The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Cybersecurity

  • Pantami, Mujaddadi Foundations to train Bauchi youths in AI, cybersecurity

    Pantami, Mujaddadi Foundations to train Bauchi youths in AI, cybersecurity

    The Professor Isa Pantami Foundation (PIP Foundation) has announced a partnership with the Mujaddadi Care Foundation to launch a new skills-development programme that will train 200 youths from Bauchi State in mobile phone repairs, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity this December.

    The collaborative initiative aims to empower young people with practical, future-oriented skills that enhance self-reliance and competitiveness in the digital world.

    The Mujaddadi Care Foundation is a community-based initiative founded by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, dedicated to compassion-driven social upliftment, empowerment, and care programmes.

    The training programme is part of the PIP Foundation’s wider commitment to training 10,000 youths across Gombe and neighboring states in the North East.

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    Participants will be provided with start-up kits and post-training support to help them establish their own small-scale enterprises, strengthening job creation efforts and closing the region’s widening skills gap.

    Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Isa Pantami, reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to building a skilled, technologically-driven workforce. He stated that the program is a contribution to grooming a society where skills take center stage, boosting productivity as seen in nations like Japan, China, and India.

    The joint effort follows the organization’s earlier success in August 2025, where an initial group of 250 young people from Gombe State were trained in the same fields and empowered with professional toolkits to start generating income.

    A beneficiary, Ibrahim Khalil, noted that the training enabled him to perform basic repairs in his neighborhood, which now fetches him income. Interested participants can find more details on the application process via the Foundation’s website.

  • OGIRS boss charges staff on data integrity, cybersecurity

    OGIRS boss charges staff on data integrity, cybersecurity

    The Executive Chairman, Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye, has charged Directors, Zonal Controllers, Tax Office Managers and Heads of Units to ensure total compliance with data integrity and cyber security policies in tax administration in order to prevent data breaches, financial losses and public mistrust.

    The OGIRS boss gave the charge during the OGIRS 2025 Q1–Q3 Performance Review, at Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ogun State, saying tax administration is evolving and the era of using roadblocks as enforcement measures is over, noting that there was need for a more strategic and technology-driven approach for enforcement, urging tax professionals to enhance the efficiency of digital processes and ensure that all staff are conversant with the agency’s cyber security policies.

    Read Also: Yoruba Islamic clerics, leaders warn against using religion to divide Nigeria

    The OGIRS Chairman further stated that taxpayers must be adequately sensitised on the new tax reforms, revealing the importance of collaboration, innovation and regular brainstorming sessions for improved performance.

  • Winning cybersecurity war without losing Nigerians

    Winning cybersecurity war without losing Nigerians

    • By Lekan Olayiwola

    Sir: In August 2025, Nigeria’s regulatory agencies, working with global platforms like Meta, TikTok, X, and Google oversaw the removal of over 13.6 million social media accounts and nearly 59 million pieces of harmful content.

    Were “harmful” handles or contents publicly understood? Who gets hurt in the process? Without a moral compass, digital enforcement becomes erasure, efficiency becomes exclusion, and innovation becomes inequality. Nigeria’s digital future must be humane not just functional.

    Regulation is necessary. But when enforcement lacks empathy, it deepens distrust. Citizens begin to see platforms and the state as opaque, punitive forces rather than partners in progress.

    Nigeria’s cybercrime fight has sharpened. In a recent sweep, 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian were deported for alleged cyber-terrorism and internet fraud— framed as a security win by EFCC.

    But were fair trials held? Were rights respected? Were diplomatic protocols observed? These questions matter not just for justice but for Nigeria’s credibility. In 2019, when Ghana mass-deported Nigerian traders, Abuja cried foul. Now, the roles are reversed. Reciprocity in dignity matters.

    The issue isn’t guilt or innocence but the treatment of people under state power. To deport en masse, to label publicly, to uproot without due process is where enforcement slips into erasure.

    Nigeria is simultaneously courting tech partners from Japan to the EU, with its draft AI strategy leaning on global collaboration. Yet heavy-handed enforcement risks undermining our image as a fair and rights-respecting partner.

    International norms from the EU Cybercrime Convention to bilateral best practices stress proportionality, transparency, and joint investigations over blanket expulsions. Nigeria must measure up, not just for optics, but for justice.

