KPMG advocates strong cyber security framework to minimise risk 

Following increasing attacks on computer network in Nigeria and Africa as whole, KPMG, a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services, has advocated the need for establishing a strong cyber security framework in Africa to minimise the impact of cyber risk.

With the increasing need for businesses and individuals to move into the cyber-space to promote their activities online comes the risk of cyber attacks and risks vulnerability on businesses and individuals. To address the risks however, KPMG is organising a Pan-African Cyber Security Conference on May 4, with the theme, “Security and Resilience in a Digital World.”

Speaking at a pre event press conference in Lagos, Joseph Tegbe, Partner and Head, Technology Advisory, KPMG said “With all the connected devices we all carry about daily, the world has gone digital. Our lives, economic vitality, national security, now revolve around technology”.

Tegbe, who is also KPMG’s Africa Lead for Cyber Security opined that the dependence on technology comes with a new set of threats, risks and dangers to individuals, businesses and the society. “Attacks on computer networks are on the rise, we need a safe, stable and resilient cyberspace”, he said at the conference.

John Anyanwu, Associate Director, Technology Advisory, KPMG, said, “Cyber security is inevitable in the financial sector today because of the level of networking and inter-connectivity in the financial sector especially banking. The conference offers participants an opportunity to share and build capacity on cyber security and vulnerability in the work place”, he concludes.

Cyber risk is that risk that occurs as a result of cyber security that increases the level of vulnerability to Cyber attacks on electronic device because of their level of networking and connectivity.

Adeboye Ademola, Partner, Technology Advisory, KPMG, said, “The conference aims to enlighten participants on leading practices and solutions for individuals and organizations, towards building a more secure and resilient cyber ecosystem as Africa goes digital”.

Recently there was a news report on a national daily, not BusinessDay, about a possible cyber attack on Nigerian banks from North Korea, which further explain the importance of building a strong Cyber Security framework across the continent.

Speaking further on the conference, Ademola said, “The conference billed to take place at Eko hotels on May 4, will bring together stakeholders across Africa to discuss cyber security and resilience as they affect organizations, government, entities and individuals in the emerging digital Africa”.

HOPE MOSES-ASHIKE, SEYI JOHN SALAU