The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has intensified efforts in raising awareness for protecting cyberspace to promote a secure digital economy aimed at combating cyber-attacks that pervade both public and private organizations globally, leading to asset depletion and financial loses
In the same vein, the importance of investing largely in the security of cyberspace with the application of technologies and processes to protect systems, networks, programs, and data from attacks was also brought to the fore by the NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa at a virtual event to commemorate this year Cyber Security Awareness Week.
The event was aimed at sharing insights on the numerous careers that Cybersecurity offers and the influence of NITDA on its effective propagation.
The Director-General while giving his welcome remark expressed his excitement at the event which he described as timely and appreciated all participants in the nationwide awareness.
Inuwa, who was represented by the Agency’s Assistant Director, Cybersecurity Department, Mr. Michael Arowosegbe stated that this year’s event which was tagged ‘#BeCyberSmart’ is geared towards analyzing the issues surrounding the detection of cybercrimes and raising awareness on how individuals, private organizations and government agencies can protect themselves in the cyberspace with focus on a career in Cybersecurity.
“Cybercriminals have been taking advantage of the digital transformation to exploit human credibility and other technical vulnerabilities in hardware and software ranging from seizing control of infrastructure to stealing sensitive data”, he stated.
Inuwa averred that African nations during the pandemic were the target for cybercriminals who use AI technologies in manipulating video and audio recordings in transmitting false information for their attacks.
He further stated that combating cybercrime which is a huge threat to National security is one of NITDA’s topmost priorities.
The DG asserted that “since the digital economy leverage on the cyberspace which is characterized with evolving cyber threat, the need to enable a continuous growth and progress of the digital economy, cyber security is key”.
While emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity to the development of the digital economy, the NITDA boss mentioned that the nation’s digital economy which has raised the bar on security, privacy, and trust of stakeholders is the fundamental enabler of a sustainable digital economy through threat-free cyberspace.
“Measures must be put in place by all means necessary to gain the confidence of stakeholders who are the enablers of the digital economy and improve the cybersecurity to mitigate all these cyberattacks via measures such as engaging in massive cybersecurity capacity building”, he concluded.
A panelist session was held afterward with various Cyber Security experts within the ecosystem who exchanged ideas on how parameters such as tools, techniques, talents, training, and triangulations can be exploited in creating formidable cyber security experts in the country.
