Marco: Government must prepare to contain cyber crimes, terrorism

Forum 8 years ago

Marco: Government must prepare to contain cyber crimes, terrorism

What are the consequences of neglecting Homeland Security and Cyber Space?
It can be quite devastating because each threat on an official service provider, institute or critical resource, is a risk to both the people and the government. In the nation of Israel for example, Home Land Security solutions are distinct that they are not directed to known and established (past) risks, but towards the unknown and future threats. Homeland Security has always been top priority in Israel. The need for unique technologies and self reliance has grown into a diversified sophisticated and advanced industry with products and solutions suitable for the most demanding situations and environments.

Lagos state has benefitted from your partnership. How will you rate the Lagos Safe-City Project in terms of your collaborations?
Together with us, Lagos State decided to implement an ambitious safe-city concept to cover its territory with cameras, sensors and other technological elements. The main requirement for the safe-city concept was to create an ability to monitor activities throughout the state and city in a way that will maintain the highest level of security 24/7. Our collaborations started before 2009 at the request of the government of Lagos State, with the collaboration of a local company in Lagos. We built infrastructure that is fully ready, working and operational. At this point, I assume it’s still working. It is a combination of technology and awareness from the Lagos State government.

What lessons can Nigeria learn from Israel in terms of cyber crimes?
More than 450 Israeli companies are developing and producing unique cyber products. Israel cyber solutions are covering a range of threats and risk on all communication and information entities, including back office, main frames, Personal Computers [PC], personal devices, personal smart phones, communication and control systems, navigation systems, critical facilities, private cars and public transportation. Today, cyber crime and terrorism is on the rise around the world, but we detect more and more cyber attacks from various sources. Israel is ranked highest for cyber-security. Also, the Israeli cyber security industry is estimated to represent seven percent of global sales and eight percent of global investments. This represents an annual export of more than $3b. Companies such as IBM, Cisco, General Electric (GE), have established Research and Development cyber centers in Israel. One in six computers are protected by anti-virus software developed in Israel.

In what ways can counter-cyber technology help the growth of Nigeria’s education sector?
Talking of education, it depends on what we are doing and what are the applications. For example, in cyber, we are protecting all the information that is being used. Imagine what would happen if you are unable to provide salaries for your teachers, due to a problem in the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. Therefore, this is one application. Of course, you can use many more applications. In Israel for example, a lot of Israelis are using the IT infrastructure for education. So, everything is protected. It is almost covering all aspects of life. So, the applications are many and it depends on what you would like to protect. You also have to understand what will happen if you are not going to protect; what could be the impact when a cyber crime is committed.

How can counter-cyber crimes technology be deployed to curb terrorism, kidnapping and sundry crimes?
Let’s take the Boston terror attacks that happened several years ago. In order to prevent further occurrences, first of all, you are dealing with a lot of crowd, you have to be aware that something can happen and you don’t know where it will come from.