    The Nigerian government has set an ambitious target: 75% of public services digitized by 2027. This includes unified web standards across ministries, deployment of AI and blockchain, and robotic process automation (RPA) to streamline bureaucratic workflows.

    Over 500,000 civil servants are being trained in digital skills under the 3MTT program. It’s a bold vision. But boldness without empathy can backfire.

    Imagine a widow in Minna trying to access her late husband’s pension. She logs onto the new digital portal, only to be met with “Error Code 403.” No helpline. No human support. Just a cold interface and a dead end.

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    This is not hypothetical. In India, the Aadhaar biometric ID system hailed as a model of digital governance faced backlash when technical glitches denied millions access to food rations and welfare. Efficiency became exclusion. Dignity was lost to design.

    E-governance must be humane. That means intuitive interfaces, multilingual support, offline alternatives, and grievance redress mechanisms. It means designing systems not just for scale, but for sensitivity.

    Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy is currently in public consultation. It promises to harness artificial intelligence for economic growth, talent development, and public service delivery. The 3MTT program aims to train three million tech talents, with AI as a core focus.

    But AI is not neutral. It reflects the values of its creators and the biases of its data.

    UN research shows that facial recognition systems misidentify darker-skinned women at rates up to 35% higher than light-skinned men. In the U.S., such errors have led to wrongful arrests. If Nigeria adopts these tools without empathy-centred safeguards, discrimination becomes systemic.

    Already, concerns are rising. The Centre for Digital Rights and Inclusion (CEDRI) warns that rural communities, women, and minorities risk being “encoded out” of Nigeria’s digital future. Their voices, behaviours, and needs are underrepresented in training datasets. Their realities are invisible to algorithms.

    AI must be inclusive by design. That means diverse data, ethical audits, community consultations, and human oversight. It means seeing citizens not as data points, but as people.

    Empathy requires that regulators mandate platforms to establish multi-stakeholder appeals boards that include civil society, digital rights advocates, and small business representatives.

    They should also publish regular transparency reports disaggregated by region and content type, and co-develop culturally grounded moderation protocols with Nigerian experts so that satire, commerce, and political debate are not mistaken for hate speech.

    Dignity demands that even foreigners accused of cybercrime are treated fairly. This means codifying due process in deportation procedures, guaranteeing access to legal counsel, interpreters, and consular representation before removal.

    Nigeria should align its practices with ECOWAS human rights standards, while publishing deportation criteria and subjecting enforcement to independent review to avoid abuse and diplomatic double standards.

    Trust must drive public portals by offering multilingual support, voice-assisted navigation, and offline access points for underserved areas. Government should invest in community-based digital helpdesks, in partnership with NGOs and faith institutions, to support citizens navigating online services.

    A national digital grievance system would further ensure that problems are logged, tracked, and resolved transparently, giving Nigerians confidence that they will be heard.

    •Lekan Olayiwola,

    <lekanolayiwola@gmail.com>

  • Tech expert unveils Prosafe to bridge gap between Saas, cybersecurity

    Tech expert unveils Prosafe to bridge gap between Saas, cybersecurity

    In a bid to tackle the growing challenge of cybersecurity breaches despite heavy investments in cloud software and security infrastructure, renowned IT expert Oladele Ologbonsaiye has introduced ProSAFE, a groundbreaking framework designed to align SaaS adoption and cybersecurity posture.

    According to Oladele, organisations have been investing millions in SaaS platforms and cybersecurity tools, yet these investments often work in silos, leaving businesses vulnerable to breaches.

    “It was like building a fortress with a thousand gates and no central command,” he recalls. “Organisations had great tools but no unifying framework to connect technology investments with measurable business outcomes.”

    ProSAFE, short for Project-Oriented SaaS and Cybersecurity Alignment Framework for Enterprises, is a 7-pillar methodology that diagnoses, aligns, and optimises SaaS adoption and cybersecurity posture in a single, strategic playbook.

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    The framework provides organisations with a comprehensive maturity scorecard, risk assessment model, and roadmap that ensures every SaaS and security initiative is tied directly to operational performance, compliance requirements, and return on investment.

