Experts advocate efficient cybersecurity frameworks amid rising digital threats

Joy Agwunobi 

Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Reality

As digital technologies continue to drive economies and connect billions globally, experts have stressed the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and resilient infrastructure to safeguard sensitive information.

With the increasing reliance on data-driven systems, individuals, businesses, and governments are more exposed to unprecedented cyber threats, necessitating immediate action to strengthen data protection strategies.

Against this backdrop, the 12th edition of the Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum (NIICF), themed “Strengthening Data Protection, Cloud Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity,” brought together key stakeholders to address these pressing challenges. The event, which featured thought leaders from the tech industry, government, and academia, explored actionable strategies to fortify Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and ensure its resilience against evolving cyber threats.

The issue of data localisation and its impact on cybersecurity took centre stage during discussions at the forum, drawing  attention to the balance between local data hosting and securing sensitive information.

Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Reality, emphasised the inherent risks of mandating data localisation without first establishing comprehensive security frameworks.

“While we’re exploring ways to strengthen local hosting, cybersecurity is paramount. Without robust security measures, mandating data localisation risks compromising sensitive information. It’s crucial to have open discussions about the necessary infrastructure and policies to ensure the secure management of critical sovereign data,” Nnamani stated.

He further advocated for a government-led approach in fostering a secure digital ecosystem. According to him, the promotion of data localisation should be tied to prioritising the protection of sensitive data to mitigate potential risks.

“We can’t ignore the importance of cybersecurity when discussing data localisation. Before promoting local hosting, we must prioritise the protection of sensitive data. The recent events highlight the government’s commitment to securing critical sovereign data. While I support this initiative, we must ensure that we have the right safeguards in place,” he explained.

Nnamani also called for proactive government support to create a resilient cybersecurity framework that aligns with data localisation efforts. This, he suggested, should include providing incentives for businesses to invest in advanced security measures, allocating resources for research and development in cybersecurity, and developing clear policies to guide stakeholders. “While we strive to strengthen local hosting, we need the government’s support to create a secure digital ecosystem,” he added.

He pointed out that achieving effective data localisation goes beyond merely hosting data within national borders; it requires a concerted effort to build a strong security foundation. Without these measures, local hosting initiatives could inadvertently expose critical information to vulnerabilities, undermining the very objectives they aim to achieve.

Similarly, Lekan Balogun, CEO of Net Access System Limited, underscored the importance of investing in the right policies, infrastructure, and expertise to safeguard sensitive data in an increasingly digital world. He noted that robust data protection measures are crucial to mitigating cyber risks and ensuring a secure digital ecosystem.

Balogun also highlighted the need to retain and empower skilled cybersecurity professionals through training programs and capacity-building initiatives. “Investing in talent is as critical as investing in technology. We need skilled professionals to navigate the complexities of today’s cyber landscape,” he said.

The forum also spotlighted the role of compliance with international data protection standards. Tayo Adewusi, Publisher and Coordinator of NIICF, stressed the importance of adopting global best practices, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), to ensure responsible data governance. “Securing our digital infrastructure requires more than just technology. We need strong governance frameworks, adherence to compliance standards, and collaborative partnerships to protect our data,”  Adewusi said.

He also called for advanced threat detection systems, effective incident response plans, and employee training as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

On his part, Adewale Obadare, the founder and CEO of Digital Encode, represented by Kayode Olatunji, group head of information security at Digital Encode, shedded light on the escalating cyber threats businesses face globally.

He examined the challenges associated with the increasing adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), and their implications for cybersecurity in Nigeria.

Obadare underscored that Nigerian businesses, particularly financial institutions, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated attacks within the IoT space. “Businesses, especially financial institutions, are now facing a lot of attacks in the IoT space,” he noted.

Highlighting the role of AI in cyber threats, he explained, “There are also threats that are powered by AI. What it means is that within your cloud space, within your financial space, there are AI-automated programs that will design software programs that they can launch on their own into your environment.”

He also raised concerns about cloud security infiltration, describing it as a significant threat to organisations operating in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. “If they infiltrate your cloud, whatever thing you have in the cloud space can be wiped out, and it can actually ransomware your pockets in the cloud space,” he noted.

While discussing the broader impact of cyber threats, Obadare pointed to the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals as a critical challenge hampering Nigeria’s growing digital economy. According to him, the country lacks the necessary human resources to adequately tackle these evolving threats.

“When it comes to compliance and cybersecurity, we discover that we have a dearth of skills in Nigeria. We don’t have enough resources in that space which means if we don’t invest in our assets, our people, we may face some challenges,” he cautioned.

He emphasised the need for  investments in building local capacity to combat the rise in cyber risks, urging stakeholders to prioritise training and equipping cybersecurity experts. Obadare further stressed the importance of aligning cybersecurity strategies with regulatory compliance to ensure a safer digital environment for individuals and businesses alike.