The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Cyber Security

  • FG to inaugurate advisory council on cyber security 

    FG to inaugurate advisory council on cyber security 

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said the Federal Government will inaugurate a Presidential Advisory Council on cyber security to be headed by the National Security Adviser (NSA).

    Osinbajo disclosed at the 2016 Cyber Secure Nigeria that the council, which would include major stakeholders in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as well as the Nigeria Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is expected to counsel the President on measures to protect national critical infrastructures and address cyber threats.

    The VP spoke at an event organized by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Wednesday in Abuja. It was titled ‘Emerging Cyber Security Threats and Counter-measures.

    Osinbajo said terrorism could take several avenues to attack critical infrastructures in the country, adding that there was need for more partnership between the public and private sectors to secure the nation’s cyber space.

    The Vice President (VP), who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Rule of Law, Mr. Akingbola Adeniran, emphasized the sector is capable of creating jobs for the unemployed youths, especially with the right partnership.

    He added that the Office of the NSA and NITDA already setup emergency response teams in respect to cyber threats.

    Osinbajo said: “If it is in the area of terrorism there are threats. Terrorism can take several forms on critical national infrastructures and through that, you can commit terrorism. In areas of financial crimes, we already have that happening. When you look at the threats this poses to the country, this is something we should be discussing and discussing seriously.

    “We have a cyber-crime act which came into law last year and one of the provisions establishes cyber-crime advisory council, which is to be headed by the NSA. I am happy to inform you that in the coming weeks, that council will be inaugurated under the chairmanship of the NSA. This is the premiere cyber-crime fighting or coordinating body for the country and so many agencies, including the private sector that is part of this council. The idea is that every aspect of cyber security is discussed so that they can take decisions, to advise Mr. President on how to improve our cyber security.”

    In his remarks, CSEAN President, Remi Afon said the conference was organized to call government’s attention to the need to train Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on cyber security.

    He advised government to create more awareness on impact of cyber-crime, adding that research and investment in cyber security are essential to responding to cyber threats.

     

  • Cyber Security: Expert demand to hit 1.5 million by 2020

    Cyber Security: Expert demand to hit 1.5 million by 2020

    President, Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Remi Afon has disclosed that the there will be a 1.5 million shortfall of cyber security experts by 2020.

    Afon stated that across the globe, there is an increasing need for the professionals to ensure safety of the cyberspace.

    In a statement issued by the association Monday in Abuja, Afon said CSEAN has planned to organise training for stakeholders in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sub sector of the economy to meet the demand.

    The training is expected to empower stakeholders on how to combat cyber crimes in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) including the private sector.

    He stated that the scheduled three day capacity building would serve as the association’s contribution to cyber security development in the nation.

    According to him, the exercise would provide participants with basic skills to build knowledge and skills against cyber attacks.

    The statement reads, “It is estimated that about 1.5 million cyber security professionals will be needed by 2020 worldwide. That’s shortfall in cyber security professionals. So the training offers a high-level overview of various aspects of cyber security in the context of a modern and internet-connected environment.

    “Through lecture, hands-on lab exercises, and group discussion, participants will gain a foundational perspective on the challenges of designing cyber security program, implementing secure systems, and other factors needed for a comprehensive cyber security solution.

    “It will cover all modules required to pass the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) internationally recognised Global Cyber Security Fundamental Certificate exams.”

    The capacity building is targeted at Information Communication Technology (ICT) opinion leaders who intended to develop business and IT strategies to defend networks and critical data.

    Others include, “IT professionals who need the skills to protect their organisations in real time, CEOs and Managing Directors who need to ensure the safety of their organisation,” he added.

  • Cyber Security Bill with Justice Ministry, says Minister

    The Cyber Security Bill is being finetuned by the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, has said.

    She spoke at the 11th International Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), in Ilesha, Osun State.

    She said when the bill is presented to the National Assembly, stakeholders in the information technology (IT) sector would be opportuned to make their input before its passage into law.

    “The Cyber Security Bill will be ready before the end of the year. The Federal Ministry of Justice is working on a draft that will form executive bill. There will be inputs from stakeholders from the IT industry,” she said.

    Former Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof Cleopas Angaye, told The Nation that cyber crime had become worrisome in the country.

    With the nation falling within the same bracket with super powers, such as the United States, China and the United Kingdom, it was high time IT stakeholders acted, he said.

    “Nigeria is rated as one of the worst cybercrime nations in the world. Nigeria is one of the four leading cybercrime countries of the world. It becomes of utmost concern when you count the US and may be China and the UK and Nigeria is there. We shouldn’t be there.

    ‘’Nigeria is not as advanced as these other countries. We want to be advanced in other areas but certainly not in crime. So, we are concerned. We want our cyberspace to be free,” he said.