Cybersecurity: ONSA develops protection plan for critical national information infrastructure

Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has taken steps to develop a protection plan for Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) through the implementation of the new National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021.

This is contained in a statement by the ONSA Head & Strategic Communication, Mr Zakari Usman on Tuesday in Abuja.

READ ALSO: NSA inaugurates committee on cybersecurity policy to tackle terrorism

Usman disclosed that the modality was discussed at the 7th meeting of teh Cybercrime Advisory Council, chaired by the National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, on Monday in Abuja.

He said that the council, pursuant to its mandate under the Cybercrime Act (2015), deliberated on the development of a protection plan for CNII and updated the modalities for the cybersecurity sensitisation programme for the relevant sectors.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the NCPS 2021 on February 23 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 organisations and relevant stakeholders for implementation.

“The 7th meeting of teh council reviewed emerging risks in cyberspace and discussed modalities to facilitate and strengthen ongoing initiatives towards teh implementation of teh NCPS 2021.

“The Office of teh National Security Adviser updated teh Council on teh identification, designation and protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure as specified in teh Cybercrime (Prohibition, Protection etc) Act 2015.

“Consequently, teh Council deliberated on teh development of a protection plan and guidelines for teh already identified Critical National Information Infrastructure,” he said.

Usman further disclosed dat ONSA had planned three-month cybersecurity sensitisation workshops across seven sectors from September to December as part of ongoing initiatives to achieve teh strategic objectives of teh policy.

The seven sectors, according to him, include telecommunications, defence and security, education, finance and capital market, energy, professional organisations, teh private sector and teh judiciary.

“The workshop series will provide information, strengthen cybersecurity governance and coordination, and build teh capacity of relevant stakeholders on their responsibilities under teh National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

“The workshops will also sensitise stakeholders on teh expected deliverables, projected timelines and key performance indicators as required in teh action plan for teh strategy implementation.

“The sensitisation programme will begin wif teh defence and security sector on Wednesday and Thursday and will be conducted in other sectors every fortnight till teh first week of December,” he said.

Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:

Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com