By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The need for a national campaign to address rising cybercrimes has been called by the Information Security Society of Africa Nigeria (ISSAN).
The president of the group, Mr David Isiavwe, who doubles as an executive director at NOVA Bank, noted that the awareness should also involve the inclusion of cyber security in the curricula of schools and strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).
According to him, there must be a deliberate effort by critical stakeholders to focus on talent development and capacity building to address these challenges.
“In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue; it is a fundamental pillar of our national security, economic stability, and societal well-being.
“Nigeria, like many nations, faces significant cybersecurity challenges that demand our immediate and sustained attention.
“While we have made remarkable progress in digital transformation, the increase in internet access and digital technologies brings heightened cybersecurity risks.
“Cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, posing serious risks to financial institutions, government agencies, and private enterprises,” Mr Isiavwe said at the 2024 Cybersecurity Conference in Lagos.
He disclosed that between January and June 2024, Nigeria experienced millions of cyber attacks, with a staggering 64 per cent increase in data breaches reported nationally.
“We need to invest in cybersecurity education and training to nurture a new generation of experts equipped to protect our digital infrastructure. This requires collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector to create comprehensive training programs and career pathways in cybersecurity,” he cybersecurity expert stated.
He advocated educational partnerships with universities and technical institutions to develop specialized cybersecurity curricula and degree programs, also highlighting the need for continuous learning opportunities for current IT professionals to transition into cybersecurity roles, alongside public awareness campaigns, to educate citizens about cybersecurity threats and safe online practices.
Additionally, he called for the creation of incentives to retain talent in the country, such as competitive salaries, career advancement opportunities, and supportive working environments.
Mr Isiavwe reiterated ISSAN’s long-standing commitment to promoting information security in Nigeria and across Africa.
“Our efforts to organize this conference and bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders are commendable. It is through such collaborative platforms that we can share knowledge, exchange best practices, and develop innovative solutions to our cybersecurity challenges.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility; the entire ecosystem is as strong as its weakest link. By working together, we can build a secure digital future for Nigeria and Africa. Let us commit to developing the talent and resources necessary to bridge the cybersecurity gap and protect our world,” he submitted.
The conference included discussions on various sub-topics, such as building a cybersecurity workforce in Nigeria, future trends and challenges, and the role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy in addressing the cybersecurity gap.
Panellists featured industry experts like Richard Amanfoye, Gbolabo Awolewa, Mr Harrison Nnaji, Oluseyi Akindeinde, Mr Obadare Adewale and Basil Udotai, with sessions moderated by Bode Oguntoke.
Adedapo Adesanya