Technology

Navigating the Digital Age: Why Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Responsibility

Published

3 months ago

September 19, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Navigating the Digital Age: Why Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Responsibility

By Abuh Ibrahim Sani

Introduction

As technology continues to evolve, the significance of cybersecurity cannot be underestimated. Cyber threats continue to increase daily, with hackers developing sophisticated tools to carry out heinous acts; individuals and corporate bodies must arm themselves with the basic knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape safely.

The challenge of Internet security has grown significantly. Nearly everything we use, see, or come into contact with is online, including wearable technology, home appliances, cell phones, and even partially driverless cars. Businesses, governments, and other institutions may access trade secrets, medical information, and financial data remotely thanks to the Internet. This is the paradox of connectivity; the more interconnected our computer systems are, the more vulnerable they are to data theft, malware, operational disruption, and even outright physical harm to network and hardware infrastructure.

Despite the efforts of industries, corporate bodies and government to protect cyberspace, there is a greater threat which stands as the worst part of threats – the human factor and psychology. No matter the number of security devices like firewalls, intrusion detections, and intrusion prevention tools put in place by organizations can guarantee sufficient security without addressing the human element and its impact on security. The failure to consider human psychological means there is no security. There is a need for education, training, and awareness that cybersecurity is everyone’s business not the sole responsibility of IT professionals or cyber experts. It is a collective effort to protect cyberspace, data and network infrastructure. There is so much ignorance on the issue regarding cybersecurity that needs to be addressed. The absence of basic cybersecurity knowledge makes small and medium enterprises vulnerable to attacks, allowing attackers to steal from people and their assets. There should be a rigorous campaign in public gatherings such as schools, parks, etc. An effective cyberattack against one person frequently leads to a cyberattack against an organisation. Additionally, if they are not trained to recognise the telltale signs of a cyberattack, they may unintentionally allow an attacker in by the front door or rear door.

Cybersecurity is a crucial issue in the digital age, yet its complexities can be intimidating for everyday users. This paper aims to bridge that gap by offering a clear and practical approach to cybersecurity education.

One of the main concerns in safeguarding a country’s cyber sovereignty from hostile activity is through education and awareness. This demonstrates how crucial cybersecurity education is to foster the development of a robust cybersecurity ecosystem promote cyber sovereignty create safe digital and IT infrastructure and services, protect against advanced cyberattacks, and raise people’s knowledge and maturity in cybersecurity.

Global authorities and people alike are increasingly concerned about cybersecurity resilience, especially as people’s awareness of their privacy is growing. Therefore, we assume that educating people about cybersecurity is essential to building a society and businesses that are resilient and secure online.

Understanding Cybersecurity Basic

In a modern world dominated by technology, the term “Cybersecurity” has become important in ensuring the integrity, confidentiality and availability of digital information. Cybersecurity can be described as the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. It involves developing mechanisms and strategies to defend against a diverse array of cyber threats. In the field of cybersecurity, 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. Cybercriminals are using more and more advanced methods, such as psychological manipulation, to get around technical defences. This study seeks to shed light on the strategies employed in social engineering attacks and highlight the significant impact of human elements in cybersecurity. By identifying and resolving these weaknesses, we can enhance the security of sensitive data and improve overall safety measures. Emphasizing human factors is not just a component of cybersecurity, but it is the key to a strong security plan.

Why Cybersecurity Matters, Even for everyday users?

Cybersecurity might seem like a concern reserved for IT professionals, but that’s not the case. In our increasingly connected world, where our personal and professional lives rely heavily on digital tools, cybersecurity is crucial for everyone.

We entrust a vast amount of sensitive information to online platforms, from financial records ,medical record to personal details. Unfortunately, some of these platforms don’t always have adequate security measures in place. This leaves our information vulnerable to theft and misuse. Every online interaction contributes to building our digital identity. Cybersecurity helps safeguard our privacy by protecting our accounts from unauthorized access and threats. It prevents identity theft and ensures the confidentiality of our information .

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. Social engineering and the significance of securing account recovery protocols, staff training and awareness.

Economic Implications of Cyber Theft

Individuals, businesses and industries are prime targets of cyber threats. For startups and multinational companies, the consequences of cyber-attacks and theft can be devasting and significant, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even bankruptcy in some terrible cases.

