West African Cyber Security Summit Holds in Lagos

Emma Okonji

The West African Cyber Security Summit (WACSS) has been scheduled to take place on the March 21, 2018 alongside Securex West Africa in Lagos.

Six of the world’s fastest growing cybersecurity economies can be found in Africa, including Nigeria. Cybercrime is a rapidly growing problem affecting Africa, fuelled by the high levels of poverty as it’s relatively easy to carry out and the lack of legal policies to prevent and prosecute perpetrators if, and when, they are caught makes it all the more attractive to criminals.

This increase has driven the market demand for cybersecurity solutions in recent years, with Nigeria at the epicentre of it all. According to recent reports, the federal government predicted the annual cost of cybercrime in Nigeria to be around 0.08 per cent of the country’s overall GDP, which is an estimated N127 billion. To best tackle this wave of criminality, government officials and businesses alike need to be educated as to sophisticated solutions and how to implement them.

WACSS is the ultimate platform to learn about essential market developments, key trends, cutting-edge technology and to discuss strategies to address the latest risks and threats facing the industry.

2017’s inaugural edition of WACSS brought together key individuals from leading organisations and government agencies. Among those in attendance were KPMG, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ernst & Young, G3, CSEAN, Interpol and many more.

This invitation-only summit will welcome 150 senior cyber security representatives from both the private and public sector, all eager to be at the forefront of innovation in the industry. With the full interactive programme yet to be announced, organisers have divulged several key themes that this year’s summit will follow.