The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Solomon Manteaw, has urged entrepreneurs to prioritise cybersecurity as a core component of business sustainability, particularly in the digital age.

Speaking at a Stanbic-MTN Digital Skills Training session in Accra, Mr. Manteaw addressed participants on the topic “Cybersecurity for Business Sustainability”, where he emphasised that cybersecurity is no longer a niche IT issue but a critical business survival strategy.

“Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT problem, it is a critical survival strategy for every business operating in the digital space.” “Many SMEs only act after a breach has occurred. But by then, the damage has already been done, often at the cost of your business’s credibility and growth.”

Mr. Manteaw further explained that for businesses in the 21st century, data protection and digital trust are now fundamental expectations from customers. “When a customer engages with your business, part of your service offering is the assurance that their data and assets will be protected. Today, security is no longer a bonus; it is a minimum service expectation,” he explained.

He further stressed that entrepreneurs must see cybersecurity as a business risk, not just a technical one. According to him, the tendency to delegate cyber risk entirely to IT departments has created a dangerous gap in business risk management. 

“Cyber risk is a business risk. If not addressed properly, it could undermine your entire operation. Entrepreneurs must integrate cyber risk into their overall business strategy, just like financial risk, operational risk or market risk. Thinking of cybersecurity as just a ‘tech problem’ is no longer acceptable. It must be recognized at the top level of your business and given the attention it deserves.”'

He warned that with the increasing digitisation of services, startups and SMEs are more vulnerable than ever to cyber threats, which, if left unmanaged, could result in total business collapse. “If a breach occurs and customer data is compromised, your brand suffers, your customers lose trust. And trust is not easily regained. That’s why every business that wants to scale and remain resilient must factor cybersecurity into its core operations,” he added.

During a panel discussion on “Tech-Driven Business Expansion,” Edem Ahlonko Akoussanh, Manager of Application and Tech Architecture at Stanbic Bank, stressed the importance of compliance with national data protection laws and digital regulations.

He also urged participants to vet third-party technology service providers before integrating them into their business systems.

“As digital entrepreneurs, you are custodians of your customers’ data. You must ensure that both your business and your partners are operating within the legal framework of Ghana. Data breaches not only attract regulatory penalties but also erode public trust. Compliance is your first step toward earning customer loyalty,” he advised.

Head of Learning at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Akorfa Takli, in the closing remarks, encouraged the young entrepreneurs to not only absorb the insights shared during the session but to actively apply them in their entrepreneurial journeys.

“Today has been about more than just learning — it’s about transformation. We’ve shared tools, strategies, and experiences that can fundamentally change the way you approach your business. My charge to each of you is simple: Don’t let this knowledge end here. Go back, reflect, implement, and let your businesses reflect the growth we’ve started here today.”

She further emphasised the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration in sustaining a business in the current digital-driven economy. “The business landscape is constantly evolving, and as entrepreneurs, your ability to grow with it will define your success. Let this session be the beginning of a journey where you embrace innovation, seek out new knowledge, and build businesses that are resilient, impactful, and future-ready.”.

The Stanbic-MTN Digital Skills Training brought together over 80 young entrepreneurs for a day of practical learning and thought leadership in digital transformation, business monetization, and cybersecurity. The initiative forms part of Stanbic Youth Banking and MTN Ghana’s broader agenda to build a digitally empowered entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ghana.