When it comes to cybersecurity, few people carry as much weight in their words as Zechariah Oluleke Akinpelu, the current Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Unity Bank Plc.
A seasoned global executive and multiple award-winning professionals in the field, Akinpelu has been a cornerstone in building resilient information security infrastructures across the financial and tech sectors.
As a critical player in one of Nigeria’s leading retail banks, Akinpelu has taken up the mantle to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the bank’s data. “Information security involves the use of policies, practices, and principles to protect against unauthorized use and access,” he emphasised.
Akinpelu’s passion for technology and fear of its inherent, evolving cyber threats inspired his career. He notes that he faced numerous challenges, including rapidly evolving technology, skill set requirements, and organizational resistance. “Overcoming these challenges requires dedication, continuous learning, networking, and commitment to the organization’s security objectives,” he says.
His work at Unity Bank is a testament to his commitment. Currently, he is improving the bank’s Cybersecurity Maturity Level and working with a leading open-source Security Incidence and Event Monitoring (SIEM) Extended Detection and Response (XDR). Furthermore, he is part of an EdTech project aimed at addressing the global talent gap in cybersecurity.
Akinpelu’s accomplishments are remarkable, with his most significant being the development of a competitive workforce in Software and Security Engineering. “Some of the people I have mentored are now working in Financial Institutions, Fintechs and even Big Tech like Google and Amazon,” he said.
His advice to aspiring professionals is succinct, emphasizing passion and continuous learning. “Ensure that you understand your areas of passion and be deliberate about continuous learning and development,” he suggests.
At a time when cybersecurity breaches and digital threats are increasing, the role of professionals like Akinpelu cannot be understated. Their contribution in maintaining secure digital ecosystems, not only safeguards company data but also empowers us to adopt technology without fear. As he notes, his personal philosophy is, “To always leave the systems or processes far much better than I met it,” a motto that is reflected in his work and his contributions to cybersecurity.
As Akinpelu continues to navigate this challenging field, he remains keenly aware of the future, suggesting that there is much more to explore in terms of vulnerability management and emerging cyber trends. His journey thus far offers invaluable insights for those seeking to protect their data in an increasingly digital world.
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