In 2021, Facebook suffered a data breach that leaked users’ information. The breach emerged that a total of 533 million users’ personal information was compromised. The attack cost Facebook a total cost of $3.7 billion. And also, In 2017, Equifax suffered a data breach due to poor cybersecurity handling and management. The breach resulted in approximately 143 million American customers losing their personal information such as social security number, date of birth, driver’s license, addresses and other sensitive information. The company pays compensation to the tune of $ 1.3 billion as a consequence of the data breach. These losses are due to poor measures or negligence by the company which affected individuals. These examples highlight the impact of human error in cyber-attack.

A lack of knowledge and awareness of the importance of cybersecurity has led to many losses. There is an urgent need for an aggressive campaign to educate the masses on how cyber theft can harm their lives and businesses. Business loss and data theft are on the increase daily due to ineffective policy, protection and awareness among the people, resulting in economic loss.

A shared Responsibility

Contrary to the perception and belief of the populace that cybersecurity is a thing of IT professionals, in a real sense, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Responsibilities that require the active participation of every individual who interacts in the digital world and outside the platform. Anyone can be a victim of cybercriminals, either online or offline. Every person has a role to play to have a safe cyberspace . These roles range from using a strong password for an online application or platform to knowing who you share information with and what information you share with people. Individuals and corporate bodies are responsible for securing credit cards, debit cards, and other sensitive information. Being vigilant would protect everyone and loved ones from social engineering, phishing and other forms of hackers’ tricks of obtaining information. Phishers do not use advanced technologies; instead, they take advantage of human nature to commit hacking. There is a dearth of knowledge on which ring in the information security chain is first compromised, even though people are more to blame for the chain’s fragility than technology. Research has shown that certain personality traits increase a person’s susceptibility to different types of lures.

To back up the point why cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. In 2021, a Colonial Pipeline Ransome attack resulted in a shortage of fuel across the southeastern United States. The attacker exploited a compromised password to gain access to the company network. This breach demonstrated how a weak password can lead to widespread disruptions. Also in 2020, a Zoom security incident occurred during covid-19 pandemic when a user failed to secure the meeting with a password or used public links which allowed uninvited participants to disrupt the meetings. Individuals need to comprehend and make use of security options offered by platforms, like implementing passwords for meetings and utilizing waiting areas . This scenario shows that cybersecurity is more than just technical solutions; it also involves user behaviour and awareness. Security cannot be achieved by simply installing a robust security system. Ignoring the human factor and failing to raise awareness will lead to security breaches.

Social Engineering (Exploiting Human Psychology)

Social Engineering is an act of obtaining sensitive information from victims through pretence. An attacker could come as a legitimate person and obtain information without the victims verifying their identity before releasing information. Social Engineering is increasing, according to statistics due to technological advancement and attractiveness in the world. Many have fallen for social engineering attacks, and many will still be victims. There is a need for a holistic approach by government and policymakers to develop strategies on how to educate and create awareness for the masses to be aware of whom they share information with and what to share. A zero-base trust mindset should be encouraged. An organization needs to do more to train employees, both recruits and old staff, to be aware of hackers’ tricks. Hackers can pretend to be staff members of a company and come in the way of helping an employee in distress, but in a real sense, it’s an act to obtain valuable information from the staff. Hackers’ tricks involve playing with human thinking and behaviours, the act of deceiving and convincing to get sensitive information about individuals or organizations.

Social engineering is the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. Unlike other cyber threats that depend on the use of software and online platforms and loopholes in the system, social engineering targets human elements, exploiting their weaknesses and the natural tendency to trust. This can be done offline without the use of any software. It is just a matter of technique and tactics. It is called “Master the Art”.

In July 2020, Twitter experienced a significant breach in which numerous prominent accounts were taken over to endorse a Bitcoin scam. The attackers employed phone spear phishing to deceive Twitter employees into giving access to internal tools. They pretended to be IT department staff and persuaded employees to disclose their credentials during phone calls. Upon gaining entry, the intruders seized verified accounts of significant individuals and businesses, sharing messages requesting Bitcoin from followers with a pledge to double their investment. This event demonstrates how social engineering can be used to target insiders to access important systems. Social engineering attacks can be carried out in different format such phishing, shoulder surfing, malware, phone, social media chat, ransomware, malware, eavesdropping. These are easy because of human error and behaviour toward their information security.

