CRITAC (Center for Research, Information, Technology & Advanced Computing

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: CRITAC Cybersecurity Experts Develop System to Detect Alterations on Scanned ‘Pink Sheets’ 🛡️ We are thrilled to announce that a team of cybersecurity experts at CRITAC (Center for Research, Information, Technology & Advanced Computing) has developed a groundbreaking system designed to detect alterations on scanned election ‘pink sheets’ – a major step forward in ensuring transparency and integrity in electoral processes. 🗳️🔍 The system, designed with advanced cryptographic algorithms, can accurately identify any modifications made to scanned documents, providing an added layer of security to critical election materials. This technology aims to curb electoral fraud, ensuring the sanctity of results and building trust in democratic processes. This initiative is part of CRITAC’s broader efforts to leverage cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for national development, governance, and accountability. In a world where digital security threats are evolving rapidly, such systems are crucial for maintaining transparency in vital sectors, including elections. For more information, check out the full article on MyJoyOnline at https://lnkd.in/eAjrUPPd and join the conversation on how technology can reshape the future of secure governance. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other innovative projects from CRITAC! 🌍💻🔐 #CyberSecurity #PinkSheets #Transparency #ElectoralIntegrity #CRITAC #Governance #Accountability #Innovation #TechForGood

📢 Prof. Quist-Aphetsi Kester and Others Sworn In as National Independent Assessors for the Cyber Security Authority Ghana by a High Court Judge We are pleased to announce that Prof. Quist-Aphetsi Kester, Chairman of CRITAC, along with other distinguished professionals, has been sworn in as one of the first National Independent Assessors for Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA). This significant event took place at a High Court in accordance with Section 81(1) of the Cybersecurity Act 2020, marking a new chapter in the governance and oversight of cybersecurity initiatives in the country. The ceremony, a milestone in Ghana's cybersecurity framework, saw the participation of several key national and international figures. These included: Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation for the Republic of Ghana, who continues to be at the forefront of Ghana’s digital transformation. Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, a leading figure in shaping the nation’s cybersecurity landscape. Her Excellency Rosemary Mbabazi, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Ghana, whose presence signifies the importance of international cooperation in cybersecurity. Representatives from the Ministry of National Security, demonstrating the critical role of cybersecurity in maintaining national security. etc. The event underscores Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure and ensuring that independent assessors, such as Prof. Quist-Aphetsi Kester, uphold the principles of transparency and accountability within the cybersecurity space. Their role will be pivotal in assessing and validating the various cybersecurity measures and initiatives undertaken by the CSA to protect Ghana's cyberspace. The inclusion of renowned figures like Prof. Kester as independent assessors reflects the growing importance of a secure digital environment in fostering national development, and reinforces the Cybersecurity Act’s aim of establishing a robust cybersecurity framework that involves all stakeholders. Let us continue to support this vital step toward ensuring a safer, more secure cyber environment for all. #CyberSecurity #Governance #Accountability #Digitalisation #CyberSecurityAct2020 #ProfQuistKester #CRITAC #NationalSecurity #GhanaCyberSecurity #TechForGood #DigitalGhana #LeadershipInCyber #RwandaGhanaPartnership #Cyber Security Authority Ghana Atlantic Council Cyber Security Authority Cyber Statecraft Initiative

🌱 CRITAC Agricultural Model Success Story! 🌱 At the Center for Research, Information, Technology & Advanced Computing (CRITAC), we believe in leveraging data science and modern technology to innovate in every field, including agriculture. Here’s a glimpse of our experimental cassava farm, where we’ve combined modelling, data analytics, and weather information to ensure maximum profitability. CRITAC has taken a scientific approach to farming by first modeling the agricultural processes, making use of advanced techniques in Data Science and Weather Analysis. By analyzing weather patterns, soil conditions, and optimizing planting strategies, we’ve been able to ensure profitability before even stepping into the fields. 📊🌦️ With this successful phase, we are pleased to announce that CRITAC’s cassava farm is yielding profit, and we’re now ready to expand operations. 🚜🌱 This is not just about growing crops; it’s about growing smarter. By blending cutting-edge technology with traditional farming, we are revolutionizing agricultural practices and inspiring the next generation of sustainable farmers. What’s Next? Expanding the cassava farming project. Developing more advanced models for soil sustainability. Continuing to invest in data-driven agricultural solutions. Let’s keep growing and innovating together! 🌿📈 Join us at https://lnkd.in/eXCD3nKV and get your membership now to be part of our projects. #DataScience #AgricultureInnovation #CRITAC #ModellingFarming #SustainableFarming #AgriculturalTechnology #WeatherData #CassavaFarming #SmartFarming #SoilSustainability #FarmExpansion #ProfitModeling #CRITACAgriculture