    Since its launch, ProSAFE has been adopted by corporations across sectors, including fintech, telecoms, healthcare, and manufacturing. Early adopters have reported significant improvements, including up to 35% improvement in SaaS utilisation, 40% faster detection-to-response times for cyber threats, and a significant drop in compliance audit findings.

    Industry analysts have taken notice of ProSAFE’s impact, with a recent report describing it as “a timely convergence of cybersecurity resilience and SaaS optimisation, setting a new benchmark for digital business alignment.”

    Oladele believes that ProSAFE will become the global standard for ensuring SaaS and cybersecurity systems drive resilience, growth, and trust. “The future of enterprise success lies in alignment,” he says. “With ProSAFE, we’ve given organisations the compass they need to navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape and to do it with confidence.”

  • Delta bags Best State in Cybersecurity Leadership Award

    Delta bags Best State in Cybersecurity Leadership Award

    The Delta State Government has received the Best State in Cybersecurity Leadership Award from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    The programme with the theme, ‘Building A Resilient Digital Future,’ was organised by NITDA in  collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

    Read Also: FG trains 1,800 youths in web development, cybersecurity to tackle poverty

    Presenting the Award yesterday,  Director, Cybersecurity Department, NITDA, Dr. Lawan A. Mohammed, said the honour was in recognition of the relentless pursuits of the Delta State’s efforts in exemplary leadership in cybersecurity governance, infrastructure development, and cybersecurity awareness evidence in the state level in ensuring that people embrace digital technology.

  • Nigerian cybersecurity expert leads others to shape Oman’s energy future

    Nigerian cybersecurity expert leads others to shape Oman’s energy future

    Nigerian-Born Cybersecurity, AI and strategic planning specialist, Prof. Alex Akpodiete, recently led nine senior procurement and planning professionals through a suite of cutting-edge analytical tools, generative-AI applications and hands-on modelling exercises to shape Oman’s energy future and set a new benchmark for utility training worldwide.

    Prof Akpodiete used the five-day training session held in Muscat, Oman, to position himself at the forefront of energy-sector consulting in the Gulf as he led a groundbreaking strategic forecasting and planning workshop for Oman’s power and water sector.

    He noted that the first day of the workshop, which offered participants the opportunity to analyse Oman’s water and power landscape, equally helped them to leverage Oman’s robust gas reserves for flexible power generation, mitigating import dependency risks, capitalizing on renewable energy incentives and countering climate-driven water shortages.

    “On the second day, the focus shifted to data quality and exploratory analysis.”

     Trainees learned best practices for cleaning and validating time-series data in Excel, including filling gaps via moving averages, smoothing volatility with exponential smoothing techniques and constructing what-if scenario tables to assess tariff and demand growth sensitivities.

    Read Also: LSET offers Nigerian students career prospects in AI, cybersecurity

    “Using Oman’s 2015–2023 load and water-demand records, teams generated interactive histograms, box plots and trend lines, laying the descriptive groundwork for robust forecasting,” he said.

    The workshop was an opportunity to position a Nigerian authority on the global stage as Akpodiete drew on more than three decades of experience in AI ethics, cybersecurity and digital forensics education to deliver landmark lectures. A holder of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) golden visa, he has previously led bespoke courses for clients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

    “Our goal was to equip NAMA staff with end-to-end capabilities, from data cleaning to AI-driven scenario planning and sustainability alignment. The enthusiasm and rapid progress from the trainees exceeded all expectations. I was impressed and even learnt from the participants. I loved the country and the hospitality and I hope to return,” he said.

    Speaking on the implications of the workshop for Nigeria’s energy sector, he noted that Nigeria, having been grappling with legacy grid constraints, tariff reforms and ambitious renewable energy goals, stands to benefit immensely from a similar programme. “By harnessing AI-enhanced forecasting, solver-powered optimisation and interactive BI dashboards, as demonstrated in Muscat, Nigerian utilities could refine 10-year master plans, de-risk investments in solar and gas and transparently demonstrate alignment with the country’s decade of gas and energy transition frameworks,” he stated.

    Prof. Akpodiete said he is examining the possibility of scaling the training to other Gulf utilities, stressing that he was already in discussions with several ministries from the Middle East and Africa to replicate the curriculum.

