By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, October 7, 2025: The Parliament of Sierra Leone has joined the global community in commemorating Cyber Security Awareness Month, an international initiative aimed at promoting online safety and empowering individuals and organizations to protect their digital assets from cyber threats.
The event, held in Committee Room One at the Parliament Building, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the importance of cybersecurity and the role of Parliament in fostering a secure digital environment.
Mohamed Lebbie, Head of the Cyber Security Unit in Parliament, emphasized the significance of cybersecurity awareness in safeguarding data and preventing attacks from malicious actors. “Parliament, as the custodian of lawmaking, stands at the forefront in the fight against cyber attacks,” Lebbie stated.
He cautioned staff against clicking unidentified links, which often lead to hacking, stalking, and phishing, and urged them to verify the authenticity of digital content before engaging. Lebbie also advised regular password updates using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols every three months, and warned against joining unverified WhatsApp groups and social media links.
Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay, called for increased vigilance and a collective effort to build a digitally resilient Parliament. “We must lead the way in shaping a robust digital system for Sierra Leone,” he said, urging staff and citizens to be cautious when using digital platforms.
🎙️ Government Commitment to Cybersecurity Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Patrick M. Gibrilla, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity. He highlighted President Bio’s efforts in creating a safer digital space for both formal and informal sectors, referencing the Cyber Security Act of 2021 and the establishment of a National Cyber Security Coordination Centre.
“Digital safety is a national responsibility that should not be politicized,” Gibrilla stressed.
📚 Towards a Data Protection Law Sheku Lamin Turay, Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations, moderated the launch and reiterated the need for a comprehensive data protection law. He emphasized that such legislation would bolster data safety and support the goal of a digitally resilient Parliament and nation.
The commemoration marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s journey toward digital security, reinforcing the importance of awareness, legislation, and collaboration in combating cyber threats.