E-Business
Digital Encode: Pioneering Effective Cybersecurity Response to Attacks in Nigeria
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in its global cybersecurity index (GCI) 2020 ranks Nigeria 47th among countries tackling cybercrimes headlong.
The index disclosed that countries are working to improve their cyber safety despite the challenges of COVID-19 and the rapid shift of everyday activities into the digital sphere.
Despite notable improvements, gaps in cyber capacity persist, according to ITU. The GCI revealed that many countries and regions lag in key areas.
These include cybersecurity skills training, which must be tailored to the needs of citizens, micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); finance, healthcare, energy, and other key sectors, which require dedicated measures to close cybersecurity gaps; critical infrastructure protection, which requires enhancement to meet new and evolving cyber threats and Individual data protection, which requires continual reinforcement as online activity expands.
In Nigeria one company has distinguished itself in providing effective strategy in addressing issues in the key sectors that ITU report identified and that company is Digital Encode.
Digital Encode is a leading consulting and integration firm founded in 2003 that specializes in the design, management, and security of business-critical networks, telecommunications environments and other Information Technology (IT) infrastructures.
Recognized in the industry for its vendor independent perspective, the firm’s expertise lies in solving multifaceted, complex enterprise network security and audit problems.
At Digital Encode, technology serves two purposes: to save money and solve a problem. Digital Encode also provides advisory services toward improvements in Information Security Management, Network Security, Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics, Risk Management and Business Continuity Management.
Digital Encode’s unique methodology is rooted in the concept that a company should run its IT organization as a business. Throughout the well -defined process, Digital Encode translates strategic business objectives into sound, achievable technology solutions. This approach ensures that the technology never obscures the business goals.
Digital Encode has managed several projects for banks in the country among them included penetration testing and vulnerability assessments for PCIDSS certifications.
It has also assisted many organisations to deliver ISO 27001:13 certification which is a testament to their teamwork, focus, drive and will to succeed.
Recently, Digital Encode got licensed under the Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCO) by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
With the development, Digital Encode is recognised by NITDA to provide training, auditing, and consulting services throughout the country in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) principles.
Among the objectives behind the regulation were the protection of the privacy rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens, on the one hand and the promotion of local and foreign investments in the digital economy by safeguarding the information systems infrastructure against breaches and implementing internationally compatible rules.
As a DPCO, Digital Encode is expected to verify self-audits prior to submission to NITDA. This is a means of decentralising compliance activities for more efficiency.
Dr. Peter Adewale Obadare, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Digital Encode, who is also the Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance at Digital Encode, said as a Pan-African cyber security, the company would continue to keep assisting individuals and businesses protect their information assets.
Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, Chief Technical Officer of Digital Encode, said the license would remain a testament to Digital Encode’s unique methodology rooted in the concept of professionalism.
Akindeinde added that while assisting companies to achieve the data protection goals through a well-defined secure process, Digital Encode would continue to translate strategic business objectives into sound, achievable technology solutions.
Digital Encode Cyber security Efforts in Nigeria
Dr. Wale Obadare and Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, both founders of Digital encode have expressed worries over the implementation of none impactful cyber security solutions to organizations by vendors which has resulted in increased loss of money and data by organizations.
They cautioned organisations on over dependence on cyber security products for protection against cyber-attacks.
Obadare, further said that major challenge organizations face in the fight against cybercriminal and cyber warfare is lack of trained manpower.
“I have been in cyber security ecosystem for many years now and have identified lack of trained manpower in most organizations. Cyber security is not a certificate that speaks for you, but a continuous training to be ahead of the smart criminals. Most organizations find it difficult to continually update their IT security staff to be able to face cyber threats,” he said.
Akindeinde, emphasized on the need for a national cyber security framework against industry specifics frameworks.
“There are a number of frameworks aimed at assisting most organizations in preventing cyber attacks. A prime example is the ISO 27001 ISMS. A more specific one for the financial / payments sector is the PCI DSS. This is a regulatory framework. I think it’s a case of the level of maturity of cybersecurity in the banking sector. Other sectors have not got to that advanced stage of maturity which is why the banks seem to be at the forefront of preventing and addressing issues related to Cybersecurity,” he said.
Recognitions
Digital Encode has been conferred with several awards in recognition its efforts in pioneering effective cybersecurity strategy in Nigeria and Africa as well as its quality-driven operations and global best practice standards in Information Security Management and Compliance Advisory ecosystem among them included; the ‘Africa’s Most Innovative Quality Cyber-Security Consulting Company’ by African Quality Institute.
At the 11th edition of Beacon of ICT awards 2020, Digital Encode was inducted in the Beacon of ICT Hall of Fame as the Cybersecurity Company of the Year of the Decade as well as Compliancy Advisory Company of the Year of the Decade.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, organisers of the award said that Digital Encode is the only Nigerian Cybersecurity company to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
More so, the company’s founders Dr. Wale Obadare and Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, at the same edition of the award in addition to emerging as Nigeria CommunicationsWeek Man of the Year 2020 were also inducted into the individual category of the Beacon of ICT Hall of Fame as Cybersecurity Personalities of the Decade.
The organisers described Digital Encode efforts in the country’s Cyber-Security ecosystem’s and emergence in its award categories as “Digital Encode’s consistency in placing high premium on quality in all areas of its operations.”
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced plans to significantly ramp up enforcement and impose substantial fines on data controllers and processors that violate the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner/CEO. NDPC
This was disclosed by Dr Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner/CEO of the Commission, in a video message outlining the Commission’s 2025 agenda, shared on the agency’s social media platforms.
