The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Eastern Region has launched its maiden Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Directorate of Information Technology Systems and Operations (DISTO), Dr. Emma marking a step toward enhancing digital security and promoting responsible online behavior on campus.
Launching the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson who connected via zoom underscored the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s higher education landscape. He urged the University community to foster a culture of vigilance and accountability, stressing that “security begins with awareness.”
The Vice-Chancelor highlighted UESD’S ongoing efforts to secure its expanding digital infrastructure, including the implementation of an Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework designed to ensure that only authorized individuals gain access to sensitive resources. The University also leverages partnerships with Ghana Research and Education Network (GARNET) and international platforms like Eduroam and Edugain to provide secure, seamless access to global academic networks.
Director of the Directorate of Information Technology Systems and Operations (DISTO), Dr. Emmanuel Kitcher, addressed practical cybersecurity steps, advocating strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and cautious online behavior. He reinforced that technology alone cannot guarantee safety without active user vigilance.
The Head of Networks Systems and Telecommunications, DITSO Mrs. Josephine A. Agyemang held an interactive session on the University’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition to the new Eduroam system, emphasising that while challenges exist, they are being actively addressed through ongoing collaboration with service providers and infrastructure partners.
She also highlighted the layered device connectivity policy designed to manage bandwidth and ensure fairness. “Senior management can connect up to three devices simultaneously, while students and other staff members will have access to connect one or two devices based on their category. This control helps maintain system integrity and performance,” she explained.
Addressing concerns about internet speed, Mrs. Agyemang clarified that while the new Eduroam system will generally offer faster and more reliable internet access, actual speeds may vary depending on network load and location. She assured users that UESD has upgraded its bandwidth from 155 Mbps to support the increased demand and the advanced features of the Eduroam platform.
The collaboration with Garnet, the Ghana Academic Network, was also spotlighted as a critical factor enabling the UESD to tap into a broader academic ecosystem. Through the partnership, users will gain access to a wealth of global research resources and collaborative platforms, enhancing the university’s academic and research capabilities.
Mrs. Agyemang urged the University community to embrace the new system proactively. “Eduroam, Edugain, and Single Sign-On together provide a powerful suite of tools that make learning, research, and collaboration easier, faster, and more secure. Your cooperation and feedback will be vital as we roll this out fully.”
During the demonstration session, participants were guided step-by-step through the installation and configuration process for Eduroam across various devices; Apple, Android, and Windows—ensuring the participants could connect by the end of the workshop.