E-Business
Stakeholders Identify Awareness, Security Standard to Fight CyberCrimes
Cybersecurity stakeholders have urged relevant organisations to ensure that the cybersecurity framework, focuses on the global security standards to ensure that the country earns global trust.
This came as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recently inaugurated the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT 5) National Implementation Committee at the NITDA headquarters in Abuja.
Against this backdrop that Ahmed Adesanya, IT Security and Connectivity consultant, said that now that the country has adopted and also in the process of implementing a cybersecurity framework, emphasizes should be led on ensuring that the framework harmonizes with global information security standards such as payment system security PCI DSS and ISO 27001 certification which banks and other organizations have attained.
“If COBiT 5 framework focuses on global security standards it will give Nigeria the needed global trust and collaboration especially on our indigenous products now that the government is encouraging local content to boost the economy,” he said.
He also stressed the need for capacity building as part of efforts to sustain the initiative.
For Oluseyi Akindeinde, cybersecurity expert and chief technical officer, Digital Encode, there is need to intensify effort in educating customers as well as subscribers on the antics of electronic fraudsters as part of war against cybercrimes.
“A lot of the challenges faced by banks in fraud are still largely people related. The banks have pretty much taken care of the processes and technology. Bank’s information systems monitoring is at an all-time high now. Phishing however, is still prevalent in the financial industry as it targets the customers of these banks. As financial inclusion takes off, the fraudsters have also upped their game in this regard targeting unsuspecting customers. The only lasting solution to this is customer awareness and education.
He stated that Central Bank of Nigeria policies have helped a lot in combating electronic fraud especially the one targeting the use of ATM cards.
Akindeinde noted that the global standard processes with different versions were brought about by the ever evolving and changing sphere of information security.
“It has updated a few of the objectives and added new controls in line with the current landscape of payment systems threats and risks. There are quite a number of advantages. One is that it makes application security testing a very key component of the overall process. Other key advantages include systems component inventory, third party and vendor relationships, advanced persistent threats and malware as well as physical access and point of sale security,” he stated.
Tobechi Ndubuaku, chief operating officer, Tobeit Consulting, advise organisations to fortify their networks with cyber security software that gives them the required protection.
“There are some networks that have the kind of buffer against hacking. In some network they are exposed to hackers for not been strong, there is need for organizations to build their infrastructure with the right security network against hacking. This is not something you build and you relax, you will need to keep updating the software, the end-point of this is to be five steps ahead of hackers,” he stated.
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
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