President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on the Legislature to accelerate the passage of what he considers a vital bill aimed at combatting cybercrime and strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity framework.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day Cybersecurity Conference organized by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) in Monrovia, President Boakai highlighted the bill’s significance as a national security imperative.
“The importance and urgency of this legislation for our national security cannot be overstated. I urge the Legislature to expedite its passage,” the Liberian leader asserted while addressing the opening of the conference.
He expressed confidence that, once enacted, the legislation would establish a legal foundation to combat cyber-criminal activities and restore trust among individuals and institutions affected by cyber attacks.
The conference, themed “Secure Our World,” comes amid rising global cyber threats targeting businesses, financial institutions, and political processes.
President Boakai noted that cybersecurity breaches have surged over 70% in the last two decades, resulting in over $2 billion in losses for businesses in 2023 alone due to email-based attacks.
Emphasizing the role of youth in shaping Liberia’s digital future, he reaffirmed his commitment to empowering young people through the Digital Transformation Program, which aims to train 10,000 Liberians in computer skills.
“Our youth are capable and can quickly adapt,” he said, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity training for safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure.
President Boakai also stressed the necessity for institutions to prioritize cybersecurity in their risk mitigation strategies.
He called on the LTA, as the regulatory authority, to implement strong frameworks to tackle cybersecurity challenges effectively.
The conference, attended by key figures in the telecommunications sector, aims to develop actionable strategies to protect Liberia’s cyberspace from evolving threats.
President Boakai however pledged to foster sustainable partnerships with both African and global counterparts to enhance Liberia’s cybersecurity defenses.