🚀 Prof. Quist-Aphetsi Kester Serves as Judge at the Global Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in New York, USA! 🚀 Prof. Quist-Aphetsi Kester, Chairman of CRITAC, is honored to serve as a judge for the prestigious Global Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, organized by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative. The competition brings together 24 teams from renowned institutions, including Middlesex College, Carnegie Mellon University, the US Military Academy at West Point, and many more. The event promises to be an exciting and intense challenge! 🌍 Prof. Kester is particularly dedicated to encouraging more African universities to engage in this global cybersecurity competition. He actively mentors institutions across the continent and invites those interested in participating to connect via CRITAC ( https://lnkd.in/gNMtNYH7  ). This event serves as a platform to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity leaders! 💻🔒 For more details on the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, visit: https://lnkd.in/dRkBazJ8     #Cyber912 #CyberSecurity #DigitalPolicy #AtlanticCouncil #CRITAC #CyberMentorship #AfricaCyberInitiative #GlobalSecurity #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #ColumbiaSIPA #InformationSecurity #CyberDefense #TechInnovation #CyberLeadership #GlobalChallenge #MilitaryColleges #CyberResilience #USStateDepartment #CyberStatecraft #FutureOfCyber #DigitalSkills #CyberTalent #StrategicCyberThinking #CyberEducation #DigitalFuture

Exciting News! Join Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi, PhD(Highest Hon/Summa Cum Laude) , the Chairman of CRITAC, at the Ghana DNS Forum 2024, as he discusses The Future of DNS in Ghana: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities. The event will take place on 16th October 2024, from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Kofi Annan ICT Centre, Ridge, Accra. DNS (Domain Name System) is a critical infrastructure that supports the internet, and this forum provides a great opportunity to explore its impact on Ghana's digital future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, policy maker, or business leader, this is a must-attend event to stay informed on the latest trends and challenges in DNS management. Let’s shape the future of DNS in Ghana together! Partners: Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation | Kofi Annan ICT Centre Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet)Africa Domain Name System Forum National Communications Authority Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation Ghana GIFEC #GhanaDNSForum #DigitalGhana #DNS #Resilience #Capacity #Technology #Innovation

Prof. Quist-Aphetsi Kester invites Institutions around the world to Join the next Global Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge , Prof. Quist-Aphetsi Kester, Chairman of CRITAC, has successfully introduced two teams from Ghanaian universities to the prestigious Global Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, organized by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative. One of these teams was awarded the Best Policy Document and recognized as the second-best team in Africa, showcasing a remarkable performance during the 2024 Cyber Challenge held in Cape Town. Prof. Kester is dedicated to mentoring more African universities to become active participants in this global cybersecurity challenge, encouraging institutions across the continent to get involved. Institutions interested in mentorship can reach him via CRITAC( https://lnkd.in/gNMtNYH7 ). Other security sector institutions around the world such as Military academies/Colleges, Police colleges, etc. can participate For more information on the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, visit Atlantic Council Cyber 9/12 Challenge. https://lnkd.in/dRkBazJ8 #CyberChallenge #CyberSecurity #CRITAC #GlobalCyber #Mentorship #CyberSecurity #CyberStrategy #CyberPolicy #CyberLeadership #CyberInnovation #DigitalDefense #CyberMentorship #CyberEducation #Cyber9_12Challenge #University #CyberFuture #CyberExcellence #CyberSkills #TechLeadership #CyberDiplomacy #CyberSecurityAwareness #GlobalCyberChallenge #AtlanticCouncil #CyberStatecraft

Connect/follow me on Linkedin to collaborate and Join me as I serve as a judge for the prestigious Global Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative.

