Held at the MoCDTI Conference Room, this vital capacity-building program aimed to enhance cybersecurity awareness and strengthen the digital defenses of the Ministry and its affiliated agencies amidst increasing cyber threats and credential leaks.

Day 1 focused on “DNS Cybersecurity Fundamentals” and “Interactive Case Studies / Threat Awareness” for non-technical general staff, including representatives from the Minister’s secretariat. Participants gained crucial insights into the basics of DNS and common cyber threats.

Day 2 shifted to more technical aspects for IT/Admin staff, covering “Implementing Security Measures,” “Responding to Cybersecurity Incidents,” and hands-on exercises. The sessions were highly practical, taking the audience through real-world DNS attacks and demonstrating effective mitigation strategies.

A huge thank you to our expert speakers and facilitators, including Mr. Wisdom Donkor (Executive Director, GDNR) , Mr. Alfred Nortey (Director, General Admin. MoCDTI) , Dr. Samuel Antwi-Gyekye (Director, Digital Technologies, MoCDTI) , Francis Acquah Amaning (GDNR) , and our dynamic facilitators Gervin Appiah and Ryan Michael Mensah. We also appreciate Tomslin Samme-Nlar from ICANN GNSO for providing a global perspective on DNS & Cybersecurity!

This initiative underscores the Ministry’s strategic commitment to securing public data and digital systems. We believe that by enhancing the cybersecurity posture of our government institutions, we are building a more resilient digital Ghana.

The programme will delve into the fascinating world of the Domain Name System (DNS), the foundation of the Internet. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of:

DNS Fundamentals: Demystify the components of DNS, explore the domain hierarchy, and discover the types of information stored within this critical system.

DNS Query & Response: Learn how a DNS query travels and retrieves information, along with the role of zone files in this process.

DNS Security (DNSSEC): Uncover the importance of safeguarding the DNS from cyberattacks and explore how DNSSEC helps ensure a secure online experience.

Hands-On DNS Configuration:
Practical sessions will provide participants with firsthand experience setting up and managing a DNS server.

This program extends far beyond theoretical knowledge. Here’s what students can expect to gain:

Skill Development: Participants will walk away with practical skills to effectively implement, troubleshoot, and manage DNS – a valuable asset for any tech-savvy professional.

Local DNS Awareness: Dive into the advantages and practicalities of utilizing local DNS services, including the .GH domain and hosting options.

Career Readiness: Gain a competitive edge by acquiring relevant, hands-on experience that will prepare you for a future career in the dynamic field of DNS and related technologies.

Academic Enrichment: Bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, enriching your overall educational experience.

Participating Schools

1. BlueCrest University College – Monday, April 29th, 2024
2. University of Professional Studies, Accra – Tuesday April 30th, 2024
3. Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU)- Thursday, May 9th, 2024