June 27, 2016 By Memuna Bangura
Deputy Minister of Information and Communication last Thursday informed newsmen that the ministry, in collaboration with International Telecommunications Union (ITU), would be holding a three day conference on cyber security.
Cornelius Deveaux said the conference would showcase the country’s commitment to combat cyber crimes and cyber terrorism, raise awareness of policy makers on priority issues in relation to cyber security and prepare national strategy to mitigate cyber threat and related activities.
He was updating newsmen on government activities at the Ministry of Information and Communication’s weekly press briefing at Youyi building.
He said the conference was scheduled to start this Wednesday, 29 June, and would end on Friday, 1 June, 2016, adding that President Ernest Bai Koroma would officially open the conference and deliver the keynote speech.
The deputy minister explained that the workshop would entail a holistic cyber security assessment in the country and that four experts from ITU would do a general evaluation on the country’s cyber response maturity which would help identify the cyber needs in the country.
He said they would also dialogue with representatives from ministries, departments and agencies that are directly involved in issues relating to cyber security.
He said the ITU regulates the global telecommunication industry and also provides support to member states as part of enhancing telecommunications and putting the necessary policies and regulations in place.
The ITU was established in 1865 as an impartial, international organisation through which governments and the private sector could coordinate the operation of telecommunication networks and services, and advance the development of information and communication technology (ICT).
It sets and publishes regulations and standards relevant to electronic communication and broadcasting technologies of all kinds, including radio, television, satellite, telephone and the Internet .
Another important aspect of the ITU’s mandate is helping emerging countries to establish and develop telecommunication systems of their own. Although the recommendations of the ITU are non-binding, most countries adhere to them in the interest of maintaining an effective international electronic communication environment.