Information security is everyone’s business, it’s your primary responsibility to protect your data from being compromised and stolen. Hackers are aware that human beings are the easier target so they leverage the emotional state, negligence, carelessness, and ignorance to steal information. Many are victims of social engineering and many will still fall because people tend to forget the basic principles of security. It’s human nature, however, all hope is not lost if you take precautionary measures to protect yourself and your organization. Companies with sophisticated security appliances have been hacked due to human error. Protect your password like your life, no one should have access to your password even if the person is the IT of your company. Remember, the protection of your information is your responsibility. No security measure can prevent your data from being stolen if you give free access to the attacker. In simple interpretation, if you leave your door open without locking it, you will know what the outcome would be.

Technology

The Price of Neglect: The Economic Impact of Cyberattacks on Maritime Operations

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

The Price of Neglect: The Economic Impact of Cyberattacks on Maritime Operations

By Abuh Ibrahim Sani

Ports are critical infrastructure to countries economic growth and sustainability. Over 90% of nations around the world depends on importation and exportation of goods. The maritime sector has become an integral part of global trade, connecting markets and facilitating the movement of goods across regions and continents. However, as with other sectors, the growing dependence on digital systems has exposed maritime operations to the growing threat of cyberattack. These attacks have dire economic consequences, as seen in countries like USA, Nigeria, Japan, China, Netherlandwhere maritime industry contribute immensely to their economy.

Understanding Cyberattacks in Maritime Operations

Maritime functions within a complex ecosystem of ports, shipping companies, logistics providers, and regulatory authorities. Over the past two decades, ports have progressively depended on automated information and operational technologies. This digital reliance creates vulnerabilities that, in the case of a hack or incident, might incapacitate economic activities. In July 2024, a software upgrade implemented by cybersecurity firm Crowdstrikeshutdown Windows services globally, resulting in turmoil at airports and interrupting essential infrastructure, including port facilities.Incidents of this nature prompt critical inquiries regarding maritime cybersecurity measures and the potential economic and physical repercussions that may come from a cyber incident. The most common attack include ransomware, phishing, and hacking of critical systems like Automation Identification System(AIS) or terminal operating systems.

The Maritime Sector’s Economic Impact: Insights from Nigeria, USA, Netherlands, and Japan

Maritime is one of Nigeria most critical sector, with its port accounting for over 70% of the region’s trade volume in West Africa. The industry has significantly contributes to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP), facilitating oil exports, which makes up over 90% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Surprisingly, the country’s maritime industry is vulnerable to cyber threats due to limited cybersecurity professionals, measures and the usage of legacy systems still in existence. More than 95% of cargo entering the United States is transported via ship and port activities, contributing approximately $5 trillion to the annual economy.The marine industry in Japan is vital to its economy, particularly due to the country’s dependence on maritime transport for over 99% of its international trade and the transportation of products and passengers among its many islands.

The marine sector is fundamental to the Dutch economy, embodying the Netherlands’ extensive nautical legacy and critical role as a European trading center. In 2022, the maritime cluster, which includes shipping, shipbuilding, ports, and maritime services, generated a revenue of €95.2 billion. This activity produced a direct added value of roughly €25.9 billion, with an indirect contribution of €5.2 billion, resulting in a total of €31.1 billion.

Notable Incident of Cyber attacks

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2020, fell victims of cyber attack that has ripple the effect of global maritime operation. In 2023, a major ports in Japan suspend operation due to ransomware attack which believes have emanated from Russia. The Port of Nagoya, responsible for approximately 10% of Japan‘s overall trade volume and managing some automobile exports for corporations such as Toyota, suspended its cargo operations on Tuesday, including the loading and unloading of containers onto trailers, following the incident.These incidents revealed weaknesses and highlighted the economic implications associated with cybersecurity in the maritime sector.

Impact of Cyber-attacks on Nations Economy

Cyberattacks often lead to operational downtime in ports resulting in delays of cargo handling and shipping schedules. In Nigeria, where ports like Apapa and Tin Can Island are already struggle with congestion, cyberattack disruptions could exacerbate inefficiencies, causing financial losses for shipping companies and businesses relying of time delivery of their goods.

