“Cybersecurity is a strategic enabler for digital transformation’

In today’s digital world, network security is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As a cybersecurity professional with over eight years experience, Michael Nwokolo has navigated the complexities of securing financial and telecommunication environments, implementing zero trust architectures, and leading teams through an ever-evolving threat landscape. His approach to cybersecurity is not just reacting to threats but anticipating them. His leadership lifestyle is centered on continuous learning and adapting to new solutions. In this interview with The Guardian, he shares insights on cybersecurity in financial and telecommunication space.

Having worked across finance, banking, and telecommunications, what role do you think cybersecurity can play in the future of digital transformation?

Cybersecurity is the backbone of digital transformation. As industries shift to digital platforms, the attack surface expands, making them more vulnerable to threats. Without a solid cybersecurity foundation, no digital transformation initiative can succeed. It’s not just about protecting data; it’s about enabling trust. Whether in finance, banking, or telecom, customers need to feel confident that their information is safe. Cybersecurity ensures that trust, allowing businesses to grow and innovate without compromising on safety.

You’ve successfully led several network redesign initiatives in different sectors. How do you tailor your approach based on industry-specific challenges?

Each industry has its own set of challenges and priorities. In finance and banking for instance, compliance and data privacy are paramount, while in telecommunications, network availability and speed are key. I always start by understanding the industry’s regulatory requirements and business goals. Then, I design a security architecture that addresses both security and operational needs. For example, in banking, I often implement stronger encryption and multi-factor authentication, while in telecom, we focus more on network redundancy and load balancing to ensure 99.9 per cent uptime.

Could you share more about your work in optimising network performance while balancing security and efficiency in high-stakes environments like banking?

In high-stakes environments like banking, security can’t come at the cost of efficiency. To strike that balance, we focus on optimising security measures to be as lightweight as possible. For example, we use micro-segmentation to isolate critical systems without slowing down the network. We also implement advanced threat detection tools that work in the background without causing performance bottlenecks. The result is a secure network that can still handle high volumes of transactions efficiently.

How do you stay ahead of emerging security threats, especially in highly regulated sectors like finance and telecommunications?

It’s a combination of staying informed and being proactive. In highly regulated sectors, you can’t afford to wait for threats to materialise. I follow the latest threat intelligence reports and participate in industry forums where new risks are discussed. Regular penetration testing and red team exercises are also crucial. These allow us to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do. By keeping a close eye on regulatory changes, we ensure that our security posture is always one step ahead.

Digital transformation is changing the way industries operate. How has your role as a cybersecurity expert evolved with these changes?

My role has become more integrated with business strategy. It’s no longer just about preventing attacks—it’s about enabling digital transformation securely. As businesses adopt new technologies like cloud, AI, and blockchain, I’m involved from the start, ensuring that security is built into these innovations. I’ve also had to adopt a more agile approach, as threats evolve rapidly. Today, cybersecurity is not just a technical function; it’s a strategic enabler that ensures digital initiatives are both successful and secure.

With the shift to cloud services across industries, how do you ensure robust security measures while maintaining the flexibility cloud offers?

Cloud services offer incredible flexibility, but they also introduce new security challenges. The key is to implement security measures that are as dynamic as the cloud itself. We use multi-layered security frameworks that include encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and continuous monitoring. By adopting a Zero Trust model, we verify every access request, no matter where it comes from. This ensures that even as we leverage the flexibility of the cloud, security remains tight.

You’ve led the implementation of advanced VPN solutions in several organisations. What innovations are you most proud of, and how have they impacted business operations?

One of the innovations I’m most proud of is the integration of software-defined perimeters (SDP) into our VPN solutions. Traditional VPNs can sometimes be slow and vulnerable to attacks, especially in a cloud-based environment. By integrating SDP, we’ve been able to create more secure, flexible connections for remote employees and partners. This has not only improved security but also enhanced performance, allowing teams to work more efficiently while ensuring secure access to sensitive data.

