NSA mulls implementation of new national cybersecurity policy

The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), has convened the 7th Meeting of the Cybercrime Advisory Council.

The Council, in pursuant to its mandate under the Cybercrime Act 2015, discussed the modalities for the implementation of the new National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021.

ONSA Head, Strategic Communication, Zakari Usman who disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, said the Council deliberated on the development of a protection plan for Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and updated the modalities for the upcoming cybersecurity sensitisation programme.

President Muhammadu Buhari launched the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy on 23 February 2021 following the implementation and review of the maiden National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

Following the launch, the policy document was widely disseminated to Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private organizations and relevant stakeholders for implementation.

The 7th Meeting of the National Advisory Council, also reviewed emerging risks in the cyberspace and discussed modalities to facilitate and strengthen ongoing initiatives towards the Implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021.

The Office of the National Security Adviser updated the Council on the identification, designation and protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure as specified in the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Protection etc) Act 2015. Consequently, the Council deliberated on the development of a protection plan and guidelines for the already identified Critical National Information Infrastructure.

As part of ongoing initiatives to achieve the strategic objectives of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021, the Office of the National Security Adviser briefed the Council on the progress made towards the planning of the 3-Months Cybersecurity Sensitisation Workshops across seven sectors from September to December 2021.

“These sectors include Telecommunications, Defence and Security, Education, Finance and capital market, Energy, Professional organisations, the Private Sector and Judiciary.

“The workshop series will provide information, strengthen cybersecurity governance and coordination, and build the capacity of relevant stakeholders on their responsibilities under the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy. The workshops will also sensitize stakeholders on the expected deliverables, projected timelines and key performance indicators as required in the Action Plan for the Strategy Implementation.

The National Cybersecurity Sensitization Programme will commence with the Defence and Security Sector on 15 and 16 September 2021. The workshops for other sectors will be conducted every fortnight till the first week of December 2021.