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Cyber Security Authority urges health institutions to protect patient data

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has called on health institutions across Ghana to prioritize the protection of sensitive patient information as the sector continues to transition toward digital systems. Speaking at the launch of a cybersecurity awareness week organized by the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, officials warned that the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure makes healthcare providers prime targets for cybercriminals. The event forms part of the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting robust digital hygiene and resilience. Mrs. Mercy Araba Kertson, representing the Cyber Security Authority, emphasized that the shift to electronic health records and digital management systems requires a corresponding upgrade in security protocols. She noted that sensitive data, if compromised, could lead to severe consequences for both patients and the credibility of the institutions. During the session, Kertson highlighted the critical need for comprehensive staff training to recognize and mitigate common digital tactics used by attackers, such as phishing, which often serves as a primary entry point for broader security breaches. To combat these emerging threats, the CSA recommended the implementation of role-based access controls, ensuring that personnel only have access to information necessary for their specific duties. This measure, combined with strict adherence to cyber hygiene practices, is intended to create a layered defense strategy within the healthcare environment. A panel discussion featuring various CSA officials further explored the importance of building cyber resilience, stressing that institutions must be prepared not only to prevent attacks but also to respond effectively should a breach occur. As healthcare digitisation accelerates under the broader national digital agenda, the CSA remains focused on ensuring that technological progress does not come at the expense of data security. The collaboration between the Authority and major facilities like KATH highlights a growing recognition of the risks inherent in the digital age. Moving forward, the CSA expects health institutions to integrate cybersecurity into their core operational strategies to safeguard the privacy and trust of the Ghanaian public.