Cyberattacks: Drop old security notebooks, embrace collaborative ideas

By Prince Osuagwu The U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria in collaboration with U.S. cyber-security company, McAfee Incorporated, have urged cyber security experts and corporate end-users to drop old methods of fighting cybercrime and embrace new ideas.

This was made known at a Breakfast Forum on Cyber Security in Nigeria where McAfee also announced the launch of its Enhanced Unified Defense Architecture designed to empower organisations to more effectively protect today’s digital assets.

Explaining the aim of the program, Commercial Attaché, U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, Ms. Jennifer Woods, said; “The program aims to support Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy. Having effective and proven solution against growing cyber attacks is a critical aspect of any corporate IT infrastructure. Hence, the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service is pleased to provide a unique opportunity for leaders of the Nigerian digital economy to hear first-hand, from American computer security leaders, about their cutting edge solutions for protecting corporate assets.”

Harping on the need to abandon old security playbooks, McAfee Senior Territory Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Will O’Shea, implored; “Cyber-criminals continue to put individual and corporate end-users on the defensive.

 Therefore, to effectively counteract cyber-criminals, we have to abandon old security playbooks and become more collaborative in making cyber-security a priority.” Over 130 representatives from the Nigerian Computer Society, NCS, Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria, CSEAN, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, Association of Telecom Companies in Nigeria, ATCON, the Nigeria Internet Group, NIG, and the Lagos State Ministry of Science & Technology attended the event. 

Participants expressed keen interest in building the necessary knowledge-base and business relationship with American cyber security leaders that will enable them stay one step ahead of the next wave of viruses, malware, and other online threats. 

The Foreign Commercial Service of the U.S. Government works to promote the expansion of U.S. trade and investment to Nigeria through support of business partnerships between American and Nigerian companies.