    A Nigerian government spokesperson who preferred anonymity said: “In Abuja, energy-sector stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation. This is exactly the capacity development Nigeria needs. We’re eager to explore a partnership to bring these best practices home.”

    Prof. Akpodiete noted that the workshop could serve as a blueprint for smart and sustainable utility planning for Nigeria’s policymakers and operators. “The success of this Gulf-based pilot offers a timely opportunity for Nigerian agencies to leverage world-class training in strategic forecasting, AI integration, and capacity optimisation,” he stated.

  • FG trains 1,800 youths in web development, cybersecurity to tackle poverty

    FG trains 1,800 youths in web development, cybersecurity to tackle poverty

    The Federal Government’s drive to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty has received a boost with the launch of a youth empowerment training programme in Web Development and Cybersecurity across six states.

    The training is taking place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ondo, Anambra, Bauchi, Delta, and Kebbi States under the pilot phase of the initiative.

    Flagging off the scheme in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (TVEE), Dr. Abiola Arogundade, said the programme is part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    With the theme “Upscaling Technical and Vocational Training,” the two-week programme, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, aims to empower 1,800 youths with critical tech skills.

    Arogundade reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment through technical and vocational training, stressing that the administration is focused on meeting its poverty reduction target within the projected timeline.

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    She said each participant will receive hands-on training in web development and cybersecurity, along with laptops as starter packs to help them become self-reliant and contribute to national development.

    She urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and apply their new skills toward personal growth and the advancement of the country.

  • LSET offers Nigerian students career prospects in AI, cybersecurity

    LSET offers Nigerian students career prospects in AI, cybersecurity

    As Nigeria rapidly embraces the digital age, the demand for tech-savvy professionals is rising faster than ever. From Lagos to Abuja, government institutions, financial organisations, and tech startups are all hunting for one thing: job-ready talent in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. 

    But in a global marketplace, standing out takes more than a degree, it takes international exposure, real-world experience, and specialised training.

    Enter the London School of Emerging Technology (LSET), one of the UK’s most prestigious and progressive tech institutions. For Nigerian students with global aspirations, LSET is offering more than just a chance to study abroad. It’s offering a direct pathway into some of the world’s most competitive and future-focused industries.

    LSET is steadily building a reputation among UK-based African students, particularly those from Nigeria, as a respected provider of practical, industry-aligned tech education. With its focus on real-world skills in AI and Cybersecurity, LSET is becoming an appealing choice for those seeking to advance their careers in the UK tech landscape.

    With globally relevant AI courses, forward-thinking cybersecurity programs, and an unmatched real-world training model, it’s no surprise that Nigerian students are increasingly enrolling in its programmes.

    Unlike traditional universities, LSET emphasises skill over theory. Its curriculum is built in collaboration with employers and reflects the latest industry demands, from machine learning frameworks to data protection regulations. The result? Students complete the course not only with credentials but with confidence, capability, and a compelling global portfolio.

    Work-Integrated Learning (LWIL): Bridging the gap between study and Employment

    The jewel in LSET’s crown is its LSET Work-Integrated Learning (LWIL) program, a hands-on, employer-connected learning experience designed to set students apart in a crowded job market.

    Through LWIL, students are matched with tech employers in the UK and receive internship-like roles that complement their academic study. It’s a unique blend of classroom learning and work-based application, giving Nigerian students international industry experience that can fast-track their careers.

    “Most Nigerian students tell us they don’t just want to learn theory, they want practical, employable skills,” says Mayur Ramgir, founder of LSET. “That’s exactly what LWIL delivers.”

    Visa Pathway for Nigerian Learners

    Although LSET is not a university and cannot issue student visas, it has partnered with JENZA, an official BUNAC sponsorship provider. This partnership allows eligible Nigerian students to apply for the Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa to participate in structured training with UK employers.

    In this model, LSET acts as a facilitator. It connects Nigerian students with UK employers, provides relevant tech training, and supports their internship experience. The GAE visa is a legal and safe route for short-term training and allows learners to gain invaluable international exposure.

    For Nigerian parents and guardians, this provides peace of mind: students are not left to navigate unfamiliar systems alone. LSET offers structured guidance every step of the way.

