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Why businesses must equip selves against cyber threats — Expert

A tech expert, and Co-founder of Eybrids, Abuh Ibrahim Sani, has advised individuals, businesses and industries on the need to equip themselves against cyber threats, attacks and thefts, since the consequences of such attacks are always grave on the victims.

Sani, in a paper titled: ‘Navigating the Digital Age: Why Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Responsibility’, cautioned that Cybersecurity should no longer be seen as reserved for IT professionals, but a responsibility for all; since individuals’ personal and professional lives rely heavily on digital tools.

The Eybrids, however, expressed concerns that despite entrusting a vast amount of sensitive information, from financial, to medical records and other personal details, to online platforms, some of such platforms don’t always have adequate security measures in place, leaving such information vulnerable to theft and misuse.

He argued that since every online interaction contributes to building an individual’s digital identity, cyber-security therefore helps safeguard such individual’s privacy by protecting their accounts from unauthorized access and threats, thereby preventing identity theft and ensuring the confidentiality of their information .

Citing an instance of such online breach, Sani stated: “In July 2016, The DNC email leak is a prime illustration of how social engineering can result in a significant security breach.

Hackers were able to access the DNC’s email system by carrying out a phishing attack.

“A legitimate Google security team sent an email to DNC staff members, asking them to reset their passwords. When staff clicked the link and entered their login information, they unknowingly gave hackers access to their email accounts. This incident revealed important political communications and caused significant consequences.”

According to him, the challenge of internet security has grown significantly, with nearly everything individuals use, see, or come in contact with, including wearable technology, home appliances, cell phones, and even partially driverless cars; tech-driven.

The Eybrids boss noted that despite the efforts of industries, corporate bodies and government to protect cyberspace, there still remains a greater threat, the human factor, and psychology, which, he stated, stand as the worst part of threats. He added that no matter the number of security devices like firewalls, intrusion detections, and intrusion prevention tools put in place by organiSations, sufficient security will still not be guaranteed, if the human element and its impact on security, are not addressed.

While stressing the critical role the human element plays, Sani therefore advocated for proper education, training and awareness that cyber-security is everyone’s business not the sole responsibility of IT professionals or cyber experts. He also believed that it has also become imperative to drum home the message that there should be a collective effort towards protecting cyberspace, data and network infrastructure.

Defining cyber-security as the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from theft, damage, or unauthorized access, Sani noted that the absence of basic cyber-security knowledge has continued to make small and medium enterprises vulnerable to attacks, allowing attackers to steal from people and their assets.

He, therefore, called for a rigorous campaign in public gatherings such as schools and parks, adding that a successful cyber-attack against one person frequently leads to a cyber-attack against an organisation.

“In the field of cyber-security, the biggest threat often lies not in technology, but in the human element. Despite improvements in digital security measures, social engineering attacks continue to exploit the most vulnerable part of any security system; the people who use it. These attacks underscore a significant challenge, as they involve persuading individuals to give out sensitive information or take actions that put security at risk.

“Additionally, if they are not trained to recognise the telltale signs of a cyber-attack, they may unintentionally allow an attacker in by the front door or rear door,” he added.

Sani, believed the development has, therefore, made it imperative for individuals and corporate bodies to arm themselves with the basic knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape safely.

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