Enhanced Cybersecurity Needed to Prevent National Security Breaches, Analyst Warns Nigeria

As Nigeria faces an increasing trend in cyber-related crimes affecting various sectors of its economy, security analyst and consultant Mr. Matthew Ibadin has urgently called for the government to enhance its cybersecurity measures to combat cyber-attacks that could jeopardize national security. His remarks were made during a paper presentation at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), held at the prestigious Oriental Hotels in Lagos.

Ibadin's presentation, themed "Connecting the Dots Between Identity Tracking and National Security," addressed significant gaps in Nigeria's identity tracking systems. He highlighted that the country suffers from a culture of inconsistent or outdated identity tracking, which creates vulnerabilities in the security framework. This situation allows criminals, terrorists, and fraudsters to exploit loopholes, using false identities to conduct illicit activities that threaten the safety and security of citizens. He pointed out that cybercriminals have stolen millions of identities worldwide, which are then used to finance activities like terrorism and organized crime.

Drawing inspiration from the principles of scalable success in business as outlined by entrepreneur Alex Hormozi, Ibadin emphasized that Nigeria must approach its national security systems with the same clarity, urgency, and scalability that businesses apply for growth. He argued that just as structured processes are vital for business success, robust identity-tracking systems are essential for protecting citizens from evolving threats.

Ibadin stressed that failing to connect the dots between identity tracking and national security compromises the nation's ability to account for individuals, verify transactions, and neutralize potential threats before they escalate. He warned that each day of delay in integrating advanced identity-tracking systems increases exposure to significant risks, including identity theft and cyber-attacks, which have transcended financial impacts to become existential threats.

Echoing Hormozi's assertion that urgency drives action, Ibadin urged leaders to adopt a proactive mindset regarding national security, highlighting that the threats are immediate and require prompt action. He emphasized the importance of creating scalable systems that can adapt to new challenges, pointing out that national security is no different from business in this respect.

To enhance cybersecurity, Ibadin advocated for the implementation of scalable technologies such as biometrics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. These technologies can create a real-time national security system capable of tracking and verifying identities across various sectors, including airports, financial institutions, and government agencies. By doing so, Nigeria can ensure that criminals cannot exploit vulnerabilities within the system.

With three Master of Science degrees in security and numerous certifications, Ibadin underscored the value of connecting identity tracking with national security, proposing that such systems could deter terrorism, prevent fraud, and reduce crime. This, in turn, would foster an environment conducive to economic growth and enhanced public safety. He noted that the economic benefits of ensuring national security are immense and should not be overlooked.

The conference, which drew dignitaries from various sectors, including government officials and security experts, provided a platform for discussing pressing issues in online security. Among those in attendance were the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Assistant Inspector General of Police Fayoade Adegoke; and other notable figures in law enforcement and security.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards by NAOSNP to recognize individuals for their contributions to the field of security. Mr. Ibadin was honored as the NAOSNP Private Security Personality of the Year, reflecting his significant impact on the security landscape in Nigeria. This recognition not only underscores his dedication to enhancing national security but also serves as an impetus for continued advocacy in the realm of cybersecurity.