A statement issued by the Communications Division of the Commission on Friday quoted Dr Olatunji as saying that, “For data controllers and processors, there is going to be massive enforcement. We have never really issued any fine, but going forward, you’ll hear us giving heavy penalties.”
He assured Nigerians that their data rights, as guaranteed by the NDPA, will be fully protected, and defaulting data controllers and processors will face strict consequences.
The Commissioner highlighted the NDPC’s extensive engagements with stakeholders across public and private sectors to promote awareness and compliance with the Commission’s mandate.
The efforts, he said, have resulted in the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key organisations, including the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), the Data Privacy Office of Canada, and the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (DIFC), among others.
Dr Olatunji also shared that the NDPC will advance to the second phase of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP 2023-2027) in 2025.
This phase is expected to create job opportunities within Nigeria’s data protection and privacy ecosystem, particularly for young people.
The Commission has been actively training Nigerians in data protection and privacy, creating a pool of globally competitive experts within the data protection sector in 2025.
“There are a lot of data controllers and processors that are looking for people to work with them. Now those that we have trained in 2024, those we have certified, we are going to do more this year to actually launch them to the job market where they can really work with data controllers and processors,” he said.
Additionally, the NDPC will continue nationwide efforts to promote data protection awareness.
The Commission aims to educate citizens about their rights and the importance of data privacy while reminding data controllers and processors of their obligations under the NDP Act.
Dr Olatunji emphasised that these initiatives are part of the broader goal to embed a culture of data protection and privacy in Nigeria.
As part of its international engagement efforts, Nigeria will host the “Network of African Data Protection Authorities Conference” in May 2025, with over 40 nations with existing data protection laws expected to attend.
According to Dr Olatunji, this global event will position Nigeria as a leader in the data protection ecosystem, and bring significant economic benefits to the country.
The NDPC reiterated its commitment to ensuring data protection and privacy become integral to Nigeria’s digital landscape, building trust and fostering economic growth, the statement added.
Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), achieved a 275 percent increase in revenue for the year 2024, according to Tola Odeyemi, postmaster general.
At the beginning of the year, NIPOST set an ambitious target of generating N10 billion in revenue.
Although specific figures for the end of the year were not disclosed, the reported increase suggests a significant recovery for the postal service, which had previously faced consistent decline.
Odeyemi, who made the disclosure while listing NIPOST’s achievements for the year recently, attributed the growth to a series of reforms aimed at enhancing service quality and eliminating revenue leakages
The NIPOST boss detailed the steps taken to boost revenue, noting the implementation of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals in high-transaction areas, which has streamlined payment processes and improved customer experience.
She said, “One of the major achievements for us in 2024 has been a 275% increase in revenue from 2023. We achieved this by plugging a lot of the revenue leakages that we have by deploying PoS terminals for payment in our high transaction areas, as well as ensuring that our quality of service goes up.”
Looking ahead, Odeyemi outlined NIPOST’s plans to sustain this growth trajectory.
She said the organisation has embarked on renovations and upgrades of key locations in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna, alongside enhancements to the Postal Institute, which is central to the agency’s change management initiatives.
Furthermore, she stated that NIPOST is gearing up for several major developments in 2025, including the rollout of a national addressing system and digital postcode services, specialised logistics for agriculture and healthcare, and a relaunch of its financial services.
“There will be infrastructure upgrades, which will take place across the Federation and there will be an increase in access to government services through your local NIPOST location,” she said.
Sure Switch Tech, a technology company, has unveiled the Drop App, a ground-breaking e-hailing platform designed to empower drivers and passengers in Nigeria.
The Co- Founder who doubled as the Chief Executive Officer of Sure Switch Tech, Ugbah Chukwuma, during the unveiling in Abuja, disclosed that Drop App is an innovative online motor park that connects drivers and passengers directly, allowing them to negotiate terms and travel with ease and confidence.
Chukwuma noted: “What sets the Drop App apart is its driver-first approach, which ensures that drivers keep more of their earnings, saying Drop App is built for convenience, affordability, and empowerment. The app provides a low-cost, high-reward platform for drivers and a reliable and flexible service for passengers.”
According to him, “we understand the challenges that many Nigerian drivers face, and we designed the Drop App to provide real solutions. We are committed to driving innovation, empowering communities, and creating platforms that prioritise fairness and opportunity for all.
He further explained that Sure Switch Tech is a leading technology company dedicated to creating innovative solutions that empower communities and drive growth, stating.
“Today, we launched the Drop app, a platform that redefines e-hailing and transportation in Nigeria. At Trust Tech Limited, we are committed to creating technologies that address existing challenges and empower the communities we serve.
“The Drop app is more than just an e-hailing app; it’s an online motor park, a digital hub where drivers and passengers can connect directly, negotiate terms, and travel with ease and confidence.
“What sets Drop apart is its driver-first approach. We don’t refer to drivers as drivers; we call them our partners. We’ve chosen a different path, where no commissions are deducted from drivers’ earnings. Drivers get 100% of their earnings and pay only a flat rate of N500 for 24-hour service on our platform.
“Another key feature of Drop is the freedom for drivers and passengers to negotiate ride prices directly. We ensure transparency, fairness, and mutual agreement. The Drop app is built for convenience, affordability, and empowerment.
“It enables drivers to scale their business and support their families. For passengers, it’s a low-cost, high-reward platform that guarantees value for money. It’s a reliable, flexible service that accommodates their preferences and budget.”
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