On January 13, 2024, Desmond Kitsi, the Executive Director of the Genius IT Foundation and Brainery LTD, graciously accepted the invitation and joined the stage at the D Conference in Ho, Volta Region. He easily bonded with the audience, especially the lively youth who enthusiastically absorbed his knowledge and ideas, with an engrossing presentation on cybersecurity and its essential significance to the average Ghanaian. With the theme of the conference being “Strategizing to Thrive in Scarcity,” Kitsi had a warm and inviting platform to impart his insightful expertise and inspire the audience.
In his introduction, Kitsi astutely linked the importance of cybersecurity to the overarching theme of strategizing to thrive in scarcity. He emphasized that it is vital to manage our resources effectively, especially when they become scarce, rather than waiting for desperate situations to arise. Recognizing that the resources we depend on as individuals and nations are finite, Kitsi highlighted the urgent need to safeguard them.
Addressing the audience, he stressed the imperative of seeking knowledge, particularly in light of the rising cyber scams that target people’s scarce resources, such as finances. He emphasized that just as we work hard to acquire wealth, it becomes doubly important to exert efforts to protect what we have gained throughout our lifetimes.
By combining the introduction with his insightful speech, Kitsi successfully conveyed the message that in the era of scarcity we currently face, knowledge and skills play a critical role in not only achieving financial prosperity but also maintaining and safeguarding that prosperity from the ever-present threats of cybercrime.
In his informative talk, Kitsi explored the complex realm of cybersecurity, highlighting its tremendous role in protecting our personal and financial information in today’s interconnected world. With a straightforward approach, he emphasized the importance of securing online transactions, especially when it comes to mobile money (Momo) and keeping our banking operations safe. His presentation aimed to enlighten and empower the audience, enabling them to make smart decisions in our ever-evolving digital environment.
Kitsi’s talk extended beyond traditional cybersecurity topics, covering social media safety, personal identity protection, and child safety online. Drawing from his extensive knowledge, he provided valuable tips on setting ground rules, utilizing technology for protection, and spending quality time with children to ensure their safety in the digital landscape.
As the head of Genius IT Foundation, Kitsi also sheds light on the organization’s efforts to promote digital inclusiveness and safe online practices. He encouraged the participants to actively engage in designing their policies for safeguarding their wealth, particularly before money transitions to others. This interactive session allowed the audience to apply the knowledge gained and develop personalized strategies for enhancing their cybersecurity practices.
The conference concluded with a vibrant question-and-answer session, where participants had the opportunity to seek further clarification on cybersecurity concerns. Kitsi’s practical approach and real-life examples resonated with the audience, leaving them equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape safely.
Desmond Kitsi’s impactful presentation at the D Conference underscores the growing awareness of cybersecurity issues among the Ghanaian youth and the importance of proactive measures to protect personal and financial information in an era of increasing digital threats.
