Information Network Security Administration (INSA)

The Ethiopian Information Network Security Administration (INSA) is a government institution that is responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. INSA is one of the key actors in Ethiopia’s efforts to enhance its cyber resilience and protect its digital sovereignty. As the country undergoes rapid digital transformation and faces various cyber challenges, INSA plays a vital role in safeguarding the national interest and promoting good governance in the digital domain.

Who Founded INSA?

The Information Network Security Agency (INSA) was first founded by Abiy Ahmed during the period of EPRDF’s power. Legally, INSA was established in 2006 (1999 E.C) by the Council of Ministers Regulation No. 130/2006 (130/1999) and has since been working to ensure the security and integrity of Ethiopia’s digital assets. Later its name changed from Information Network Security Agency to Information Network Security Administration (INSA) in the year 2021.

Mission and Vision of INSA

INSA has a vision of becoming a leading and trusted institution in Africa and beyond in the field of information network security. It aimed to make Ethiopia become one of the leading countries in Africa in terms of information network security. INSA’s mission is to safeguard Ethiopia’s information network and information infrastructure from any form of cyber attack and to enhance the country’s cyber resilience and readiness. Its mission is to protect the national interest and enhance good governance by ensuring information network security.

What Are The Values of INSA

Some of its core values include:

Professionalism
Excellence
Innovation
Resilience
Making Difference
Integrity
Respect for the law
Respect for the people
Patriotism, and
Collaboration

Main Functions of INSA:

Developing and implementing national policies, strategies, standards, and guidelines on information network security
Monitoring and analyzing threats and vulnerabilities on the national information network
Providing technical assistance and advisory services to government institutions and other stakeholders on information network security issues
Conducting research and development on information network security technologies and solutions
Building the capacity and awareness of government institutions and other stakeholders on information network security
Coordinating and collaborating with national and international partners on information network security matters
Promoting awareness and education on information network security among the public and private sectors and the general public

Who is the Director of INSA in Ethiopia?

In August 2021, Mr. Solomon Soka was appointed as General Director of INSA and he is in service since then. INSA has four directorates: Cyber Security Directorate, Information Security Directorate, Network Security Directorate, and Research and Development Directorate. Each directorate has several divisions that carry out specific tasks related to information network security.

In addition, INSA also operates the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), which is the central hub for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to cyber incidents that affect the national information network. The NCSC provides 24/7 services such as incident handling, threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, digital forensics, malware analysis, cyber awareness, and cyber education.

Objectives of Information Network Security Administartion (INSA)

The main objective of INSA is to ensure information network security and to coordinate information network security activities among federal and regional government institutions. The agency also provides information network security services to public and private organizations, conducts research and development on information network security, and promotes awareness and capacity building on information network security issues.

Summary

The Information Network Security Administartion (INSA) is a government agency in Ethiopia that is responsible for protecting the country’s information and information infrastructure from cyber threats. INSA is responsible for ensuring the security of Ethiopia’s information network, which includes the internet, telecommunications, radio, television, and other forms of communication. It also monitors and prevents cyber-attacks, espionage, sabotage, and terrorism that could threaten Ethiopia’s national security and sovereignty. INSA has achieved many remarkable feats in its history. For example, it has disclosed more than 2000 cyber-attacks attempted in six months in 2023. I hope you enjoyed learning more about INSA and its important role in Ethiopia’s development and security. If you want to know more about INSA, you can visit their official website.