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10.11.2010 Technology

Microsoft hosts Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Convention

10.11.2010 LISTEN
By INFOCUSPRLtd

Accra, Ghana – Technology leader, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, in partnership with Mintz Limited and the Global Platform Foundation recently hosted the Internet Safety, Security and Privacy (ISSP) Convention in Accra, Ghana. With the theme “Opportunities, Challenges and Implications for Communication, Governance and Economy”, the focus of the convention was to promote broader government and stakeholder support, especially in the private sector, into developing alternative solutions for the fight against cybercrime in Ghana.

The Convention which brought together IT industry experts from the organised private sector was held at the Miklin Hotel and featured presentations by Serge Phillips, CEO Sylversys Consulting and Francois Bonin, Chief Technology Officer of BSL on the menace of cybercrime. There were also interactive sessions to discuss preventive measures against cybercrime. Examples of cybercrime offences include fraudulent electronic transactions spamming, virus attacks and identity theft.

“As the world fast becomes a global village through technology advancement, we need to make the Internet safe in order for communication to thrive. Microsoft, working with our Partners in Ghana will continue to support Government efforts against cybercrime” said Jummai Umar-Ajijola, Citizenship Lead for Microsoft Anglophone West Africa.

The convention is seen as a positive move for ICT development. In a recent Cyber Engagement Report, a study prepared by Mintz Company Ltd and the Global Platform Foundation, it was revealed that the majority of Ghanaians access the internet at Cyber Cafes. Having this knowledge, most Cyber café operators have measures in place to curb cybercrime on their premises.

The need for a broader framework against cybercrime was evident at the convention as participants made suggestions and discussed solutions on how to tackle the menace of cybercrime.

“Although there are measures in place to fight cybercrime, a lot more can be done”, said Nana Ameyaw Mintah, CEO Mintz Company Limited. “This convention is about educating and informing consumers and the Government that we can do more to fight cybercrime”. The Internet Safety Security and Privacy Convention was also supported by Waves International, Busy Internet, Y FM, the Asusua Foundation, and AISEC.

Ghanaian youth are also making contributions to the fight against cybercrime. In June 2008, the Ministry of Education and Communication in partnership with Microsoft and Focus on Ghana (FOG), a local non-profit organisation, implemented the MISFOG project which focuses on helping Ghanaian youth cope with the challenges of cybercrime.

Microsoft is sponsoring the West Africa Cybercrime Summit being hosted in Abuja, Nigeria from 30th November to 2nd December 2010.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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