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ITSSP Amplifies its Voice on Critical Cyber Security Issues Mitigating smooth ICT Development

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The Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP) is  set  to address critical cyber security issues mitigating smooth development of information security in Nigeria.

 

Professor Adesina Sodiya, President, Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP) disclosed this on tuesday during a press conference meant to address critical cyber security issues mitigating smooth development of information security in Nigeria.

 

Sodiya, bemoans business owners for their unwilling to invest in basic security management and control systems, and assumes  that the IT department will take care of any security issues that may arise.

 

He emphasized that it is important for the organisations to understand the nature of threats against their businesses and the impact of a breach on production, finances, intellectual property and reputation.

 

He said, “Organizations must continuously monitor their networks and have the ability to detect and mitigate intrusions as quickly as possible.

 

“Every organisation must develop information security policies, procedures and plans; and these need to be updated regularly and enforced to help keep pace with the constantly evolving threat landscape. Human beings are often the weakest link”.

 

According to Prof. Sodiya, an extremely high proportion of attacks involve social engineering approach.

 

“Many Nigerians, and even people all over the world, are still increasingly fallen victims of socially engineered attacks.

 

“In 2016, there are records that financial institutions in Nigeria faced Distributed Denial of Service Attacks (DDoS).

 

“This confirms that online activities are not completely secured.

 

“Security awareness and training are therefore indispensable.

 

“Attackers may be using customized attacks, but operating methods typically remain the same.

 

“Looking ahead at the future, security will probably be established by balancing controls and risks to produce scalable and flexible strategies.

 

“More persistent internal monitoring and sharing of security intelligence are necessary for a more effective security approach.

 

“For a security strategy to be workable for the present and the long terms, it is important to look ahead.

 

“Organizations tend to focus on reacting to security threats rather than being proactive.

 

“Functioning in this way provides no future growth in the adoption of the security framework.

 

“It is essential that organizations remain flexible and adaptable to achieve the long term security benefits.

 

“The organizations current security state, relative to the risk they are willing to take and effective security alignment will determine the achievable desired security posture for the future”.

 

Vice President of ITSSP, Liberty Echewodoh, highlighted the need to understand that information security in not only about firewalls, antivirus software and passwords.

 

“Information security is a continuous process that requires modern approaches and persistent management.

 

Collaborative strategy and efficient practices are required in protecting valuable assets of organisation to achieve major security goals of confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA)”, he said.

 

Meanwhile, Professor Sodiya, added that in the light of the above, it will then require inter-professional expertise and collaboration from IT Security Experts, Investigation officers, Prosecuting officers, Lawyers, Judges and Courts with enough experience to adjudicate in any judicial resolution that involves e-driven activities.

 

“It is therefore an enormous task to focus on capacity building and sustainability in an environment that is embracing multi-facet e-services like ours without equal amount of energy geared towards developing necessary structures.

 

He listed the challenges as:

In financial sector, the enormity of fraudulent activities going on daily as being reported periodically by the Fraud Forum Unit of CBN is alarming.

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Courts, and Federal Bureau of Statistics cannot provide sufficient data that can mitigate such activities adequately.

 

Some banks also experienced distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack in the last two years.

 

More and more individuals and organisations continue to experience different levels and types of cyber-attacks in Nigeria.

 

It has been forecasted that the next world war will be fought in the cyberspace. How prepared are we?

 

There is now cold cyber war all over the world.

“Do we have well experience information security experts in various organization?

|What is the level of cyber readiness in various organization?

 

“Where is IT Security Policy for National, State, Agencies, Higher Institutions of learning, as well as coordinating strategies; Media houses both Print and Electronics are not left out because they currently depend on e-platforms to function effective nowadays”.

 

In view of the above, ITSSP calls for full Implementation of the Cybercrime Act 2018; “Professional bodies should be included in the Council”, the President said.

 

“ITSSP calls for efficient and coordinated Computer Emergency Response (CERT).

 

“The Cyber Security Act that domicile in National Security Adviser’s office should create a civil arm of Cyber Security in executing its mandate like (Computer Emergency Response Team ‘CERT Nigeria’) with the professional agencies such as NITDA, CPN, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), NBA where civilian population can easily relate, because the NSA is currently being viewed as arm forces affairs only.

