US Commercial Service, McAfee Host Cyber Security Forum
Emma Okonji
The United States (US) Commercial Service in Nigeria in collaboration with US cybersecurity company —McAfee Incorporated, recently hosted a breakfast seminar in Lagos for cyber security experts and corporate end-users.
At the programme, the American computer security software company also announced the launch of its Enhanced Unified Defense Architecture designed to empower organisations to more effectively protect today’s digital assets.
Commercial Attaché, US Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, Ms. Jennifer Woods, explained that the program aims to support Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy.
According to Woods, having effective and proven solution against growing cyberattacks is a critical aspect of any corporate IT infrastructure.
“The U.S. Foreign Commercial Service is pleased to provide a unique opportunity for leaders of the Nigerian digital economy to hear first-hand from American computer security leaders about their cutting edge solutions for protecting corporate assets,” Ms. Woods said.
In his remarks, McAfee Senior Territory Manager for sub- Saharan Africa, Mr. Will O’Shea, noted that cyber-criminals continue to put individual and corporate end-users on the defensive.
“To effectively counteract cyber-criminals, we have to abandon old security playbooks and become more collaborative in making cyber-security a priority,” O’Shea added.
Over 130 representatives from the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecom Companies in Nigeria (ATCON), the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), and the Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology attended the event.
Participants expressed keen interest in building the necessary knowledge-base and business relationship with the American cybersecurity leaders that will enable them stay one step ahead of the next wave of viruses, malware, and other online threats.
The Foreign Commercial Service of the US government works to promote the expansion of US trade and investment to Nigeria through support of business partnerships between American and Nigerian companies.