity activities in the country; to promote the development of cybersecurity in the country and to provide for related matters.

The CSA officially started operations on 1 October 2021, starting as the National Cyber Security Secretariat (NCSS) with the appointment of the National Cybersecurity Advisor in 2017 and later transitioned into the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in 2018 as an agency under the then Ministry of Communications.

Mandate

As a government agency under the Ministry of Communications and
Digitalisation, the CSA has the responsibility to;

Regulate cybersecurity activities in the country, prevent, manage and respond to cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents, regulate owners of critical information infrastructure in respect of cybersecurity activities, cybersecurity service providers and practitioners in the country.

The CSA is expected to promote the development of cybersecurity in the country to ensure a secured and resilient digital ecosystem, establish a platform for cross-sector engagements, on matters of cybersecurity for effective co-ordination and cooperation between key public institutions and the private sector.

The authority also exist to create awareness on cybersecurity matters; and to collaborate with international agencies to promote the cybersecurity of the country.

Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in Accra

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