 

“Strong Collaboration with relevant government agencies. In order to effectively curb the menace of cyber criminals in Nigeria, we seek strong collaboration with relevant stakeholders like CBN, NIRA, NCC, NPF, ICPC, EFCC, NITDA, NBA and banking institutions in Nigeria.

 

“Relevant government security agencies like Nigeria Police Force (NPF),   Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission   (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

 

“There is need for adequate and accurate cybercrime data and statistics in the country.

 

“The system for realising this should be developed and maintained by ITSSP. ITSSP will develop an intelligent incident handling system.

 

“Support for capacity building in all areas of Information Security.

 

“NITDA and other stakeholders should support the development of high level skill in Information Technology.

 

“Of greatest importance is capacity building in this area, the Cyber Crime Art of 2015 in trying to address this established a fund for such development to be managed by its board.

 

“As it is now, this fund account is yet to be opened not to talk of collecting fund into it despite the fact that the Board had been in existence for over a year; just like NITDA also set up Information Security Department saddle with responsibility of Cyber Security.

 

“Civil arm of Cyber security coordination to complement what was done by NSA.

 

Mr. Rogba Adeoye,  ITSSP National Secretary, In his contribution, said that all stakeholders must join and cooperate in fighting the cyber security warfare.

 

“We need to be proactive and not only reactive. We need to rapidly promote and develop information security in Nigeria”, he said.

 

Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP) is an information security group of the Nigeria Computer Society, with the major goal of promoting and developing Information Security in Nigeria.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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GSMA Report Highlights Telecom Sector’s Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP

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A recent Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report has cast a spotlight on the significant contributions of Nigeria’s telecom sector to the nation’s GDP, highlighting its crucial role in driving economic growth and development.

Released amidst growing interest in the Nigerian telecom landscape, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector’s impact on the country’s economic metrics. Key findings reveal that in 2023 alone, the telecom sector directly contributed 8% to Nigeria’s total GDP. However, when factoring in the wider ICT industries’ value-added contributions, this figure surged to an impressive 13.5%.

Beyond mere numbers, the report delves into the intricacies of the telecom sector’s influence on various economic sectors. It elucidates how the mobile industry’s cumulative contribution to Nigeria’s GDP reached an estimated 20 trillion NGN in 2023, accompanied by substantial tax revenue contributions totalling 2.8 trillion NGN. Such figures further highlight the sector’s role in driving fiscal revenues and national economic stability.

Moreover, the report sheds light on the transformative potential of the telecom sector in enabling digitalisation across key industries. Projections indicate that by 2028, sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, and government are poised to witness a remarkable GDP increase of approximately 2 percentage points.

This surge is expected to generate an additional NGN 1.6 trillion in tax revenue, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and resilience.

“The telecommunications sector is the backbone of the digital economy. We have a strong appreciation of the fact that if we are able to improve the business environment and invest in the sector, we can continue to improve the level of productivity.

A country like Nigeria has significant opportunities to contribute to the world, but this is impossible without diversifying the economy”. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy added.

The report also highlights the vital role of 5G networks in enhancing operational efficiency across sectors through real-time data transmission and remote monitoring.

It spotlights the immense potential of digitalisation in sectors like manufacturing and trade, with the capacity to add trillions in industry value and generate substantial employment opportunities and tax revenues.

Despite these promising revelations, the report also acknowledges the challenges faced by the telecom sector, particularly its capital-intensive nature.

The report’s findings beckon a clarion call for concerted efforts to leverage the telecom sector’s potential as a catalyst for economic advancement. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria stands poised to harness the full spectrum of opportunities offered by its vibrant telecom landscape, driving inclusive growth and prosperity for all.


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Tariff Increase Advocacy Gains Momentum as GSMA Report Reveals Industry Insights

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While the advocacy for tariff increase remains under deliberations, revelations in the latest Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report have watered the ground for an increased tariff increase advocacy. The report, offering a deep dive into the sector’s dynamics, provides compelling arguments for adjusting tariffs to ensure sustainability and growth.

