FG reviews cybersecurity policy to check internet threats – NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), has inaugurated a committee to review the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) of 2014 to check internet threats and other issues.

The policy has a provision that it should be reviewed every five years according to global standards, and is due for its first review after it was implemented in 2014.

• FG cautions on cybersecurity as Nigeria marks awareness month
• Bankers’ committee holds sensitisation on cyber-security, fraud

In a statement, the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) said the review was part of efforts to reposition the country to better exploit the benefits of the internet and cyber domain to enhance national peace, security and socio-economic wellbeing.

While performing the inauguration in his office in Abuja, the NSA noted that recent advancements in the digital era had transformed the cyber domain to a centre stage for new businesses, innovations, government functionalities and social interactions.

He, however, highlighted that despite the benefits of the cyber domain, there were inherent threats and risks associated with the evolving nature of cyberspace.

“This committee was constituted to identify the current gaps in the National Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy 2014, articulate the various inputs of stakeholders and develop necessary frameworks to effectively mitigate evolving cyber threats and enhance Nigeria’s productive engagements in cyberspace,” he said.

Gen. Monguno expressed optimism that the NCSP 2020 would reflect global norms, as well as foster cooperation with Nigeria’s allies in the areas of security and economic development.

The committee will present the new policy next month for validation after which the NSA will formally present it to President Muhammadu Buhari for its launch.

Chairman of the review committee, Mr. Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, said this year, the African cybersecurity solutions market was estimated at $2.32bn and projected to grow to about $4.2bn by 2023.

“We must factor in the underserved and unborn, because they must live with the effects of the policies and strategy decisions that we make today,” he noted.