Ghana Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a Tier 1 cybersecurity licence to Virtual InfoSec Africa (VIA) after the indigenous information and cybersecurity solutions provider passed all rigorous requirements.

The company received the licence on July 10, 2024, in Accra, marking a significant milestone in its journey and commitment to enhancing and safeguarding Ghana's digital landscape.

The licence validates VIA’s commitment to providing top-notch information security services. It also mandates the company to offer cybersecurity solutions to all thirteen (13) critical information infrastructure owners nationwide.

VIA, which built Ghana’s first intelligence center against cyber threats for the Bank of Ghana, was one of fifty-one (51) cybersecurity providers (CSPs), cybersecurity establishments (CEs), and cybersecurity professionals (CPs) to receive their licenses and accreditations from the industry regulator.

BoG’s Financial industry Command Security Operations Center (FICSOC) launched in May last year, is Africa’s first and was built by VIA which has been in operation for seventeen (17) years.

Motivation to excel more

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VIA, Mr Emmanuel Asiedu-Sekyere, told the media after the event that the CSA’s recognition of the company as a Tier 1 CSP places Virtual InfoSec at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation in Ghana and across the globe.

“This is a huge motivation to us at VIA to excel and innovate many more pioneering services in this budding and revolutionized industry,” Mr Asiedu-Sekyere said.

He assured customers and the general public that VIA would continue innovating and providing the best solutions to protect their businesses against cyber attacks.

He also expressed gratitude to the company’s board and staff, partners, and clients who, he said have supported it throughout the journey.

He assured all that the company remained committed to delivering excellence in cybersecurity services and ensuring a secure digital future for Ghana.

Groundbreaking feat

The CEO also commended the CSA for its foresight, noting that its licensing and accreditation initiative represented a groundbreaking achievement for Ghana.

Mr Asiedu-Sekyere said it made Ghana the first country in Africa and the second globally after Singapore to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework for cybersecurity providers, establishments, and professionals.

“This milestone underscores Ghana’s unwavering commitment to digital security and resilience,” he said.

Regulator’s warning

At the event, the Director-General of the CSA, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, emphasized the importance of compliance with the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), and warned unlicensed entities of severe penalties for non-compliance.

Dr Antwi-Boasiako highlighted the collaborative efforts that went into refining the regulatory guidelines, involving extensive stakeholder engagements with industry players, academia, civil society organizations, and government institutions.

He also advised licensed institutions and professionals to support the industry's growth through innovative solutions and services to businesses.

About VIA

Virtual InfoSec Africa has built a strong reputation as one of the leading designers, developers, and providers of innovative information security services.

Its collaboration with other information security and networking solutions partners worldwide has positioned it as a trusted partner in safeguarding the digital infrastructure of numerous organizations.