L-R: Juergen Peschel, Chief Executive Officer, 9Mobile; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, & Digital Economy; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission; Gbenga Adebayo, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Bella Disu, Executive Vice Chairperson, Globacom; Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN; Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSM Association (GSMA); Ibrahim Dikko, Chief Executive Officer, Backbone Connectivity Networks Nig. Ltd.; at the GSMA Nigeria Digital Economy Report launch in Abuja on May 9 2024.

Highlighted in the report is the telecom sector’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. In 2023 alone, it accounted for 8% of the nation’s total GDP, a figure that swelled to 13.5% when considering the broader ICT ecosystem. The mobile industry’s overall contribution to GDP was estimated at a staggering 20 trillion NGN, with substantial tax revenues of 2.8 trillion NGN.

The sector’s potential to drive digitalisation across various domains is of paramount importance. The report projects a significant boost in GDP across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, and government, translating into nearly 2 million jobs and an additional NGN 1.6 trillion in tax revenues by 2028.

The promise of 5G networks is poised to revolutionise operations, particularly in critical sectors like oil and mining, with real-time data transmission and remote monitoring enhancing efficiency. Digitalisation, especially in manufacturing and trade, holds immense potential for value addition and job creation, promising billions in additional tax revenues.

Despite Nigeria’s noteworthy internet usage figures, with 29% of the population regularly online, the sector faces challenges. The country boasts the lowest-cost data baskets in Africa, yet maintaining competitive mobile data network speeds remains essential. With an average speed of 21Mbps, Nigeria’s performance is comparable to neighbouring countries, underscoring the need for sustained investments.

However, sustaining this growth requires recognizing the capital-intensive nature of the telecom sector. Operators must continually invest in network maintenance and expansion, necessitating a conducive regulatory environment that ensures fair returns on investments.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, commenting during the report launch, said, “We raised several issues on the state of affairs of the telecom industry, and among the challenges articulated is the return on investment, stability of the infrastructure and the need for pricing rights. As an ecosystem, tariff hike is one of the sensitive issues affecting the telecom sector and has to be addressed by all stakeholders. We need to look at the state of affairs of the industry and examine holistically. There are ongoing obligations to our end users including infrastructure security. Tariff increase is a solution to solve multiple challenges of the telecom industry.“

The GSMA report positions the ongoing tariff adjustment deliberations as a strategic move to secure the sector’s long-term viability. With Nigeria’s digital future at stake, finding a balance between affordability for consumers and sustainability for operators is paramount to ensure continued growth and innovation in the telecom landscape.

 


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The Telecoms Sector Cannot be Used Palliative for Economic Woes –Adebayo

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Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said the telecoms sector should not be a palliative to solve economic woes.

The Telecoms Sector Cannot be Used Palliative for Economic Woes –Adebayo

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON,

He made this call during his address at the Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report launch which took place in Abuja.

According to Adebayo, the telecom industry faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and development.

He emphasized the need for sustainable investment, effective regulation, and a conducive business environment to drive progress.

The GSMA digital report, launched May 9th 2024, 2024, highlights the telecom’s 8 percent contribution to Nigeria’s GDP and 13.5% when considering the broader ICT ecosystem.

The report also highlights the significant challenges plaguing the industry including investment challenges, right of way, multiple taxation, and regulation.

Adebayo highlighted the existence of over 45 associated charges and levies on operators, despite the supposed removal of right of way costs.

He said that it creates an unfavorable business environment, discouraging investment and hindering the industry’s ability to deliver quality services.

He also stressed that regulatory interference and the lack of independence for the regulator exacerbate the problem.

The price review should be a simple regulatory process.

The public debate this has gained makes it appear the industry is insensitive to people’s concern.

“While the government tries to provide incentives for the public on account of ongoing macroeconomic headwinds, the telecoms  sector should not be used as a palliative to solve the people’s problem. We must price right to sustain the industry; we must price right to have the right investment,” , Adebayo said.

He concluded that the industry must be allowed to operate sustainably, with the right investment and regulation, to deliver quality services and drive economic progress; encouraging stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, and operators, to work together to address the challenges facing the industry, in order to drive economic growth, and fulfill its potential as a critical sector in Nigeria’s economy.

 


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