Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), on Wednesday announced plans for the 2024 Cybersecurity Conference in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The event with the theme: “Cybersecurity: Synergizing AI and Infrastructure,” scheduled for the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on October 17, is expected to bring together national and international leaders who will discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cybersecurity strategies and infrastructure.
The conference, according to a statement, will bring together Nigeria’s leading public and private sector institutions
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.
Speaking at a media briefing to announce the event, Ahmad Saad Abubakar, the coordinator, National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre said it “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, the organisers said, 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.
Also speaking, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS said the collaboration between CSCS 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 said the depository is “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, the statement noted, 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.
