NEWSTOP STORY

ONSA and CSCS to host 4th Cybersecurity Conference on October 17th

Central Securities Clearing System PLC (CSCS) has announced the forthcoming 2024 Cybersecurity Conference, organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and CSCS.

According to press statement by the organizers, the highly anticipated event will take place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on October 17, 2024. This year’s conference is themed “Cybersecurity: Synergizing AI and Infrastructure,” and will bring together national and international leaders to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cybersecurity strategies and infrastructure.

The statement said the collaboration between the ONSA and CSCS will ensure robust participation of Nigeria’s leading public and private sector institutions at the conference. Since its inception in 2019, the conference has been a high-profile event bringing together leading cybersecurity professionals, government officials, financial institutions, telecommunications, fin-techs, and industry regulators. Its main objective is to advance cybersecurity awareness and explore innovative strategies for creating a more resilient cyber environment.

Ahmad Saad Abubakar, the coordinator, National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre at the press conference noted “This conference represents a strategic initiative to foster collaboration between government, private sector leaders, and international experts, as we seek to build a more secure and resilient cybersecurity landscape in Nigeria.”

This one-day conference marks a crucial step in advancing the discourse on cybersecurity in Nigeria and beyond. As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, there is a pressing need to bolster our defences by integrating AI into our cybersecurity infrastructure. The conference will serve as a forum for industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to share ideas, strategies, and innovations that will shape the future of cybersecurity.

Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS stated “The collaboration between Central Securities Clearing System Plc and Office of the National Security Adviser in organizing this conference is a testament to our commitment to fostering a secure environment for Nigeria’s financial markets and beyond. We recognize that cybersecurity is not an issue that any one organization or sector can tackle alone. It requires collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action across all levels of government and industry.”

Isioma Lawal, Head of ERM & Resilience Service at CSCS stated “We’re excited about coming together to tackle critical challenges. It is essential that we not only invest in infrastructure but also in developing the young talents that Nigeria is blessed with. By building human capacity, we can nurture a new generation of cybersecurity experts. As we move forward, we must address the increasing risks posed by AI, and work towards a future where our data remains secure.”

The agenda includes keynote presentations from government officials and global cybersecurity experts. There will also be panel discussions on achieving effective management in cybersecurity. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how AI can be effectively leveraged to strengthen cybersecurity defences and ensure infrastructure resilience against emerging threats. The event will also explore the latest developments in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, the impact of public policy on protecting critical infrastructure, and strategies for collaborative approaches to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and security interests.

Photo caption:

Coordinator  National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre  (NCCC)  Mr Ahmed Saad Abubakar and MD/CEO, CSCS Plc Mr Haruna Jalo-Wazir and Abubakar  during a Press Conference on the  upcoming  Cybersecurity Conference 2024 in Abuja.