SOME telecommunications stakeholders, recently came together to share insights, discuss best practice and explore innovative approaches to cybersecurity and building a safer digital future.
The gathering, which took place in Abuja, was organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, supported by Galaxy Backbone and The World Bank.
The gathering with the theme: “Secure a World: Building a Safer Digital Future for Nigeria’s Public Sector” was to foster collaboration and learning among government agencies.
In his Opening remarks, the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of the Ministry, Mr Samuel Okoye, said that as Nigeria’s digital landscape evolved, cyber security remain crucial.
Okoye said that government agencies and public sector organisations held sensitive data and delivered essential services that impacted the lives of Nigerians.
He said that potecting these digital assets from growing cyber threats was a collective responsibility.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these digital assets and systems are protected against the growing array of cyber threats.
“The Cyber Security Awareness Month provides us with an ideal opportunity to reinforce our commitment to this mission.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the critical importance of cyber security in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“Every day, government agencies and public sector organisations hold vast amounts of sensitive data, connect countless systems, and deliver essential services that impact the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr James Carroll, West Africa Cyber Lead, British High Commission, shared insights on tackling borderless, faceless threats.
Carroll said that these organised networks operated like businesses, complete with recruitment, training, finance, and luxury.
According to him, to combat this, international collaboration and mastering basics like good passwords, system updates and firewall maintenance are crucial.
“The UK’s strategy focuses on engaging its young, tech-savvy population to teach digital skills, promoting cyber security careers and creating a digital pipeline.
“Nigeria, with its youthful demographic, can adopt similar approaches like educating kids on cyber security, encouraging tech enthusiasm and developing digital literacy,” he said.
Dr Zareefa Mustapha, Manager, Cybersecurity Department, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) during a panel session said that many government organisations did not cooperate when NITDA tried to identify some vulnerability in their systems.
Mustaphe urged government agencies to always collaborate and be open for further information sharing.
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