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In a proactive move to safeguard its expanding data
infrastructure, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is set to roll
out a nationwide Cybersecurity Awareness Training program for all staff
beginning May 2025.
The initiative is a collaboration between the NHIA’s
Management Information Systems (MIS) Directorate and XYLO360 Cyber Security
Ghana Ltd.
The announcement was made during a strategic meeting held at
the NHIA Head Office on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
The session brought together
the Deputy Chief Executive for Operations, Dr. Senanu Djokoto, stakeholders
from the MIS Directorate, and representatives from XYLO360.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Mr. Ebenezer
Hooper, Senior Manager for Security and Standards at NHIA, noted the increasing
vulnerability that accompanies the Authority’s rapidly growing data. “As our
data continues to grow, there is a critical need to undergo this training,” he
stated.
Mr. Hooper emphasized the importance of equipping staff with
the knowledge to prevent breaches, citing human error and lack of awareness as
key threats to cybersecurity.
Echoing his sentiments, Mr. Nathaniel Ayettey, Lead Trainer
from XYLO360 Cyber Security Ghana Ltd., stressed the need for basic cyber
hygiene among employees. “We want every staff member across the country to
understand what cybersecurity means,” he said. The training will combine theory
with practical exercises, covering topics such as phishing, password
protection, secure browsing, social engineering, and identifying and responding
to cyber threats.
Mr. Vitus Kaleoh-Bio, Acting Director for MIS, confirmed
that participation in the training is mandatory for all NHIA staff nationwide.
He also recommended integrating the core lessons and best practices into the
Authority’s code of conduct. “Embedding cybersecurity protocols in our
operational culture will help sustain the behavior we want to instill,” he
said.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Senanu Djokoto underscored the
critical role of staff in defending the Authority’s digital ecosystem. “The
first line of defense we must strengthen is our workforce,” he noted.
“Institutionalizing this training through formal policy is key to ensuring
long-term resilience.”
The Cybersecurity Awareness Training is expected to
significantly boost the NHIA’s capability to protect its digital assets while
contributing to the broader national effort to strengthen cybersecurity across
public sector institutions.
Source: Shaniece Palm
Photo Credit: Isaac Hagan & Samuel Larbi
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