🎉 Exciting News: Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi Appointed as Global Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge Judge for 2024 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi will be serving as a judge for the prestigious Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in South Africa! As Chair of the National Cyber Intelligence and Cyber Defense Research Project and Chairman for CRITAC, his expertise will undoubtedly enrich this annual cybersecurity event. Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi is a distinguished global Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence expert. and a Tier 1 Certified Cybersecurity Professional by the National Cyber Security Authority under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). The Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge is a global cornerstone in cybersecurity, supported by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy and the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative. This event provides participants across Africa with the opportunity to present to a panel of experts, including Professor Quist-Aphetsi. Judges will assess intelligence reports and cybersecurity policies in response to national security-level cyber attack scenarios. Their insights will shape the recommendations presented to the National Security Council, addressing the rapidly evolving cyber crisis landscape. Join us in congratulating Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi on this distinguished role. We look forward to the profound contributions he will make to cybersecurity policies and strategies on a global scale. r #Cyber912 #CyberSecurity #AtlanticCouncil #USDepartmentOfState #ProfessorQuistAphetsi #MITRE #C3SA #CyberDefense #UCT #AfricaCyber Cyber Security Authority

The green leaves in the picture are some of the crops from our experimental farms. Join our projects via an internship or directly at team.critacghana.com and learn how we model the soil. Sign up at team.critacghana.com and get your membership certificate to be part of this project. Modeling Soil Using AI to Improve Plant Yield at CRITAC At CRITAC, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to model soil for improved plant yield focuses on using data-driven insights to optimize agricultural practices and enhance soil sustainability. By combining AI technologies with soil science, CRITAC can significantly boost productivity, reduce environmental impact, and enhance soil management strategies. The following outlines how AI can be applied to model soil and improve plant yield: 1. Soil Data Collection and Analysis At CRITAC’s experimental farms, these data points can be collected using smart sensors such as the DHT11 sensor for temperature and humidity and other advanced IoT devices to monitor real-time soil conditions. AI algorithms can then analyze this data to provide insights into soil health and nutrient content. 2. Predictive Modeling for Crop Growth AI models such as machine learning and deep learning can be used to predict how different soil conditions impact crop growth. 3. Soil Health Monitoring By continuously monitoring soil health using AI-powered systems, CRITAC can identify early signs of soil degradation or nutrient depletion. AI-based anomaly detection algorithms can flag when soil properties deviate from the norm, allowing for immediate corrective action. 4. Soil Sustainability Models One of the key research goals at CRITAC is to ensure soil sustainability. AI models can simulate long-term soil use scenarios, helping researchers understand the consequences of specific agricultural practices on soil health. 5. Integration with Climate Models AI models can also integrate climate data with soil data to predict how climate change might affect soil health and plant yield. 6. Precision Agriculture and Smart Farming With AI, precision agriculture techniques can be enhanced by providing farmers with actionable insights. AI-based soil modeling at CRITAC presents a transformative approach to improving plant yield and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Ghana Achieves Tier 1 Status in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 In a landmark achievement, Ghana has secured Tier 1 status in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This recognition places Ghana at the forefront of global cybersecurity efforts, highlighting its role as a model for other nations in terms of cybersecurity readiness, implementation, and adherence to best practices. Key Contributors to Ghana's Success: Cyber Security Authority (CSA): The CSA's role has been pivotal in enforcing cybersecurity laws and regulations across the country. By setting standards and guidelines for secure digital operations, the CSA ensures that both public and private sector organizations adhere to rigorous cybersecurity protocols, safeguarding national digital infrastructure against cyber threats. Ministry of Communications and Digitalization: The Ministry has consistently championed the cause of digital transformation and cybersecurity. It has facilitated the development of policies that prioritize cybersecurity across all sectors of the economy, fostering an environment where digital operations can thrive securely. The Ministry's strategic direction has been vital in integrating cybersecurity into national development plans. Impact of Tier 1 Status: Ghana’s elevation to Tier 1 status — the highest tier in the GCI, which includes role-modelling nations — is not just a badge of honor but a testament to the country's commitment to creating a safe and secure digital landscape. This achievement positions Ghana as a leader in cybersecurity, inspiring confidence among investors and global partners, and enhancing the nation’s competitive edge in the digital economy. Moreover, this ranking boosts Ghana’s influence in international cybersecurity discussions, allowing it to contribute Ghanaian expertise to global cybersecurity standards and practices. It also sets a benchmark for other African nations to strive towards, promoting regional stability in cybersecurity measures. CRITAC (Centre for Research, Information Technology, and Advanced Computing): CRITAC has been instrumental in advancing Ghana's cybersecurity frameworks and standards globally. Licensed and accredited by the National Cyber Security Authority under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020, CRITAC has a robust team of accredited certified cybersecurity professionals. Their dedication to excellence in cybersecurity education, governance, risk management, and compliance has significantly contributed to cybersecurity education, governance, risk, and compliance. CRITAC will continue to play a role in contributing to maintaining and advancing Ghana's cybersecurity capabilities. Ongoing investment in technology, human capital, and regulatory frameworks will ensure that Ghana not only retains its Tier 1 status but also continues to innovate in the cybersecurity sector.