The Information Security Society of Africa Nigeria has called for the development of a national awareness campaign to address the growing cyber threats in the country.
This was disclosed by the President of ISSAN and Executive Director at NOVA Bank, Dr. David Isiavwe, during his opening address at this year’s Cybersecurity Conference recently in Lagos.
Isiavwe said that the campaign should include community engagement, a redesign of school curricula, and strategic Public-Private Partnerships.
He stressed that these efforts are crucial to raising awareness and strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity defenses.
He emphasized that Nigeria faced millions of cyberattacks in the first half of the year alone, with a staggering 64% increase in reported data breaches nationwide.
“In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue; it is a fundamental pillar of our national security, economic stability, and societal well-being. Nigeria, like many nations, faces significant cybersecurity challenges that demand our immediate and sustained attention,” he noted.
Isiavwe noted that while Nigeria has made significant progress in digital transformation, the rise in internet access and digital technology use has also led to increased cybersecurity risks.
He highlighted that threats like phishing, ransomware, and data breaches are becoming more advanced and frequent, posing serious challenges to financial institutions, government agencies, and private businesses.
To tackle these challenges, Isiavwe stressed the importance of focusing on talent development and capacity building.
“We need to invest in cybersecurity education and training to nurture a new generation of experts equipped to protect our digital infrastructure. This requires collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector to create comprehensive training programs and career pathways in cybersecurity,” he stressed.
Isiavwe advocated for partnerships with universities and technical institutions to create specialized cybersecurity curricula and degree programs.
He also emphasized the importance of providing continuous learning opportunities for current IT professionals to transition into cybersecurity roles.
Alongside this, he called for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about cybersecurity threats and promote safe online practices.
Furthermore, Isiavwe urged the creation of incentives to retain cybersecurity talent within Nigeria. He recommended offering competitive salaries, career advancement opportunities, and supportive working environments to help retain skilled professionals in the country’s growing cybersecurity sector.
“Our efforts to organise this conference and bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders are commendable. It is through such collaborative platforms that we can share knowledge, exchange best practices, and develop innovative solutions to our cybersecurity challenges,” he said.
