NSA tasks stakeholders on cybersecurity prevention
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called on stakeholders to be proactive in preventing cybersecurity threats in the country.
Ribadu made this statement on Tuesday at the Cybersecurity Forum organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in Abuja.
The forum’s theme was “Intelligence Initiatives and Strategies for National Cyber Security Management.”
Ribadu, was represented by Maj.-Gen. Samad Akinsode, Director of Communications, Office of the National Security Officer (ONSA).
“Effective cybersecurity management hinges on robust intelligence. Advanced intelligence platforms enable us to gather, analyse, and share critical threat intelligence with relevant stakeholders.
“By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, these platforms can predict potential cyber attacks and provide actionable insights.
“Cybersecurity is a collective responsibility that requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It is not one man’s business.”
He noted the need for continued sensitisation and awareness programs to educate citizens and businesses on cybersecurity hygiene, while also encouraging public-private sector collaboration.
Ribadu highlighted that the NCS emergency response team, known as the Engine Search, is the foundational component of the national cybersecurity coordination center and the focal point for managing national cyber incidents.
“The Engine Search facilitates real-time exchange of threat intelligence and best practices on cybersecurity incidents with various stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
“It operates the national cyber emergency monitoring system for effective detection, identification, and interception of cyber threats.
“It shares cyber threat intelligence with sectoral computer security incident response teams and relevant private sector players for comprehensive responses.”
The Director-General of State Security Service (SSS), Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, stressed the importance of cybersecurity, noting that the world continues to face various cyber threats.
Represented by Mr Peter Afunanya, Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communication of DSS, Bichi stated that while cybersecurity is intended for good purposes, it has been exploited by criminally minded individuals.
He called on the NCS to conduct research to find solutions to criminal activities, emphasising the need to address challenges in national security management, financial crime, fake news, and other manipulations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DSP Usman Iman, noted that the prevalence of cybercrimes necessitates collaboration among countries, agencies, and organisations to deliberate on safety and security in cyberspace.
The Director-General of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, advocated for process improvement and automation.
“Automation is a double-edged sword, presenting opportunities for service excellence and process improvement. The only mitigation is capacity training and building for both end users and professionals.
“This forum is of utmost importance because of the human resources involved. Investing in cybersecurity tools without building the capacity of the people will be a wasted investment.”
Adedeji, represented by Mr Kola Okunola, Director of Intelligence Strategic Data Mining and Analysis Development at FIRS, added that the forum would provide stakeholders with the opportunity to brainstorm on strategies for insider control and the tools and techniques used in cyberspace.
The President of NCS, Mr Muhammad Aliyu, stated that the purpose of the forum is to discuss national issues related to cybersecurity.
He noted that the NCS, an umbrella organization for all ICT professionals, has thrived for decades in promoting ICT advancements.
According to Aliyu, the cybersecurity forum and other programs are key flagship initiatives of NCS. (NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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