Some of the participants taking part in the proceedings of the Africa Cloud & Security Summit in Nigeria hosted by dx5 [Photo: Sonya Israni]
Industry leaders, policy makers, cloud and cybersecurity experts recently convened in Nigeria for the Africa Cloud & Security Summit held at the Four Points by Sheraton, Oniru, Lagos State. We explored the latest trends and obstacles in the field.
Held for the first time in Nigeria by dxFive, Africa's Technology Driver, summit discussions focused on the rapid growth of cloud computing in Africa and the critical role of cybersecurity. One of the central themes was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in strengthening cyber defenses and combating cybercrime.
Dr. Harrison Nnaji, Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), First Bank of Nigeria, delivered a keynote address focusing on the current state of cybersecurity in Africa.
Dr. Nnaji emphasized the urgent need to address Africa’s cybersecurity challenges through strong legislation, collaborative efforts and awareness efforts. He touched on several key aspects related to cybersecurity, from ransomware attacks to data breaches and state-sponsored espionage, to the increasing sophistication of cyber threats targeting organizations in Africa. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and investing in robust security measures to protect digital assets.
Dr. Nnaji highlighted the importance of the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection and stressed the need for uniform cybersecurity laws across African countries. He called on countries to ratify and implement the Convention to Strengthen Regional Cooperation Against Cybercrime.
Dr. Nnaji noted the need for comprehensive cybercrime legislation at the national level, stressing that effective legislation can empower law enforcement agencies to fight cybercrime. He also advocated for governments to enact and enforce such laws to ensure a safe digital environment.
He discussed the role of consumer protection laws in protecting individual rights and online privacy, and called for stricter regulations to hold organizations accountable for data breaches and privacy violations. He emphasized the continued need to educate the public on online safety best practices.
Christopher Odutola, Solutions Engineer at Sophos West Africa, spoke on leveraging AI and machine learning for cyber defense. Organizations must proactively adopt AI technologies to enhance their cybersecurity strategies. “AI can analyze large data sets, detect anomalies, and identify potential threats more efficiently than traditional methods. Deploying AI-driven solutions such as intrusion detection systems and behavioral analytics It can significantly strengthen your organization's security posture.
Experts said that while AI holds immense potential, transparency, fairness and ethical considerations must be prioritized in its use. They advised organizations to ensure data privacy and prevent bias in AI algorithms.
Abiola Laseinde, CEO of Edniesal Consulting and convenor of CIO Club Africa, spoke about 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. This session considered how effective governance, such as clear policies and training programs, can create a security-conscious culture within an organization.
The summit also featured discussions highlighting the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, vendor management, and the latest trends in the cloud and cybersecurity space.
The event was sponsored by Sophos, a global cybersecurity solutions company, CLC Africa, a regional technology consultancy, and Manage Engine, an IT management solution.
