The Book of Tributes for the late BENJAMIN RICHARD AGBO-KLU

Kindly view or download the the Book of Tributes for the late BENJAMIN RICHARD AGBO-KLU onto your smartphones or tablets.

You may leave your condolence message for the late Benjamin Richard Agbo-Klu in the comment section below.

May His Soul Rest In Perfect Peace!

Africa's Fragile Web: Internet Disruptions and The Quest for Digital Resilience in Ghana

 

The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers that communicate with each other using standard protocols. It enables the exchange of data and information across vast distances, allowing users to access a wide array of resources, services, and applications. The Internet facilitates various activities such as communication, information retrieval, e-commerce, entertainment, and collaboration. Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist, is credited with the invention of the World Wide Web in 1989, which greatly popularized the use of the Internet.

Africa's Internet landscape is rising with increased mobile penetration and growing tech hubs, and the continent is poised for a digital revolution. However, this progress is constantly threatened by a critical vulnerability – its reliance on undersea cables. Recent Internet disruptions in Ghana, caused by damage to undersea cables, highlight the urgent need for a more robust and resilient digital infrastructure in Africa.

Ghana's Undersea Cable Conundrum

Ghana, a West African nation with a burgeoning digital economy, has been particularly affected by Internet disruptions caused by undersea cable damage. The country relies heavily on undersea cables for its Internet connectivity, with several major cables landing on its shores, including the West Africa Cable System (WACS) and the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable systems. However, despite investments in improving Internet infrastructure, Ghana continues to grapple with frequent disruptions, much to the frustration of businesses, educational institutions, and individual users.

In recent years, Ghana has experienced several high-profile Internet outages due to undersea cable damage. These disruptions have had far-reaching consequences, impacted various sectors of the economy, and disrupted essential services. For example, in 2020, a cable cut off the coast of Benin caused widespread Internet outages in Ghana, highlighting the vulnerability of the country's Internet infrastructure to external factors.

Factors Contributing to Africa's Vulnerability to Undersea Cable Disruptions

There are several factors contributing to Africa's vulnerability to undersea cable disruptions. Some of these factors include the following:

• Limited Infrastructure: Africa has a comparatively lower number of undersea cable landing points compared to other continents. This means that damage to a single cable can have a cascading effect, disrupting Internet access across vast regions.
• Geographic Dependence: Many African countries rely heavily on a small number of cable routes. This lack of geographic diversity makes them susceptible to disruptions in specific regions.
• Maintenance Challenges: Maintaining and repairing undersea cables is a complex and expensive undertaking. African nations, often with limited resources, may face challenges in ensuring timely repairs.

Undersea Cable Success Stories in Developing Regions

The following are some success stories on the use of undersea cables across some regions.

• East Africa Submarine System (EASSy): This 10,000 km cable system which has been operational since 2010, connects Eastern African countries (including South Africa) to the global network. EASSy's high capacity significantly boosted Internet bandwidth in the region, fostering economic growth through improved communication and e-commerce opportunities. (TeleGeography, 2024)
• BRICS Cable: Launched in 2018, this ambitious project provides a high-speed data connection between Brazil, South Africa, India, and China. The BRICS Cable demonstrates the potential for collaboration between developing nations to build a robust digital infrastructure that bypasses traditional routes, fostering greater economic independence and data security. (S. Lee, 2016)

While the recent outage in Ghana serves as a stark reminder of Africa's digital fragility, it also presents an opportunity to build a more resilient future. The below image shows the overview mapping of the submarine cable (TeleGeography, 2024)

Source: (TeleGeography) Submarine Cables Map on 2Africa, Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), Glo-1, MainOne, SAT-3/WASC, West Africa Cable System (WACS

Recommendations

To address the challenges posed by Internet disruptions related to undersea cables, stakeholders in Ghana and across Africa can take several proactive measures:

• Diversification of Internet Infrastructure: Ghana should explore diversifying its Internet infrastructure by investing in alternative technologies, such as satellite Internet and terrestrial fiber-optic networks. By diversifying its connectivity options, Ghana can reduce its dependence on undersea cables and improve resilience against disruptions.
• Investment in Cable Maintenance and Repair: To prevent and mitigate cable faults, Ghana should work closely with international partners and submarine cable operators to invest in regular maintenance and repair activities. This includes implementing proactive monitoring systems and establishing rapid response mechanisms to address cable cuts promptly.
• Capacity-Building and Technical Expertise: Ghana should prioritize capacity-building initiatives to enhance local technical expertise in managing and maintaining undersea cable infrastructure. By training local personnel in cable installation, maintenance, and repair techniques, Ghana can build a skilled workforce capable of managing its Internet infrastructure effectively.
• Collaboration with Regional Partners: Collaboration with neighboring countries and regional organizations can enhance Ghana's ability to address Internet disruptions collectively. By sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, African countries can strengthen their resilience to cable-related disruptions and promote regional connectivity initiatives.
• Promotion of Redundant Connectivity: Ghana should encourage the development of redundant connectivity routes and backup systems to ensure the continuity of Internet services during cable outages. This may involve establishing alternative routes for Internet traffic and investing in backup satellite links to maintain connectivity in emergencies.

Conclusion

Internet disruptions caused by undersea cable damage pose significant challenges to Africa's digital transformation and economic development. The recent Internet disruptions in Ghana serve as a wake-up call for Africa. Building a more resilient digital infrastructure is not just about ensuring uninterrupted Internet access; it is about unlocking the continent's full economic potential and empowering its citizens in the digital age. 

By working together, governments, the private sector, and international organizations can implement the recommendations outlined above while fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Ghana and other African countries can navigate the waves of Internet disruptions more effectively, ensuring that all citizens have access to reliable and uninterrupted Internet connectivity in the digital age.

Author: Abraham Selby is a Digital Analyst by trade, and a member of esteemed organizations such as the Internet Society (Ghana Chapter), ICANN, UN IGF, EGIGFA, COP workers Guild, PAYAIG and the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH).

For comments, contact email: aselby@itdrcops.net or selby.abraham@live.com

Source: IIPGH.org

The Book of Tributes for the late Mr. Timothy Kwaning Akwasi Awuah

Kindly view or download the the Book of Tributes for the late TIMOTHY KWANING AKWASI AWUAH onto your smartphones or tablets.

You may leave your condolence message for the late Timothy Kwaning Akwasi Awuah in the comment section below.

May His Soul Rest In Perfect Peace!

e-Brochure: Burial, Memorial and Thanksgiving Service for the late Mr. Wendelinus Mensah Dorleku

Kindly view or download the funeral e-Brochure for the late WENDELINUS MENSAH DORLEKU onto your smartphones or tablets.

Leave your condolence message for the late Mr. Wendelinus Mensah Dorlrku in the comment section.

May His Soul rest In Perfect Peace!

The Growing Importance of Data Protection

 

In an era characterized by the pervasive digitization of information, the growing importance of data protection cannot be overstated. As businesses, governments, and individuals continue to rely heavily on digital platforms to store, process, and transmit sensitive information, safeguarding this data has become paramount.

Data protection laws are designed to regulate the collection, storage, use, and sharing of personal data. Personal data includes any information that can be used to identify an individual, such as name, address, phone number, email address, bank account number, or social security number. These laws are meant to protect individual privacy rights by providing individuals with more control over their personal information.

In this article, I delve into the reasons behind the escalating significance of data protection, examining the challenges, regulatory landscape, and best practices shaping the way we secure our digital assets. 

1. The Digital Transformation Wave

The digital transformation wave has ushered in an era where data serves as the lifeblood of organizations. From customer preferences and financial transactions to proprietary business processes, a wealth of valuable information is now stored electronically. This digital revolution, while offering unprecedented efficiency and accessibility, also exposes this treasure trove of data to a myriad of risks.

2. Escalating Threat Landscape

The threat landscape facing organizations has evolved significantly. Cyber threats, ranging from sophisticated hacking attempts to ransomware attacks, are constantly risky to data integrity and confidentiality. The increasing frequency and sophistication of these attacks underscore the need for robust defences.

