April 9, 2026 In Newsroom By WACSI
WACSI Strengthens it’s Cyber Security Preparedness Through Intensive Digital Security Workshop
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[Accra-Ghana, 26 March 2026] In a digital landscape evolving at breakneck speed, the same technologies driving efficiency are also amplifying risk. Artificial intelligence is transforming how work gets done, but it is equally reshaping the scale and sophistication of cyber threats. In this reality, cybersecurity is not a choice; it is a necessity. Responding to this urgency, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) convened a three-day in-house digital security workshop in Accra from March 17 to 19, equipping staff with the practical skills, tools, and confidence to anticipate, prevent, and respond effectively to emerging threats
The workshop began by grounding staff in the fundamentals of digital security. Technology specialist Ajibola Mathias Jacobs emphasised a simple but powerful idea: “You cannot secure what you do not understand.”
Ajibola Mathias Jacobs, Facilitator
This idea set the tone for discussions around everyday digital vulnerabilities. Whitnay Segnonna, Program Assistant, MELT Unit, highlighted a common oversight: “Outgoing documents can carry metadata that can leak information. I usually clean documents before sending them outside the organisation.” Routine practices like leaving tracked changes or neglecting file properties can unintentionally expose sensitive information, ranging from authorship and editing history to organisational naming patterns.
Jacobs added, “Data is the new oil, and data is expensive,” reminding participants that organisational information is an asset that requires protection. The workshop also highlighted personal privacy risks: Omolara Balogun, Head of Policy Advocacy and Influencing, shared how participation in conferences had led to unsolicited emails and SMS about property sales weeks later, illustrating that even professional networking can compromise personal data. Real incidents within WACSI further underscored the fact that prominent organisations are always potential targets.
Staff in practical session
On the second day, the staff moved from theory to practice. They explored organisational response and accountability, examining real-life examples of suspicious prompts, malware attempts, and other threats. The facilitator emphasised the importance of periodic technology and process reviews, noting that forgotten digital assets, unused virtual servers, and unnoticed subdomains can become vulnerabilities.
Emerging risks, particularly “shadow AI” and unauthorised platforms, were also discussed. He observed that most IT policies were drafted before AI became a mainstream tool, leaving organisations exposed if staff adopt unmonitored systems.
The highlight of the day was a hands-on spyware simulation. Staff role-played a scenario where a suspicious WhatsApp document triggered abnormal device behaviour. Teams representing IT, communications, management, and legal units navigated the incident response, isolating devices, notifying stakeholders, and verifying potential breaches. Frank Sombo, Head of the MELT unit, raised an important point: “I am a bit wary about the threat intelligence platforms pose. Is it safe to browse these platforms on a laptop, or should we do it from a threat monitoring device?” This reflection emphasised the need for secure environments for specific security tasks and highlighted the sophisticated engagement of staff.
Frank Sombo, Head of the MELT unit
Beyond technical know-how, the workshop underscored that digital security is a shared responsibility. The facilitator stressed that awareness is ongoing, not a one-time event, recommending that organisations integrate brief security reminders into regular meetings to strengthen their posture.
Team members highlighted that new staff members join with fresh vulnerabilities. Orientation sessions are sometimes scheduled weeks after joining, leaving potential gaps. Recommendations included delivering digital security guidance automatically at the point of account creation and providing online refresher training for continuous learning.
The final day addressed crisis communication. Staff explored a scenario involving a fake report circulating under a misleading domain. The exercise required drafting an immediate response, organising a press briefing, and communicating clearly with partners and the public. The discussions reinforced that digital security is as much about protecting reputation as it is about technical safeguards. Across the three days, one message stood out: cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Staff reflected on the need to internalise safe practices, remain vigilant, and support each other in maintaining a strong security culture. Jee-hyea Grace Arkori, Volunteer with the Capacity Development unit, noted, “Digital training should be held both online and in person,” highlighting the value of hands-on collaborative learning alongside flexible models to reach all staff.
WACSI’s commitment to digital security goes beyond technology. The workshop fostered a culture of vigilance, shared responsibility, and proactive preparedness, essential for navigating today’s complex and unpredictable digital landscape.
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