Frequently cyber incidents lead to higher insurance premiums for maritime operators, insurers factors in cyber risk when underwriting policies, making costlier for shipping companies to secure comprehensive coverage.In every cyber-attack, its comes with consequences which include reputation damage. Cyber incidents destroy the company image and loss of consumer trust. The affected ports or shipping companies would look less attractive to international shipping lines and customers. This reputational destruction can have long-term economic effects, reducing countries competitiveness on maritime environments.

For example, takes Nigeria as the primary exporter of crude oil whose revenue relies heavily on its maritime sector. Cyber attack that disrupt port operations can lead to massive revenue losses. Delay in oil shipment due to compromised systems directly impact foreign exchange earnings and the broader economy.Recovering from a cyberattack involves substantial financial outlays for systems restoration, data recovery, and implementation of upgraded security measures. For a developing economy like Nigeria, these costs can strain already limited resources.

Why Cybersecurity in Maritime Operations Is Essential

The maritime sector is essential infrastructure; thus, preserving its cybersecurity is vital for safeguarding national interests, including energy exports, trade, and employment. A robust cybersecurity framework and measures enhanced the confidence of international stakeholders and customers in marine operations, hence generating increased commerce and investment. Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure and people development is more economical than the financial repercussions of a successful cyberattack. They mitigate risks, facilitating more efficient operations and financial stability.

Steps Toward Strengthening Cybersecurity Maritime Sector

The government of each country, through its marine administration and safety agency, must adopt effective cybersecurity policies specifically designed for the maritime sector. These rules must conform to international standards, including the International Maritime Organization’s principles on maritime cybersecurity. Training for port operators, shipping industry personnel, and other stakeholders on cybersecurity best practices is essential for capacity building. Competent individuals can recognize and alleviate threats prior to their escalation. Upgrading outdated technology systems, implementing modern cybersecurity solutions, and employing AI systems for threat detection will improve resistance against cyberattacks.

The world is a global village due to technology’s profound interconnectedness of our actions. Collaboration among government, business sector, and international partners is key in mitigating cyberattacks. Exchanging knowledge on cyber threats and implementing a cohesive strategy can enhance defenses across continents and regions.Formulating rapid response teams and contingency plans to ensure operations can swiftly recover following a cyber-attack will reducing economic losses and operational decline.

Conclusion

The economic impact of cyberattacks on maritime operations is a stark reminder of the price of neglecting cybersecurity. As the nation’s aspires to be a viable economy powerhouse of their regions, protecting its maritime sectors and national security from cyber threats must be a top priority. Develop a proactive measure, strong polices and strategic investments in technology will not only safeguard the industry but also bolster nations position in the global maritime landscape. The failure of government to act decisively risks costly disruptions, revenue losses, and reduce competitiveness. A price no economy can afford to pay.

Technology

Cybersecurity as a Business Priority: Experts to Lead Discussion at EyBrids Global Conference

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

EyBrids Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for Global Cybersecurity Conference: ‘Secure or Crumble’

EyBrids, an emerging tech startup recognized for its innovative solutions, has revealed the remarkable lineup of the distinguished speakers and panelists for its upcoming Global Cybersecurity Conference, themed “Secure or Crumble: Building a Cyber Resilient Future”.

As the highly anticipated Global Cybersecurity Conference, organized by EyBrids, draws closer, attention turns to one of the panel sessions, “The Business Case for Robust Cybersecurity.” This session will be led by Rianat Abbas, a seasoned product security analyst, and Victoria Ogunsanya, a professional cybersecurity analyst, who will guide the discussion on how cybersecurity is no longer just a technical consideration but a vital business priority.

In a statement released by the event organizers, Abuh Ibrahim Sani underscored the importance of the session and its leaders. “Cybersecurity has evolved from being a purely technical issue to a key driver of business resilience and growth. With Rianat and Victoria leading this discussion, participants will gain actionable insights on how strategic cybersecurity investments can safeguard operations, protect customer trust, and drive long-term success,” he said.

Rianat Abbas, known for embedding robust security measures throughout the product lifecycle, will bring her expertise to discussions on aligning cybersecurity with product innovation and development. Victoria Ogunsanya, with her focus on proactive threat detection and mitigation, governance and risk management will share strategies for helping businesses stay ahead of emerging risks while maintaining operational stability. Together, they will emphasize the critical role of cross-functional collaboration in transforming cybersecurity from a cost center into a strategic enabler of success.