    AI Courses for the Future-Focused Nigerian Mindset

    Artificial Intelligence is more than just a buzzword in Nigeria. From fintech to agriculture, AI is already transforming how we live and work. LSET’s specialised AI courses are tailored for the African context too, training students in:

    • Machine learning and deep learning
    • Natural Language Processing (NLP)
    • Predictive analytics
    • AI for business and automation

    Students explore both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI and are encouraged to apply their skills to solve real-world problems, something particularly appealing to Nigeria’s growing tech startup scene.

    Cybersecurity: Building Nigeria’s Digital Defenders

    Cybercrime remains one of the fastest-growing threats to businesses and governments in Africa. LSET’s cybersecurity courses train students in real-world scenarios including:

    • Ethical hacking and penetration testing
    • Network defence
    • Security compliance and audits
    • Digital forensics

    Read Also: AI’s Influence on businesses and the Implications for cybersecurity

    Through hands-on labs and simulated attack environments, Nigerian students learn to defend systems, protect data, and safeguard the infrastructure of the digital economy.

    Startup Incubator: A Platform for Nigeria’s Next Tech Giants

    Beyond education, LSET is home to a budding Startup Incubator and Accelerator, which invites aspiring founders from across the globe, including Africa, to pitch and develop their ideas.

    Nigerian innovators with startup dreams in AI or cybersecurity are encouraged to apply. The incubator offers:

    • Mentorship from UK-based tech leaders
    • Access to development tools and workspaces
    • Guidance on pitching to investors
    • Exposure to European tech markets

    While still in its early stages, the incubator is already attracting interest from African entrepreneurs. With Nigeria’s own startup ecosystem booming, LSET is an ideal overseas launchpad for those ready to go global.

    LSET Pro Plan: Professional Development With a Personal Touch

    To complement its academic offerings, LSET offers the Pro Plan, a professional development package that helps students refine their job-readiness. It includes:

    • LinkedIn and CV workshops
    • Career mentorship and goal setting
    • Interview training

    Although LSET does not guarantee job placements, it provides all the tools Nigerian students need to present themselves confidently to global employers.

    Global Exposure, African Roots

    What makes LSET particularly relevant for Nigerians is its balance of global reach and local relevance. Students are taught by professionals with real industry backgrounds, not just academics. They also participate in global discussions on ethics, inclusion, and sustainable tech, important issues for Africa’s digital future.

    Courses are accessible online and on-campus, allowing flexible options for different financial and family circumstances. In addition, group coaching, peer collaboration, and alumni networks provide ongoing support even after completion the course.

    Why LSET is the Right Choice for Nigerian Families

    For Nigerian parents and guardians seeking a practical tech education for their children, LSET stands as a wise investment. With its commitment to real-world skills, international exposure, and a pathway to career success, LSET prepares students not only for jobs but for leadership.

    Whether the goal is to work abroad, return home and build a business, or bring international expertise into local industries, the LSET journey empowers Nigerian learners to take charge of their futures.

    Empowering Nigeria Through Global Tech Education

    As Nigeria’s tech scene grows, so must the ambition of its learners. The London School of Emerging Technology(LSET) is providing a unique, proven, and practical bridge between Nigerian talent and global opportunity. From AI courses to cybersecurity training and startup incubation, LSET is the gateway to a future where Nigerian minds lead global innovations.

    For students, parents, and professionals ready to take that leap, LSET is not just a school, it is a game-changer.

  • AI’s Influence on businesses and the Implications for cybersecurity

    AI’s Influence on businesses and the Implications for cybersecurity

    By: Samuel Akerele 

    Talents: The focus is on how AI is transforming business operations across sectors and what that means for the cybersecurity workforce, talent development, and the future of secure digital systems in Africa.

    Describing the biggest shift AI has caused in day to day work on in our environment. 

    The biggest shift AI has caused in day-to-day work is the transformation of how tasks are performed and decisions are made. Routine and repetitive tasks—like data entry, scheduling, and customer inquiries—are now automated, freeing up time for employees to focus on more strategic and creative work. AI systems analyze vast amounts of data at high speed, helping organizations make faster, smarter decisions. They also enable personalized experiences in areas like customer service and marketing, improving efficiency and satisfaction. In the workplace, AI has reshaped the skillset needed, placing greater emphasis on digital fluency, critical thinking, and adaptability. It has also enhanced remote work, with AI-powered tools supporting communication, collaboration, and time management. Overall, AI has boosted productivity, redefined job roles, and introduced new ethical and privacy considerations in the modern work environment.

