GlobalInfoSwift, a Nigerian based technology firm has entered into strategic partnership with Security Technology Group (STG), an African sub regional technology company to accelerate the adoption of best-in-class information security management systems in the banking industry. The partnership deal which was recently signed in Lagos signed by both firms was sequel to the mandate given by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to all commercial banks to adopt a certified information security management system before the end of 2015. Afolabi Oke, executive director, GlobalInfoSwitch, who spoke with media men in Lagos, said that the initiative was first adopted by First Bank Plc before the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) followed suit.
He added that the company implemented the process seamlessly. However, the motivation by the CBN to implement the ISO27001 standard emerged from the need for CBN to take the lead in compliance with information security best practices in line with its status as the regulator of financial services in Nigeria, before mandating the commercial banks to follow suit, he said. “If Nigeria must successfully adopt cashless transactions and compete successfully with other global players, the banking sector must comply effectively with information security management system. This is an initiative critical to the economy in as much as safeguarding the data of the customers and the confidentiality of classified information is concerned”, he said.
He said technology experts around the world keep fighting the course of ensuring high standard information management but cyber criminals keep adopting trendy strategies to hack the data of customers. He stressed that the dangers posed by the hackers will be quite enormous and devastating if there are no constant adoptions of technological initiative aimed at ensuring confidentiality and protection of information. Commenting on the partnership deal Daniel Britz, managing director, MSecurity Technology Group (STG) expressed high level of confidence to successfully rock the Nigerian market.
“We have dealt with bigger clients across the world, our experience and knowledge gained over the years allows us to provide clients with designated concepts and strategies that will suit both their expectation and as their budget as well”, he said. “Our strength, manpower, highly skilled personnel, and facilities alongside our innovative ideas have gained us excellent reputation in the competitive market across the globe. We have modernised and integrated systems with predictable life costs due to our operational interruptions”, he said. He however, explained that the adoption of information security management system is not just a project with a high level of technology but involves the deployment of facilities such as the access control.
By: Ben Uzor Jr & Justice Godfrey Okamgba
