Tag: Cybersecurity

A report by HP Inc. has highlighted cybersecurity implications of failing to secure devices at every stage of their lifecycle. The findings show that platform security – securing hardware and firmware of PCs, laptops and printers – is often overlooked, weakening cybersecurity posture for years to come.

The report highlights cybersecurity challenges facing organisations – from supplier audit failures to weak BIOS passwords, Fear of Making Updates (FOMU), a $8.6 billion lost/stolen device epidemic, and growing e-waste.

The report, based on a global study of 800+ IT and security decision-makers (ITSDMs) and 6000+ work-from-anywhere (WFA) employees, shows that platform security is a growing concern with 81 er cent of ITSDMs agreeing that hardware and firmware security must become a priority to ensure attackers cannot exploit vulnerable devices. However, 68 per cent report that investment in hardware and firmware security is often overlooked in the cost of ownership (TCO) for devices. This is leading to costly security headaches, management overheads and inefficiencies.

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Findings from across five stages of device lifecycle  show that 34 per cent respondents  say a PC, laptop or printer supplier has failed a cybersecurity audit in the last five years, with 18 per cent saying the failure was so serious they terminated their contract.

The report said every year, lost and stolen devices cost organisations an estimated $8.6 billion. One in five WFA employees have lost a PC or had one stolen, taking an average 25 hours before notifying IT.

Chief Technologist for Security Research and Innovation at HP Inc., Boris Balacheff, said: “Buying PCs, laptops or printers is a security decision with long-term impact on an organisation’s infrastructure. The prioritisation, or lack thereof, of hardware and firmware security requirements during procurement can have ramifications on the lifetime of a fleet of devices – from increased risk exposure, to driving up costs or negative user experience – if security and manageability requirements are set too low compared to the available state of the art”, Balacheff said

In a bid to promote digital safety and security, West African Youth Council (WAYC) Ambassador, Enoch Odunayo, has unveiled a comprehensive cybersecurity initiative aimed at educating and empowering Nigerian youths.

The initiative, tagged “Cybersecurity for Nigeria’s Future,” seeks to address the growing concern of cyber threats in the country, particularly among young people. 

With Nigeria’s rapid digital transformation, Odunayo emphasized the need for a culture of cybersecurity awareness among citizens.

“Nigeria’s youth are increasingly engaged in online activities, but this comes with its own set of challenges. Our mission is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly,” he said.

The initiative’s objectives include,  nationwide awareness and education campaigns, skill development programs in cybersecurity fundamentals, promoting responsible digital citizenship, collaboration with stakeholders, creating safe online spaces, fostering innovation in cybersecurity solutions.

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Odunayo called on Nigerian youth to join the mission, stressing that cybersecurity education and awareness are crucial to protecting individuals and the nation’s collective future.

To achieve these goals, the initiative will offer, free training programs via Telegram, collaborations with educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations, advocacy for responsible online behaviour and digital rights.

“Together, we can build a resilient society equipped to face the challenges of the digital age. Let us unite in our commitment to creating a safer, more secure Nigeria where every citizen can thrive in the digital world,” he added.

This initiative is a significant step towards safeguarding Nigeria’s digital future and empowering its youth to become responsible digital citizens.

The federal government has begun training middle cadre civil servants in ministries, departments, and agencies of government on digital technologies, cybersecurity, and related information and communications Technology (ICT) fields

The government maintained that cybersecurity and improved productivity remained a top priority of the present administration given the current challenges facing the country.

The Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, under the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani, is spearheading a transformative programme aimed at modernizing government operations.

Launched in June, this monthly initiative will continue until all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are included.

According to the Ministry, the programme is a strategic effort to engage civil servants in the Tinubu administration’s transformation agenda, shifting from traditional methods to digital or automated systems.

The training, held in batches at the Digital Economy Complex in Mbora, Abuja, focuses on the theme “Building Trust in Digital Public Services: The Critical Role of Cybersecurity.”

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Additionally, the Ministry is committed to promoting the adoption of modern technology tools to enhance government service delivery, improve productivity, bolster food security, and safeguard the integrity of the nation’s cyberspace.

Tagged as “Delv in Government,” the programme would assist government diversification of the revenue base and improve the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Our Correspondent gathered at the weekend during the programme that the Minister had never missed any session since the programme started because he was passionate about carrying everybody along in ensuring the digital transformation of the country’s workspace.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the programme was necessary for the transformation of the digital workspace and the need to ensure the integrity and security of the entire system.

Abdullahi who was represented by the Acting Director of Standards, Guidelines, and Framework at NITDA, Mr Emmanuel Edet said the” delve in government programmes” was designed to put together developers working for federal government agencies and departments in order “to create a community of IT tech-savvy staff and share ideas on how to develop service delivery in government through technology.”

He said: “So basically on a monthly basis, we gather here together, pick a theme and discuss how to enhance our knowledge, and share practices on how we can better use technology to deliver government services.

“All Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government are participating in the programme.

It serves also as an educational channel where people compare notes, identify similar challenges, identify how those challenges have been resolved in other government agencies, and move the country forward through the deployment of modern technologies.