    AI’s business Impact: How is organization balancing innovation with security when adopting AI, especially in business critical process? 

    This is one of the biggest challenges we face in field, how do we tackle it?

    Security starts Early: We don’t have to wait until AI systems are built before we start thinking about security. Instead, security should be embedded from the beginning. This approach is called secure by design. This means that potential risks should be accessed upfront and protection are built around them. 

    AI is absolutely transforming business-critical operations, but organizations today are very aware that innovation can’t come at the cost of security or trust. What we’re seeing is a strong pushtoward building AI responsibly through structured governance frameworks, privacy safeguards, and continuous oversight. For example, companies are putting AI through the same level of risk assessment and compliance scrutiny as any other critical infrastructure. They’re also taking a ‘human-in-the-loop’ approach, ensuring that even in automated systems, there’s still human accountability in the loop especially in areas like finance, healthcare, or legal decisions.

    Another important piece is cybersecurity. AI systems, especially those tied to sensitive data or core business logic, are being designed with stronger protections like data encryption, model monitoring, and adversarial testing. There is a cultural shift happening; Organizations are not just investing in technology but also in people training teams on AI ethics, bias, and responsible deployment. So to sum up: the balance comes from treating AI not just as a tool for speed or scale, but as a strategic capability that demands control, transparency, and trust at every level.

    Cybersecurity Risks Introduced by AI: How are the SOC Team ready for adversarial AI, deep fakes or AI generated phishing? 

    “AI is really reshaping cybersecurity not just as a defensive tool, but as a weapon in the hands of attackers. From adversarial AI to deep fakes and AI-powered phishing, the threat landscape is evolving fast, and SOC teams are stepping up to meet that challenge.

    The SOC team are no longer just reactive they are becoming more proactive and AI-enabled themselves. They’re using machine learning to detect patterns, flag anomalies, and respond to threats faster than ever before.

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    For adversarial attacks, such as model poisoning or data manipulation, teams are integrating AI security into the model development lifecycle validating inputs, auditing outputs, and applying rigorous testing to catch vulnerabilities early. With deep fakes and synthetic media, especially in social engineering and disinformation campaigns, some SOCs are now using forensic tools to verify content authenticity and embedding these checks into their incident response protocols.

    With the increasing use of AI by threat actors, No organization can ever be fully ready for this, but the approach is to focus on readiness through resilience and awareness. The SOC teams are expanding integrating AI assisted tools that helps to spot glitches. They are should be trained on how recognize AI driven attacks that may look real but behave. 

    Impact on Talent and workforce: How is AI changing the required skillsets for cybersecurity professionals? 

    Cybersecurity professionals needs to understand more than firewalls and passwords. 

    • Working with smart tools: AI is like a super-smart assistance that can spot threats faster than any human. As a cybersecurity professional, you need to know how it works, how to read data and how to make decisions based on that information. 

    • Understanding Data: AI learns from data, cybersecurity expert’s needs to be more comfortable looking at data, spot the pattern and figure out what it means. 

    So, AI is not replacing cybersecurity professionals, its only changing what they need to know. 

    Up skilling internal security teams to be AI-aware or AI-Capable. 

    Upskilling internal security teams to be AI-aware and AI-capable is no longer optional, it’s essential. As AI becomes more embedded in both business operations and threat vectors, security professionals need to understand not just how to defend against AI-driven threats, but how to use AI as a force multiplier in their own workflows.

    • Organizations are approaching this in a few key ways. First, they’re offering targeted training on the fundamentals of AI and machine learning especially focusing on how these technologies are applied in cybersecurity contexts. That includes understanding adversarial attacks, model poisoning, data drift, and deepfake detection.

    • They’re creating cross-functional learning opportunities. Security analysts are working more closely with data science and AI teams to build shared knowledge and break down silos. This helps security teams better audit AI systems and understand where vulnerabilities may exist.

    • Hands-on experience is critical. Many SOCs are investing in AI-driven tools like automated threat detection, behavioral analytics, and intelligent alert triage so analysts can gain practical experience using AI in real-time operations.

