MTN Nigeria recently hosted an engaging cybersecurity awareness event aimed at equipping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the essential knowledge to safeguard their businesses against cyber threats. Themed “Building a Cybersecurity Intelligent Quotient,” the event took place in Lagos and served as part of MTN’s ongoing commitment to promoting cybersecurity awareness among Nigerian entrepreneurs.
As digital transformation accelerates across the globe, the risks of cyber-attacks have risen sharply. Statistics from cybersecurity firm Kaspersky revealed a staggering 89% increase in cyber-attacks targeting SMEs in 2022. Further highlighting the severity of the issue, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported that Nigeria loses a significant $500 million annually to cybercrime.
The event featured expert insights from Dr. Peter Adewale, co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of DigitalEncode, who stressed the critical importance of cybersecurity in the digital age. “There is no better time to talk about cybersecurity than now, because we live in a digital world. COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of technology across all sectors, making events like this crucial for raising awareness about the risks of cyber-attacks,” Dr. Adewale said. He further emphasized that building capacity through training is essential, as people play a pivotal role in cybersecurity.
MTN Nigeria’s Senior Manager of Information Security, Anietie Jude, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the event’s goal to improve the safety of Nigerian lives and businesses. “Cybersecurity is everyone’s business, and we must ensure that every individual and business becomes cybersmart,” she stated, pointing out that small businesses are often the most vulnerable targets due to limited resources for cybersecurity investment.
Nkiruka Aimienoho, Associate Director of Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Resilience at PwC, echoed this sentiment, urging SMEs to adopt a proactive cybersecurity culture. “It is important for SMEs to take cybersecurity seriously, as cyber-attacks can happen to anyone. Events like this help to raise awareness and reinforce the need for a vigilant, cyber-aware community,” Aimienoho remarked.
The event not only raised awareness but also served as a call to action for SMEs to prioritize cybersecurity as an integral part of their business strategy. With the rise in cyber threats, this initiative by MTN Nigeria marks a significant step towards fostering a secure digital ecosystem for Nigerian SMEs.