ipNX Calls for Policy Harmonization to Mitigate Data Risks

Ugo Aliogo

The Divisional Chief Executive Officer, ipNX Business, Segun Okuneye, has called on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) stakeholders in Nigeria to prioritize the development and harmonization of data protection policies in order to ensure a secure digital landscape.

Okuneye disclosed this during the 2021 Access Africa Workshop organized by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

Speaking on the topic; ‘Frameworks to Support a Secure Digital landscape,” Okuneye stated that the reality of high-level cybersecurity threats due to a change in the nature of work which was occasioned by the global pandemic.

“It is a known fact that the pandemic has changed how we work. We now see more of a distributed workforce, where people are having work done on the move. This new reality has exposed the digital landscape to massive data risks and vulnerabilities,” he said.

He stressed the need for governments and private sector players to unite in purpose and align in their approach and execution to achieve data security adding that this is crucial, “because the existence of the digital landscape is hugely dependent on the successful implementation of policies, frameworks, guidelines, procedures and reforms.”

He added that the implementation of these policies and frameworks is a shared responsibility of three key stakeholder groups; individuals, organisations and the government.

He further explained that the fragmentation of policies and frameworks, which are either localized to organisations, states or countries is a major impediment towards the realization of a truly secure digital landscape.

According to him, “There are several efforts by governments at the national and international levels to bring about policies on how organisations collect, store and process user information. In Nigeria, there is the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), and internationally, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), both aimed at promoting a safe environment for the exchange of personal data. However, the fragmentation of these policies and frameworks poses a major impediment. There is a need to align policies if there will be any meaningful progress in data security.”

The Divisional CEO of ipNX Infrastructure, Uche Nnakenyi, shared insights on how to reduce the opportunities of data breaches and cyber attacks.

She said: “Organisations must understand how to adopt digital security policies and frameworks within the confines of their jurisdiction and how to interact with other countries at the international level. Beyond that, concerned stakeholders must constantly review and update these policies to keep up with the changing trends in the digital landscape,” she said.

She lauded USTDA for organising a workshop to raise consciousness about safeguarding the country’s digital landscape and advancing the course of information and communication technology.

The USTDA Access Africa Workshop is an initiative that supports quality information and communication technology infrastructure across Africa. It brings together critical stakeholders and partners from the public and private sectors across the continent to advance inclusive, secure, and sustainable connectivity.