Stronger UK-Nigeria Cybersecurity Cooperation Is Needed to Reduce Increasing Cybercrime, Says British High Commission
In order to combat cybercrimes, the British High Commission has urged cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK). James Carroll, the Commission's West Africa Cyber Lead, made the call Wednesday in Abuja during the monthly Devs in Government discussion, which was sponsored by the World Bank and Galaxy Backbone and organized by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy.
In order to combat cybercrimes, the British High Commission has urged cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK). James Carroll, the Commission's West Africa Cyber Lead, made the call Wednesday in Abuja during the monthly Devs in Government discussion, which was sponsored by the World Bank and Galaxy Backbone and organized by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy.
"Secure a World: Building a Safer Digital Future for Nigeria's Public Sector" is the theme of the event, which encourages cooperation and education between various government agencies and sectors.
Carroll stated, "Nigeria and the UK can effectively address cybercrime challenges by working together and building a strong foundation to tackle borderless and faceless threats to cyberspace."
He pointed out that organized networks function similarly to enterprises, including hiring, training, funding, and luxury. He said that in order to counteract this, global cooperation and learning the fundamentals of system updates, firewall maintenance, and strong passwords were essential.
The UK's approach is centered on educating its tech-savvy youth about digital skills, encouraging jobs in cyber security, and building a digital pipeline. He emphasized that Nigeria, with its young population, could use comparable strategies, such as teaching children about cyber security, fostering a love of technology, and fostering digital literacy. Samuel Okoye, the ministry's director of information and communication technology (ICT), stated in his opening remarks that cyber security is still vital as Nigeria's digital environment changes.
He pointed out that public sector organizations and government agencies handle sensitive data and provide necessary services that have an effect on Nigerians' daily lives. According to Okoye, safeguarding these digital assets against escalating cyber threats is a shared duty. Making sure that these digital assets and systems are safeguarded against the expanding range of cyber threats is our shared duty.
We have the perfect opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to this purpose during cybersecurity awareness month. We are reminded of the vital significance of cyber security in our quickly changing digital environment as we assemble here today. "Public sector organizations and government agencies handle enormous volumes of sensitive data, link innumerable systems, and provide vital services that affect Nigerians' lives daily."
He clarified that Nigeria can strengthen its digital infrastructure and guarantee a safe and robust public sector and that everyone has the chance to learn from one another during cybersecurity awareness month. During a panel discussion, Dr. Zareefa Mustapha, the manager of the cybersecurity department of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated that many government agencies do not trust NITDA when they attempt to find weaknesses in their systems.
Mustapha urged government entities to work together and be more receptive to exchanging information.
