In today’s digital age, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face increasing threats from cybercriminals.
Most of these SMEs often lack the resources to protect their cyberspaces, let alone combat sophisticated attacks. Recognising this vulnerability, cybersecurity expert Mr Kehinde Ayano introduced a transformative security framework that has redefined digital protection for businesses across various sectors in Southwestern Nigeria.
His initiative has significantly enhanced security measures, setting a benchmark for cybersecurity governance and fortifying SMEs against both external and internal threats.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), under the aegis of United SMEs, Ibadan, recently hosted Mr Kehinde Ayano at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, with the aim of finding solutions to the increasing threats from cybercriminals.
In his welcome address, the president of the association, Mr Thomas Adeleke, stated that cybersecurity has become a pressing concern for businesses of all sizes, with SMEs being the most vulnerable to cyberattacks.
He maintained that in the face of the increasing frequency of digital threats, SMEs struggle to implement robust security frameworks due to limited resources, expertise, and awareness, hence the necessity of the workshop.
The secretary of the association, Mr Tony Okoro, introduced the guest speaker, Mr Kehinde Ayano, reiterating that his selection as the resource person in the search for better ways to handle cybercrimes was borne out of his extensive experience and capacity-building efforts in the IT sector over the years.
He informed the gathering that Mr Ayano has consistently provided large-scale, transformative technology initiatives, including the design and implementation of advanced network architectures, the deployment of cutting-edge connectivity solutions, and the modernisation of digital infrastructure.
According to Mr Okoro, Ayano’s work has focused on the deployment of Zero Trust Architecture, a cutting-edge security framework that ensures stringent identity verification and continuous trust validation, as well as the safeguarding of applications, data, and systems.
“His expertise in cyber risk management, enterprise security architecture, and digital forensics has positioned him as a leading voice in protecting businesses, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats,” stated Mr Okoro.
Addressing the gathering, the guest speaker maintained that rather than relying solely on traditional network defences in the fight against cybercrimes, there is an urgent need to investigate and quantify critical security gaps, including the human factors that are often overlooked in cybersecurity strategies.
Kehinde Ayano had earlier developed and implemented a customised cybersecurity policy framework, which he demonstrated at the workshop, giving SMEs free access to the application and guiding them on its usage.
The framework addresses common security weaknesses such as insider threats, weak authentication protocols, and financial fraud vulnerabilities.
“Businesses that adopted the framework reported a drastic decline in phishing attacks, unauthorised access, and cyber fraud, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured security implementation,” stated Ayano.
Ayano demonstrated the applications of one of his inventions, the Information Security Policy and Procedures, which he developed in 2015, saying it has been of significant importance in the protection of SMEs’ cyberspaces in Southwestern Nigeria.
“Due to the overwhelming success of the Information Security Policy and Procedures, the initiative has since expanded to multiple industries, including airline ticketing, IT services, healthcare, and telecommunications,” Ayano added.
Taking participants through the basics, he demonstrated the usefulness of the software in setting up email filters to block known phishing domains and attachments with executable files.
Mr Ayano further equipped participants with the skills needed to recognise and report suspicious emails to the cybersecurity team using a designated reporting tool.
The resource person demonstrated the ability of different models to focus on network defence, threat detection, human-centric risk mitigation strategies, and cybersecurity governance tailored to SMEs’ unique needs.
Responding, SME owners agreed that Ayano’s presentation gave them hope in the face of their predicaments resulting from the activities of cybercriminals.
An agreement was reached with Mr Ayano on the installation and application of the Information Security Software for business operations by members of United SMEs, Ibadan.
In closing, while thanking the guest speaker for equipping members of the association with the knowledge and tools necessary to build long-term resilience against evolving cyber threats, Mr Adeleke noted that Mr Ayano has built capacity for AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, ethical hacking, and digital risk mitigation. This has made him highly sought after by IT industry leaders and government agencies, reinforcing the recognition he continues to receive within Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape.
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