Some of the delegates follow the debates at the Africa Cloud & Security Summit, Nigeria organized by dx5 (Photo: Sonya Israni)
Industry leaders, policy makers, cloud and cybersecurity professionals recently converged in Nigeria for the Africa Cloud and Security Summit held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Oniru, Lagos, to explore the latest trends and obstacles in cloud and security.
Organized for the first time in Nigeria by dx5, Africa’s technology powerhouse, Summit discussions focused on the rapid growth of cloud computing and the crucial role of cybersecurity in Africa. One of the central themes was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to strengthen cyber defense and combat cybercrime.
Dr. Harrison Nnaji, Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at First Bank of Nigeria, delivered a keynote address focusing on the state of cybersecurity in Africa.
Dr. Nnaji highlighted the immediate need to address cybersecurity challenges in Africa through strong legislation, collaborative efforts and awareness-raising initiatives. He discussed several key aspects related to cybersecurity, from the increasing sophistication of cyber threats targeting African organizations, through ransomware attacks, to data breaches and state-sponsored espionage. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and investing in robust security measures to protect digital assets.
Highlighting the importance of the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection, Dr. Nnaji stressed the need for unified cybersecurity laws in all African countries. He urged countries to ratify and implement the convention to strengthen regional cooperation against cybercrime.
Addressing the need for comprehensive cybercrime legislation at the national level, Dr. Nnaji stressed that effective laws enable law enforcement agencies to combat cybercriminals. He also advocated for governments to adopt and enforce such legislation to ensure a secure digital environment.
Addressing the role of consumer protection laws in safeguarding individual rights and privacy online, he called for stronger regulations that hold organizations accountable for data breaches and privacy violations. He stressed the ongoing need to educate the public on best practices for online security.
Christopher Odutola, Solutions Engineer at Sophos West Africa, spoke about leveraging AI and machine learning for cyber defense. Organizations must actively adopt AI technologies to improve their cybersecurity strategies. “AI can analyze large data sets, detect anomalies and identify potential threats more effectively than traditional methods. Implementing AI-based solutions, such as intrusion detection systems and behavioral analytics, can significantly improve an organization’s security,” he said.
Experts noted that while AI holds immense potential, its use must prioritize transparency, fairness and ethical considerations. They advised organizations to ensure data privacy and guard against bias in AI algorithms.
Abiola Laseinde, CEO of Edniesal Consulting & Convenor of CIO Club Africa, spoke on the need to build a culture of security through effective governance. She emphasized the need to empower employees to be the first line of defense against cyberattacks. The session explored how effective governance, such as clear policies and training programs, can create a security-conscious culture within organizations.
The summit also featured discussions highlighting the shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals, vendor management, and the latest trends in cloud and cybersecurity.
The event was sponsored by Sophos, a global cybersecurity solutions company, CLC Africa, a regional technology consulting company, and Manage Engine, an IT management solution.
