The Managing Director of Nigeria’s Broadband company, Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) Professor Muhammed Abubakar says there is a need for public-private partnerships to secure Nigeria’s cyberspace
Prof. Abubakar who stated this during the 2022 Nigeria Engineering Conference (NSE) in Abuja spoke on the topic; “Managing Digital Threats In Nigeria.”
He called for more collaborations to enhance cyber security in the country via proactive measures.
“Now, one fundamental way we can curb these digital threats is by working together
“Public and private organisations must see themselves as part of the same team in ensuring people work smoothly online. The way someone in government gets on the internet is not different from the way someone in a private sector organization gets on the Internet. So, the experience is the same.“
Professor Abubakar encouraged everyone not to take the threats of the digital world lightly, but to address them properly because that would guarantee a sustainable future for generations to come.
“That is why it is important that we continue to encourage to secure our cyberspace and we would see that this would ultimately advance our combined economic prosperity in both the private and public sector, need to protect their digital assets and manage their risks.“
Digital Threats
He stressed the need to create awareness to sensitize individuals and organisations in the public as well as private sectors on the potential risks of working and interacting online.
“The awareness of these risks and ways to combat them have got to be increased and communicated in simple ways that most of us who are not tech people can be aware of and take the necessary percussions when transacting their business online.
“The use of multiple platforms, that is online, print and electronic platforms must be adopted to ensure that people are kept well informed of the threats of the digital world.”
He also emphasised the need for organisations to increase awareness through cybersecurity awareness trainings and motivations.
“People are advised to strengthen their security online by adopting multiple layers of Security around their network.
“Organisations should engage the services of cybersecurity experts to help facilitate this process. In this way, the most vulnerable areas of the network are well protected. This will also ensure that the necessary back-ups are put in place to prevent prolonged downtimes in the case of any incident.
“The use of Strong Passwords cannot be overemphasized. When we use the combination of words, numbers and characters, we reduce the risk of being attacked. People are advised to desist from using personal details to set their passwords as this makes them more gullible to these threats.
“Updating of Softwires is very critical as this ensures that you stay up to date with the latest applications that help support your network.”
The Managing Director attributed the increase in cyber attacks to the digital revolution and the transformation across the world, especially our nation Nigeria, which is our focus area and has brought great opportunities but prevalent challenges coming from the change to how we work and live.
He said Nigeria has a vibrant and growing economy, there is every possibility that the attention that we are getting on the global stage will come with some challenges that we have to ensure we guard ourselves against.
“In fact, the growing rate of Cyberattacks in Nigeria seems to be on the rise as Sophos, a top Cybersecurity Company, reported recently that in 2021 about 71 percent of Nigerian organisations were hit by Ransomware in 2021
“It will not be out of place to attribute the growing increase in cyberattacks to the reality that with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of businesses shifted online and continues to remain online or currently operate on a hybrid level because of the expansion of the Digital Economy.”
The Galaxy Backbone Boss however said despite some of these threats identified, the reality is that these are quite exciting times for not just Tech professionals, but for also users of these technologies.
“I am sure most of us are aware of Internet of Things(IOT) which is one of the most exciting and innovative developments in technology which allow electrical appliances, our cars and other appliances to connect to the internet and interconnect with other devices.
“This is very exciting but it comes with its one threats as well. Currently, it is estimated by Fraudswatch, that there are about 31 billion IOT devices online.Most of these devices have been poorly secured. So it is advised that these devices and the WIFI Networks in which they operate, are well secured to prevent possible attacks”
Professor Abubakar also used the opportunity to highlights some of the achievements of the Agency
“An aspect of our business that has been tested, tried and proven over the years most especially during the COVID -19 pandemic and in the face of some major threats, and that is our Cybersecurity business.
“At GBB, ensuring that the network and devices of our people, customers, stakeholders, processes and technology is secure has been sewn into the DNA of our organization.”
Professor Abubakar affirmed that “We have invested and continue to invest in people and technology to ensure that in spite of the deepening of digital transformation, we ensure that everything is put in place to make sure 99.99% uptime is consistently achieved,“ he added.
He commended the NSE for creating a platform that brings together professionals from different works of life to discuss a better future and chart the best paths for personal, societal and national development.
PIAK