This session, led by two of the conference’s most dynamic thought leaders, is set to provide attendees with practical strategies and forward-thinking approaches to address the evolving cybersecurity landscape while meeting broader business objectives.

The conference, scheduled for December 7, 2024, at 5 PM GMT via Zoom, will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers and panelists, including Ahmed Olabisi, a renowned cybersecurity expert; Olabode Folasade, a skilled Data Analyst; Dr. Olajumoke Eluwa, a distinguished Cybersecurity Professional; Jeremiah Kolawole, a leading Cybersecurity Professional; Heather Noggle, Executive Director of the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence; and Blessing Ebare, a seasoned Information Security Professional.

The panelists for the event include Olamide Olajide (Chief Panelist), a seasoned Elasticsearch Data Engineer; Rianat Abbas (Chief Panelist), a Product Security Analyst driving innovation; Destiny Young, a forward-thinking Cybersecurity Engineer; Jeremiah Folorunso, a creative Product (UI/UX) Designer; Sopuluchukwu Ani, a Senior Business Applications Administrator; Jeremiah Ogunniyi, an experienced Backend Developer; Victoria Ogunsanya, a seasoned Cybersecurity Analyst; and Bashir Aminu Yusufu, a Senior System Analyst.

The panelists, alongside other renowned speakers, will lead discussions on topics such as secure system design, cross-functional cybersecurity collaboration, and innovative approaches to mitigating threats. The conference will also feature interactive sessions, enabling participants to connect directly with experts and peers.

“This conference isn’t just about identifying challenges; it’s about equipping attendees with practical tools and knowledge to tackle them head-on,” Abuh stated. “From business leaders to IT professionals and cybersecurity enthusiasts, there’s something here for everyone.”

Technology

EyBrids Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for Global Cybersecurity Conference

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

In a statement issued by Abuh Ibrahim Sani, one of the event’s organizers, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the speakers were described as leading voices in the tech industry, committed to addressing some of the most urgent cybersecurity issues of today.

The conference scheduled for December 7, 2024, at 5 PM GMT via Zoom, promises to foster critical conversations about safeguarding businesses from evolving threats while emphasizing the importance of cross-functional collaboration.

According to Abuh, “Our speakers and panelists represent a wealth of experience across various cybersecurity and tech disciplines, making this conference an unmissable opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the field.”

He added, “Their collective insights will help attendees understand why organizations must prioritize cybersecurity as a cornerstone for business resilience. Collaboration, innovative strategies, and shared responsibility are key to navigating today’s digital landscape.”

Speakers and Panelists Lineups

The event’s thought-leader panelists will focus on Panel Session 1: “𝘼 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨-𝘿𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙮𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮” and Panel Session 2: “The Business Case for Robust Cybersecurity,” bringing together expertise from diverse fields, including cybersecurity, data engineering, UI/UX design, product analytics, and system architecture. The sessions aim to highlight the importance of cross-domain collaboration in addressing modern cyber threats and aligning security strategies with organizational goals. Speakers at the conference include Ahmed Olabisi Olajide, a renowned cybersecurity expert; Olabode Folasade, a skilled Data Analyst; Dr. Olajumoke Eluwa, a distinguished Cybersecurity Professional; Jeremiah Kolawole, a leading Cybersecurity Professional; Heather Noggle, Executive Director of the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence; and Blessing Ebare, a seasoned Information Security Professional.

They will be joined by thought-leader panelists such as Olamide Olajide (Chief Panelist), a seasoned Elasticsearch Data Engineer; Rianat Abbas (Chief Panelist), a Product Security Analyst dedicated to embedding security into product life cycles; Destiny Young, a forward-thinking Cybersecurity Engineer specializing in secure network infrastructures; Jeremiah Folorunso, a creative Product (UI/UX) Designer focused on building secure, user-centric interfaces; Sopuluchukwu Ani, a Senior Business Applications Administrator with expertise in safeguarding enterprise systems; Jeremiah Ogunniyi, an experienced Backend Developer skilled in creating resilient system architectures; Victoria Ogunsanya, a proactive Cybersecurity Analyst dedicated to threat detection and mitigation; and Bashir Aminu Yusufu, a Senior System Analyst with expertise in optimizing organizational security. Together, these speakers and panelists will ensure attendees gain practical knowledge, actionable strategies, and fresh perspectives on building cyber resilience and aligning security efforts with business success.