“It is important that at this level all tools of modern technology are used to improve cybersecurity, enhance productivity, and build confidence and trust in the day-to-day activities of government.

“Security in technology is absolutely necessary to create trust and confidence to enable people to use the technology. The government is adopting all necessary tools, migrating from IPv4 to IPv6, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and providing certain layers of security for all transactions and communications in cyberspace “.

Creative Intelligence (CI) Group Chief Executive Officer, Femi Odewunmi, has said suspended Cybersecurity Levy is a reminder of the price governments pay for neglecting proper communication strategies, .

Speaking on the botched exercise following outrage, he said: “This incident exposes haphazard crisis communication in the public sector. Moving forward, prioritising clear, transparent, and timely communication is crucial to gain public support and avoid missteps,” he said.

He advised public institutions to note that effective communication was not optional nor just an expense, but an investment in ensuring successful policy implementation.

Odewunmi, however, noted the Cybersecurity Levy was intended to bolster national defences against cyber threats.

He said negative sentiment and self-inflicted wound faced by Central Bank, Office of National Security, and the Presidency was avoidable through proper communication.

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“Media reports point to missteps that fuelled public discontent. First, the levy’s introduction lacked transparency. The public was in the dark regarding the levy’s allocation and justification for a 0.5 per cent levy on electronic transactions. This fostered suspicion and distrust. Also, the timing, amid hardship, was insensitive. Citizens struggling with inflation saw the levy as more burden.”

Speaking on the missed opportunity, he said a proactive and transparent communication strategy could have mitigated the damage.

“Imagine a scenario where government, before implementation, educated the public highlighting escalating cyber threats facing the financial sector and critical infrastructure…’

…say banks, not citizens should bear burden

Northern Stakeholders on Thursday, May 16, rose from a one-day roundtable discussion on the Cybersecurity Act, asking the federal government to commence implementation of the Act, considering its many benefits to national security.

The stakeholders were however quick to state that, banks and other financial institutions should bear the burden of the proposed 0.5% levy, rather than passing it on to the citizens who they argued were already facing multiple taxes and levies imposed by banks.

The northern stakeholders, most of whom were drawn from Civil Society, NGOs and Academia, were led by the director of Arewa House, Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, Secretary General of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Murtala Aliyu and Director General of Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Gambo Umar, other

Reading their communique to journalists at the end of the meeting, Aliyu noted that, the discussion which was organised to review and make inputs on the Cyber Security Act, examined the degree of vulnerability to Cybercrimes, the methodology, and mechanisms to be applied, as well as the organizations to pay the levy.

According to him, “The participants acknowledged that the Cybersecurity Act is a well-articulated and necessary initiative to address the increasing cybercrimes in Nigeria. The Act is seen as a positive step towards safeguarding the country’s digital infrastructure and protecting its citizens from cyber threats.

“The participants recognized the real and significant danger posed by cybercrimes to the country. They emphasized the need for effective measures to prevent and combat cybercrimes, as they can undermine national security, economic stability, and the privacy of individuals.

“There was a general concern among the participants regarding the usage of funds collected through the proposed 0.5% levy. They stressed the importance of accountability and prudent utilization of the funds to ensure that they are allocated to the appropriate areas, such as strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, enhancing law enforcement efforts, and supporting initiatives aimed at educating the public about cyber threats.

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“The participants recognized that citizens already face multiple taxes and levies imposed by banks and other financial institutions. They emphasized the need for these institutions to bear the burden of the proposed 0.5% levy, rather than passing it on to the citizens. This approach would alleviate the financial strain on individuals and ensure that the responsibility is shared by institutions that directly benefit from enhanced cybersecurity measures.

“The participants acknowledged the prevailing physical insecurity challenges, such as kidnappings, terrorism, and banditry in the Northern region. They emphasized the need to allocate a portion of the funds generated through the proposed levy to address these issues.

“By investing in initiatives to enhance physical security, the government can create an environment that supports the effective implementation of the Cybersecurity Act, as both cyber and physical security are interconnected.

“The participants recognized the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, NGOs, and Civil Society Organizations, to effectively implement the provisions of the Cybersecurity Act. They emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in combating cybercrimes.

“The participants emphasised the importance of ensuring that the implementation of the Cybersecurity Act does not infringe upon the civil liberties and privacy rights of individuals. They urged for the development of safeguards and mechanisms to protect the rights of individuals while effectively combating cybercrimes.

“The participants stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to effectively combat cybercrimes. They recommended the establishment of strong partnerships and information-sharing mechanisms to facilitate timely response and investigation of cyber incidents. This collaboration would enhance the overall cybersecurity ecosystem and contribute to a safer digital environment for individuals, businesses, and the nation as a whole.

“The participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers of the round table discussion and pledged their commitment to supporting the implementation of the Cybersecurity Act. They urged the government to consider the points raised during the discussion and ensure that the Act is implemented in a manner that alleviates the burden on citizens, promotes awareness and education, and addresses both cyber and physical security challenges in the Northern region and the Country,” the communique read.