Information Network Security Administration (INSA) held a discussion forum with officials drawn from institutions responsible for managing critical infrastructures, focusing on the Cybersecurity Proclamation for Critical Infrastructures (Proclamation No. 1426/2018) and the Critical Infrastructure and Sector Designation Standard.
Opening the discussion, INSA Deputy Director General Mr. Daniel Guta stated that the first and fundamental step in translating the Proclamation into practical implementation is identifying and designating critical infrastructure institutions in accordance with the established standard.
The Deputy Director General further emphasized that protecting the country's critical infrastructures from cyber threats and attacks plays a vital role in ensuring the security of Ethiopia's overall digital transformation journey, safeguarding national sovereignty, and building national resilience.
During the forum, a presentation introducing the overall content of the Proclamation was delivered. It was explained that the Proclamation establishes a clear legal framework to strengthen national cybersecurity, reduce potential risks, and ensure the protection of institutions.
Furthermore, a presentation entitled "Critical Infrastructure and Sector Designation Standard" provided an extensive explanation of the criteria, procedures, and risk-based methodology used to identify and designate institutions as critical infrastructure entities and determine their respective levels of criticality.
It was highlighted that the Standard establishes a clear framework based on the criticality of the services institutions provide, their level of risk, and the potential national impact that could result from a cyberattack against them.
The discussions also extensively addressed the need for coordinated working arrangements, shared responsibilities, and a framework for cooperation between INSA and critical infrastructure institutions to ensure the effective implementation of the Proclamation and the Standard.
Participants of the forum expressed their confidence that the Proclamation would elevate national cybersecurity protection to a higher level and reaffirmed their commitment to working diligently towards its effective implementation.
