Nigerian Tech Security Body, Microsoft Join Forces on Cyber Security

U.S. tech company, Microsoft and Information Security Society of Africa Nigeria (ISSAN) have joined forces to raise cyber security awareness in wake of current global cyber threats.

In the face of this development, Microsoft has called on individuals and organisations to pay needed attention to ensuring cyber security.

These were part of the key highlight at a Cyber Security Summit recently organised by Microsoft in conjunction with Information Security Society of Africa Nigeria (ISSAN) at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Underscoring the importance of the event, David Isiavwe, President of Information Security Society of Africa Nigeria (ISSAN) noted that October has been declared as cyber security month all over the world, to engage with consumers in order to raise cyber security awareness.

He hinted that cyber attackers are getting more sophisticated such that the number of days it takes to detect an attack has increased from about fifty-eight days three years ago to two hundred days now.

According to the ISSAN President, “there has been an increase in cyber-attacks over the last couple of years even as cyber attackers have devised new ways to successfully attack individuals and organizations. Statistics shows that Nigeria loses N128bn annually to cyber-crime while about $500bn is lost globally.”

In his submission, Erdal Ozkaya, Cyber Security Architect, Microsoft Middle East and Africa says that cyber-crime is no longer a hobby, it has grown into a big business and organisations cannot continue to leave their cyber-security to chance.

“Addressing today’s threats requires a new approach. If you look at how security threats have evolved over time, you will find some disturbing trends. Enterprises that are used to attacks from individuals and small groups that were out for mischief or personal notoriety have been replaced by well-funded criminal organizations seeking profit,” Ozkaya says.

The Microsoft exec further acknowledged that Microsoft continues to innovate to improve its security posture with different products and applications to service its customers better.

According to him, “in Windows 10, we have made significant architectural changes many of which address tactics used in the attacks that you have been reading about or have personally experienced. These changes are not just defensive measures that present steeper walls for attackers to climb; they are improvements that take critical tactics off the table, in some cases entirely.

To achieve this goal, Windows 10 takes full advantage of state-of-the-art hardware technologies to help protect user identities, information, and devices against hacking and malware threats.”

Also speaking at the event, the Director, Banking and Payments System, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Dipo Fatokun represented by Mr Musa Jimoh says that cyber-crime has become the most discussed topic in homes, offices and nations because technology has increased the risk of criminal intrusion into systems and technology infrastructure in the financial sector since cyber-attacks are mostly done for financial gains.

He says that the war on cyber-attacks cannot be won alone. “Today, as we begin deliberations it will be important for us to note yet again that the fight against Cyber-crime cannot be won alone.”

According to the CBN Director, “we as an industry need to collaborate in ensuring that our Payments System continues to be strengthened against those whose occupation is to render it vulnerable to attacks. It will be our hope that discussions here today will provide new insights, strategies and partnerships that will further embolden our stand against Cyber-crime.”

The event Panelists concluded that to successfully reduce cyber threats and its effect, it has become imperative for organisations to deploy trusted technology, put right people in charge and develop relevant process.