Solomon Soka, the Director General of the Information Network Security Administration of Ethiopia (INSA), said that Sharing knowledge and skills among generations led countries to use optimum cyberspace opportunities and bring about the desired change.
Mr. Solomon Soka, who is participating in the GITEX Africa Fair, which is going on in Marrakesh, Morocco, raised the need for continuous capacity building to fill the knowledge and skills gaps between generations.
In the panel discussion entitled “Cyber security capacity building for professional excellence and economic development,” the director-general pointed out that high priority should be given to human development to address the scarcity of skilled power in cyberspace.
Mr. Solomon explained that the process of human development had three generations in INSA. He added that although the first generation was not professionally skilled in the cyber sector, using their competent leadership capacity and understanding the national needs in the field gave clear direction to the second generation to fill the gaps.
INSA has invested heavily in the second generation to build their technical capacity through various training and practical participation in national projects to enhance the knowledge gained from school. They contributed a lot to stepping up the institution’s capability.
According to Mr. Solomon Soka, today’s capacity does not guarantee tomorrow. In this respect, the third generation consists of talented teenagers in cyberspace. INSA provides the Cyber Security Talent Development Center, where they get guidance and a convenient environment for their creative work with their regular class. Many students join the talent center based on their interests, and the results are encouraging.
Finally, the Director General urges that cyber-attacks are one of the world’s threats for their dynamic and unpredictable nature. States should work cooperatively to prevent cyber-attacks since a nation alone cannot counter effectively.
