By Linus Flomo
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunication is on the verge of establishing its first fully operational Digital Forensic Laboratory; a significant initiative aimed at enhancing national security and advancing the country’s cyber capabilities.
This pioneering project underscores the government’s commitment to addressing modern security challenges in an increasingly digital world.
During the weekend, the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sekou Kromah, along with Nalon Kaine, Manager and Cyber Security Coordinator at the Project Management Office, and Lasana Sando, Director for Telecommunications and the project’s focal point, toured the facility currently undergoing renovations at the Police Academy in Paynesville.
They were joined by members of the press, including Nathon S. Bearngar, the Ministry’s Public Affairs Director, who documented this milestone in Liberia’s cybersecurity efforts.
Director Kaine provided insights into the Digital Forensic Laboratory project, which originated in 2019 as part of a broader initiative by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS pledged to equip Liberia with cutting-edge technology worth $400 million as part of the “Digital Forensic Lab Project.”
However, to actualize this vision, suitable facilities were needed, and the Liberia National Police graciously offered the space within their Police Academy Facility.
Securing funding for the necessary renovations, estimated at $100,000, presented significant challenges over the past six years.
However, following Minister Kromah’s recent appointment, the project has gained significant traction. Director Kaine praised the Minister for swiftly presenting the proposal to President Boakai, who promptly instructed the Minister of Finance to allocate the essential funds to advance the project.
The implications of past delays were not lost on Director Sando, who noted that Liberia’s inability to secure the facility in a timely manner resulted in critical equipment consignments being redirected to Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone.
“These setbacks have underscored the urgency of this project,” he stated.
When asked about the operational structure of the laboratory, Director Kaine elaborated on its design, which features two distinct wings.
The Right Wing will accommodate the “Computer Emergency Response Team” (CERT), tasked with responding rapidly to cyberattacks and monitoring the nation’s digital infrastructure.
This team will also play a pivotal role in training law enforcement personnel and other interested professionals in cybersecurity protocols.
Conversely, the Left Wing will be dedicated to the “Digital Forensic Lab,” where investigations increasingly rely on digital evidence.
Director Kaine emphasized the growing importance of digital communications in modern investigations, particularly in cases involving drug trafficking and mobile money fraud.
The laboratory will enable law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), to effectively collect and analyze digital evidence, a crucial component in securing convictions in court.
“This project is fundamentally a security initiative for Liberia,” asserted Director Kaine.
He highlighted that the lab would enhance the nation’s capability to receive real-time intelligence from neighboring countries, improving Liberia’s readiness to counteract potential threats and ensuring a robust response to cybercrime.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has vowed to dedicate Liberia’s cybersecurity infrastructure, striving to safeguard the digital landscape and protect the nation from emerging cyber threats.
As Liberia takes this monumental step toward establishing a Digital Forensic Laboratory, it marks a significant turning point in the nation’s fight against cybercrime and its commitment to enhancing public safety.
