The issue of national security has gone beyond securing the national borders of a country, as increased attacks have rendered many countries’ cyberspace vulnerable, Nigeria inclusive.
In line with this development, the Nigeria Computer Society, NCS, hosted it’s 2020, International Conference of stakeholders meeting, on National Cybersecurity challenges.
The gathering, on Wednesday, January 9, 2020, at LCCI building, Ikeja, saw IT professionals, academia, cybersecurity experts from institutions and enthusiasts, discuss the prevalent challenge.
Delivering the opening remarks, Mr. Kasifu Inuwa, DG NITDA, who was represented by Dr. Lawan expressed delight on the reason for the conference, “I hope this will increase our public awareness on cybersecurity and bring us together for a closer collaboration for this very important subject”
“You may be aware that NITDA is saddled with the task of developing and regulating the IT sector of our country by the NITDA Act 2007.
The agency is mandated to implement the Nigeria IT policy and coordinate the general active development and regulation in the country through the formation of standard policies, guidelines, frameworks to develop programs and other initiatives”
“One of NITDA’s role is to ensure a framework has done by the NCS to cater and find ways of reducing the impact of cyber threats. This implies we must develop and implement a comprehensive protection plan or policy so as to prevent cyber attacks””
In a panel session, moderated by Prof. R.G. Jimoh, panelists, including Mr. Kayode Emmanuel, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Adeoluwa Ogunwale, Inter Settlement Bank, Oluwaseun Bamgboye, Edinburgh Napier University, among others, shared their perspectives, on cybersecurity.
Here are some of their major points at the NCS conference:
Cyber-crimes are committed, at the speed of light, but law enforcement takes a snail speed. This is a limitation that has been a challenge, to the Nigerian police. There is, a need, for effective enforcement.
The problem with the consumption of our local content in cyberspace, ranges from, the inconsistency of performance to short life span of the businesses.
At the heart of the 4IR paradigm, is the cybersecurity physical system.
Any organisation that embraces industry 4.0, has a potential cybersecurity concern.
There should be a national cybersecurity framework.
The problem of cyber security, or, an attack is, more of a socio-technical issue.
Cyber attackers thrive on data, therefore, data use has to be regulated.
Data sharing policy is, important, as privacy has to be managed when data is being shared.
Upcoming policies and regulations in Nigeria and Africa should imbibe the 6 key pillars of GDPR.
Cybersecurity education needs to trickle down, to the large, unschooled parts, of the Nigerian population.
Cultural sensitization is necessary, for a shift in the understanding of cybersecurity.
Various institutions involved, in the cyberspace, should synergize and the skill gap, in the field of cybersecurity, ought to be addressed.
Present at the event was, also, Mr. Yomi Fowler, Information Security Officer, Dangote Group, who made a presentation on, “Social Media Hacking and its Implications.”
While Mr. Timileyin Oyesanya, who represented Mr. Tope Aladenusi, also made a presentation on, “Analysis of Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture”.
Featured Image: Stakeholders present at NCS cybersecurity conference
Don’t miss important articles during the week. Subscribe to cfamedia weekly newsletter for updates.
