ISSAN advocates national awareness campaign to mitigate soaring cybercrime in Nigeria
Onome Amuge
L-R: Martin Ikephai, chief operating officer, Computer Audit Control and Security (CACS) Associates Ltd; Prince Akamadu, chief audit executive, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria; David Isiavwe, president, Information Security Society of Africa-Nigeria (ISSAN); Austen Osokpor, head, corporate communications, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd;and Bode Oguntoke, head, internal audit, FBN Holdings Plc at the 2024 Cybersecurity conference organised by ISSAN in Lagos, recently.
The Information Security Society of Africa Nigeria (ISSAN) has urged a national awareness campaign program, with a focus on community engagement, school curriculum redesign, and strategic Public-Private Partnerships, to enhance cybersecurity awareness among Nigerians.
This call was made at this year’s Cybersecurity Conference in Lagos, where David Isiavwe, the ISSAN president opened the event with his address.
Concerned by the rapid escalation of cyberattacks in Nigeria, Isiavwe, who is also the executive director of NOVA Bank, stated that the country had experienced millions of cyberattacks in the first half of the year, with a shocking 64 percent increase in reported data breaches.
“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,” he stated.
To tackle the growing cybersecurity challenges facing Nigeria, Isiavwe stressed the need to nurture a new generation of cybersecurity experts, highlighting the crucial role of talent development and capacity building in the fight against cyberattacks.
He further urged stakeholders to prioritise cybersecurity education and training, emphasising that government, academia, and the private sector must collaborate to create comprehensive training programs and career paths in this field.
In light of the current cybersecurity challenges facing Nigeria, Isiavwe called for educational partnerships with universities and technical institutions to develop specialised cybersecurity curricula and degree programmes. He also urged the provision of continuous learning opportunities for current IT professionals to transition into cybersecurity roles, as well as public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about cybersecurity threats and safe online practices.
To retain cybersecurity talent within the country, Isiavwe emphasised the importance of creating a supportive working environment, providing competitive salaries and career advancement opportunities. He urged stakeholders to collaborate and implement these strategies to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities.
Isiavwe reiterated ISSAN’s long-standing commitment to promoting information security in Nigeria and across Africa, stating, “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.”
Speakers at the Cybersecurity Conference, including industry experts like Richard Amanfoye, Gbolabo Awolewa, Harrison Nnaji, Oluseyi Akindeinde, Obadare Adewale, and Basil Udotai, alongside moderator Bode Oguntoke, engaged in thought-provoking discussions on various sub-topics related to cybersecurity in Nigeria.
ISSAN, as the leading advocate for information security in Nigeria and the wider African region, has been instrumental in promoting dialogue and collaboration among experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.
By organising the Cybersecurity Conference, ISSAN provides a platform for knowledge sharing, best practice exchange, and innovation-driven solutions for addressing the cybersecurity challenges faced in Nigeria.