    Finally, there is an emphasis on mindset. Being AI-capable isn’t just about tools or code—it’s about cultivating a proactive, data-driven, and adaptive approach to security. Teams need to be comfortable questioning AI decisions, looking for hidden bias, and staying current with evolving attack techniques.

    Advice to the next generation of cybersecurity

    AI continues to reshape the cybersecurity landscape, the real advantage will lie with organizations that invest in upskillingtheir security teams not just to understand AI, but to work confidently with it. This isn’t just a technical shift, it’s a cultural one. When security professionals are AI-aware and AI-capable, they become proactive defenders who can anticipate threats, respond intelligently, and help the organization innovate safely. The future of cybersecurity depends as much on human capability as it does on technological advancement. 

    As you step into the cybersecurity field, my advice is that youbuild a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, don’t stop there and stay curious about AI. 

    About the Author 

    Samuel Akerele is Cybersecurity Lead at Vuhosi . He is a skilled Cybersecurity Analyst, provides Technical Support, Database Management, Vulnerability management, Incident response, and Disaster recovery planning. As a dedicated member of the Microsoft Community Contributor program and CyBlack CISCO Academy, he is committed to continuous professional development and sharing knowledge within the tech community.

  • Experts advocate AI-driven security measures at Lagos cybersecurity meetup

    Experts advocate AI-driven security measures at Lagos cybersecurity meetup

    Cybersecurity experts, tech professionals, and industry stakeholders convened at the Lagos Cybersecurity Meetup to discuss the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity and propose solutions to the escalating threats of cybercrime.

    The event, organized by DOH Africa x Africa Cyberfest and powered by CISCO EDGE Nigeria – CDA, was held at CISCO Edge, Yudala Heights, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Discussions focused on AI-driven cyberattacks, hacking techniques, data breaches, and strategies for bolstering digital security.

    Speakers highlighted AI’s dual role in cybersecurity—serving as both a powerful defense tool and a weapon for cybercriminals.

    Olúmáyòwá Akinkuehinmi noted that AI-powered attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling hackers to automate phishing schemes, bypass security systems, and exploit network vulnerabilities.

    However, he emphasized that AI also enhances threat detection, making it easier to identify and mitigate cyber risks in real-time.

    Keynote speaker Ayoola Samagbeyi warned that as technology advances, organizations and individuals must stay ahead by adopting AI-driven security measures to counter evolving cyber threats.

    “As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for organizations and individuals to stay ahead by adopting AI-driven security measures that can effectively counter evolving cyber threats,” he said.

    Co-Founder of CYSED and DOH Africa lead, Ayodele Ernest Oluwatobi (Tobi Mayana), commended the Nigerian government’s efforts in safeguarding citizens’ data through initiatives such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

    However, he advised Nigerians to be mindful of the information they share online, as AI systems train on publicly available data, increasing the risk of cyberattacks.

    “The Nigerian government’s initiatives to protect citizens’ data and privacy rights are commendable. However, while these institutions play a vital role in digital security, Nigerians must take personal responsibility by being cautious about the information they disclose in the public domain,” he stated.

    Cybersecurity expert Chukwudi Theodre stressed the need for organizations, business owners, and individuals to prioritize cybersecurity and seek professional guidance.

    Read Also: Troops arrest 16 for oil theft, seize 24,000 litres of products in Niger Delta

    “In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is not optional—it is a necessity.

    Organizations and individuals must stay updated on industry trends and seek expert advice to mitigate risks and ensure a safer online environment,” he advised.

    Participants shared their concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and stronger protection against fraud, data breaches, and online scams.

    Some attendees recounted personal experiences with cyberattacks, including phishing attempts, account breaches, and financial fraud.

    A participant noted that many businesses lack proper cybersecurity frameworks, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.

    Experts at the event recommended several strategies to combat cybercrime, including AI-driven threat detection systems, regular cybersecurity training, multi-factor authentication, and ethical hacking practices to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

    They also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and cybersecurity professionals to develop policies that enhance Nigeria’s digital security landscape.

    As AI continues to shape the future of cybersecurity, the Lagos Cybersecurity Meetup underscored the need for continuous innovation and proactive security measures.

    Experts urged individuals and businesses to stay informed and adopt best practices to safeguard their digital assets in an increasingly AI-driven world.