As technology advances, so too do the capabilities of cybercriminals. Sophisticated cyber-attacks, such as advanced persistent threats (APTs) and ransomware attacks, are becoming increasingly prevalent. These attacks often involve highly organized and well-funded groups that employ advanced techniques to infiltrate systems, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt operations. The high level of sophistication makes these attacks difficult to detect and mitigate.

3. Regulatory Responses and Compliance Imperatives

Data privacy is a growing concern across the globe. This coincides with the increased adoption of digital technologies, which generate large amounts of identifiable data. In response, regulatory bodies step in to govern data privacy, such as GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, DPA in the UK, and the Data Protection Act 2012 of Ghana among others.

Governments and regulatory bodies around the world are responding to the escalating concerns regarding data protection. They have set stringent standards for the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. Non-compliance with these regulations not only exposes organizations to legal ramifications but also tarnishes their reputation. 

4. The Cost of Data Breaches

Data breaches have far-reaching consequences. Beyond the immediate financial losses associated with rectifying the breach, organizations face reputational damage and erosion of customer trust. The Ponemon Institute's annual "Cost of a Data Breach" report consistently highlights the exorbitant costs associated with data breaches, reinforcing the economic imperative of robust data protection measures.

Data protection for businesses is especially important because data breaches and losses can end up costing a not only significant amount of money but also a loss of reputation leading to a complete shutdown.

5. Privacy as a Fundamental Right

The recognition of privacy as a fundamental right adds a moral and ethical dimension to the importance of data protection. Individuals are increasingly aware of the value of their personal information and demand transparency and control over how it is handled. Organizations that respect and protect the privacy of their users are more likely to build trust and foster long-term relationships.

6. Best Practices for Data Protection

Implementing effective data protection measures involves a multi-faceted approach. Encryption technologies, access controls, regular security audits, and employee training are critical components of a robust data protection strategy. Privacy by Design principles, where data protection is integrated into the development of products and services from the outset, is gaining prominence as a proactive approach.

7. The Future Landscape

As technology continues to advance, so too will the challenges and considerations surrounding data protection. Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other emerging technologies bring both opportunities and risks. Anticipating and addressing these challenges will be crucial in ensuring that data remains secure, and the benefits of technological advancement are maximized.

As the amount of data stored and created increases, so does the importance of data protection. Data breaches and cyberattacks can cause devastating damage. Organizations need to proactively protect their data and regularly update their protective measures. 

Conclusion

Strengthening Defences in a Dynamic Landscape

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, organizations must adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to data protection. This involves investing in advanced cybersecurity measures, staying informed about emerging threats, fostering a culture of security awareness, and collaborating with the wider cybersecurity community. By recognizing the escalating nature of cyber threats, stakeholders can work together to fortify their defences and protect against the ever-changing tactics of those seeking unauthorized access to sensitive information. In an age where data is a valuable asset, safeguarding it demands constant vigilance and a commitment to staying one step ahead of the evolving threat landscape.

Safeguarding the Digital Future.

The growing importance of data protection is an undeniable reality in our increasingly interconnected world. It is not merely a legal or regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of responsible and ethical business conduct. As organizations and individuals navigate the digital landscape, investing in robust data protection measures is not just a prudent choice; it is an imperative for safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the information that underpins our digital future.

Data protection laws are becoming increasingly important as individuals grow more concerned about their digital privacy. Businesses must comply with these laws by implementing technical and organizational measures to protect personal information. As more countries enact data protection laws, businesses that operate globally will need to ensure they are complying with each country’s regulations and given that all of these laws require that you take measures to protect data - now is the time to get serious about putting in place the appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the data the organization process.

Author: Emmanuel K. Gadasu

(CEH, CDPS, CIPM, BSc IT, MSc IT and Law*, LLB*)

(Data Protection Officer, IIPGH and Data Privacy Consultant and Practitioner, Information Governance Solutions)

For comments, contact ekgadasu@gmail.com  or Mobile: +233243913077

Source: iipgh.org