Cybersecurity is a global imperative as no one is immune — Will Stevens

Will Stevens, the U.S. Consul General in Nigeria, has emphasised the need for global cooperation in tackling cybersecurity challenges, warning that no one is immune to cyber threats.

“Cybersecurity is a global imperative, no one is immune. We can all be victims. And to me, awareness is the number one thing about cybercrime and cyber safety. Knowing that we can be victims,” he said.

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He disclosed this at the American Corner in Lagos on Wednesday during the launch of the CyberSafe Community Initiative. The Consul General shared personal experiences to highlight the pervasive nature of cybercrime and noted the importance of global awareness and vigilance.

In his speech, Stevens recounted an encounter with an online scam while trying to purchase furniture for his daughter in Washington, D.C. He noted that the experience served as a stark reminder that anyone can fall victim to cybercriminals, regardless of their knowledge or experience. “We can all be victims,” Stevens emphasised.

He added, “President Trump just got hacked. We all get hacked. We all get attacked all the time,” explaining how easily cyber threats can spread.

Stevens urged Nigeria and other countries to work together to address these challenges, calling for a unified approach to what he described as a “global problem.”

He praised Nigeria’s growing digital economy and the opportunities it creates but warned that with these opportunities come significant risks. “Threats don’t just come from Nigeria, the United States, or Kenya. It is a global challenge,” he highlighted.

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A report by Checkpoint Software Technologies Limited recently revealed that cybersecurity attacks rose by 30 percent globally in the second quarter of 2024, with Africa being affected the most. South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria were the three leading countries in Africa.

In his concluding remarks, Stevens called for continued collaboration between nations to protect the digital economy and safeguard individuals and institutions from cyber threats.

“We no longer need African solutions to African problems. We need African solutions to global problems,” he stated.