The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called for urgent and proactive actions to tackle the growing cybersecurity threats plaguing Africa.
He made this call during the 4th Live Hacking Cybersecurity Conference held in Abuja on Monday.
Represented by Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology, and Cybersecurity, the Speaker underscored the importance of the conference’s theme, “141 Servers Down: A Call for Proactive Defense Strategy.” The event served as a platform for cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore strategies to safeguard Africa’s digital infrastructure.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Speaker, Hon. Olajide emphasized the urgency of the theme in light of increasing cyberattacks.
“The incident of 141 Servers Down is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our digital systems and the devastating impact cyberattacks can have on critical infrastructure, financial systems, and public services,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Abbas expressed concern over the alarming rise in cyber threats across Africa, which resulted in losses exceeding $4 billion in 2023. Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya were identified as the most targeted countries on the continent.
“These figures are more than mere statistics; they represent disrupted businesses, compromised data, eroded trust, and threats to national security,” he noted.
The Speaker reiterated the House of Representatives’ commitment to fostering a legislative environment that supports a secure digital economy and protects critical infrastructure. Hon. Olajide highlighted the need for a comprehensive framework to counter cyber threats while advancing legislation to drive digital transformation and minimize risks.
“Our legislative agenda prioritizes the security of our digital ecosystem. We are dedicated to supporting bills, enhancing funding for cybersecurity projects, and ensuring transparency and accountability in their implementation,” he stated.
The Speaker called on participants at the conference to embrace a proactive culture of defense to secure Africa’s digital future. He also commended the organizers for promoting dialogue and innovation in cybersecurity and encouraged stakeholders to take decisive actions based on the insights shared during the event.
“This is a collective responsibility. We must work together to secure our digital assets and create a resilient digital economy,” the Speaker concluded.
The conference featured live hacking demonstrations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. It brought together cybersecurity professionals, government officials, and private sector representatives to discuss strategies and foster collaboration for a secure digital future in Africa.
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