As digital finance continues to grow, how do you ensure that the security infrastructure you’ve built can support scalability while preventing breaches?

Scalability is critical in digital finance, especially as the number of transactions and users increases. The foundation for scalable security lies in automation and cloud-native security solutions. We use automated security policies that adjust as the system scales, ensuring that security remains strong even during periods of rapid growth. Additionally, we’ve implemented continuous monitoring tools that can detect unusual activity and respond in real-time, preventing breaches before they escalate.

What advice would you give to tech leaders in banking and telecom who are looking to strengthen their network security without stifling innovation?

The key is to view security as an enabler of innovation, not a roadblock. They should start by building security into the foundation of their digital initiatives. This way, they don’t have to compromise later. Flexible security tools like micro-segmentation and Zero Trust models that adapt as business grows can be adopted Also there is need to foster a culture of collaboration between security and development teams, ensuring that both sides understand the importance of balancing security with innovation.

How do you approach the challenge of managing cybersecurity risks and customer satisfaction, particularly in sectors like telecommunications where service quality is critical?

In telecommunications, customer satisfaction is tied directly to network availability and speed, so security measures have to be seamless. To manage both, we focus on invisible security—solutions that work in the background without disrupting service. For example, by using automated threat detection tools and AI-driven firewalls, we can block malicious traffic without slowing down the network. This allows us to protect customers while ensuring they experience minimal disruption.

You’ve worked closely with compliance teams in finance. How do you integrate security with regulatory requirements, and what are some common pitfalls organisations should avoid?

Compliance should never be treated as an afterthought. From day one, I work closely with compliance teams to ensure that all security measures align with regulatory requirements like GDPR, PCI-DSS, and others. One common pitfall is implementing security controls that are too rigid, which can stifle operational flexibility. It’s important to strike a balance by designing security frameworks that meet compliance standards while still allowing for business agility. Regular audits and reviews are also essential to stay ahead of evolving regulations.

Given your extensive experience in deploying firewalls and network segmentation, what are the key innovations that can drive more secure and efficient infrastructures in the future?

One important innovation is the move towards micro-segmentation, which allows us to isolate different parts of the network, making it harder for attackers to move laterally. This is particularly important in cloud environments where traditional perimeter security is no longer enough. Another innovation is the use of AI and machine learning for dynamic firewall management. These tools can learn from traffic patterns and automatically adjust firewall rules in real-time, ensuring that the network remains both secure and efficient.

How do you foresee the convergence of cybersecurity and financial technology (fintech) shaping the next decade?

The convergence of cybersecurity and fintech are going to reshape how we think about digital transactions. With the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain, cybersecurity will need to adapt to secure these new forms of financial transactions. AI-driven security systems will play a big role in protecting fintech platforms from fraud and other threats. I also see a growing emphasis on user authentication technologies like biometrics, which will provide additional layer of security in financial services.

You have a history of managing high-availability networks in complex environments. What best practices would you recommend for others aiming to achieve 99.99per cent network uptime?

Achieving 99.99 per cent uptime requires redundancy at every level. You need backup systems for your servers, routers, and even power supplies. Load balancing is crucial to distribute traffic evenly across the network, ensuring no single point of failure. Regular maintenance and monitoring are also key. You need to be proactive in identifying potential issues before they cause downtime. Finally, there is need to invest in disaster recovery solutions that allow quick restoration of services in the event of an outage.

What emerging trends in telecommunications and banking excite you the most, and how do you see security playing critical role in their evolution?

In telecommunications, the shift towards 5G is incredibly exciting. It’s going to open up new possibilities for IoT and edge computing. However, with that comes new security challenges, as the attack surface expands. In banking, the rise of AI and machine learning for fraud detection is fascinating. These technologies will not only improve security but also enhance customer experience. In both sectors, security will need to evolve quickly to keep up with the pace of innovation.