ACETEL, Digital Footprints train security personnel on cyber-crimes

By Loretta Edozie
PIX
Representative of the VC flanked by the participants shortly after the opening ceremony

The Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), in partnership with the Digital Footprints, have organised a 5-day short-course on Digital Forensic and Incident Response Course.

The programme, which commenced on Monday, June 19, 2023 will reach climax on Friday, June 23, 2023 at the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja.

It was aimed at equipping participants with essential skills, knowledge, and tools required to effectively identify, investigate and respond to digital incidents.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Academic, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, stated that the workshop will offer security personnel the skills to curb cyber-crimes.

He reiterated that there is an influx of cyber-crimes in Nigeria's contemporary society, making a case for digital forensic, which, according to him, "is inevitable if the law enforcement investigation today is going to be meaningful. 

"Cyber-crimes are becoming increasingly alarming these days, hence, there is a need for software or methodology to arrest the situation.

On her part, ACETEL Director, Prof. Grace Jokthan, in her welcome address, said as cyber threats continue to evolve, challenging the security of individuals, organisations and nations, it has become paramount to organisations and individuals alike as guardians of the digital world to stay one step ahead.

She said such organisations should become armed with the knowledge, tools and techniques to safeguard digital assets and preserve the integrity of evidence.

Jokthan explained that the workshop“will delve into the fascinating world of cyber investigations where we’ll explore various aspects such as evidence connection, preservation, analysis and effective management of cyber incidence.

"Together, we will navigate through real-life scenarios and examine the latest trends and challenges in the field. By the end of this workshop, the trainers, which include, among others, National Information Technology Development  Agency (NITDA); Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC); Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB); Presidential Amnesty Programme and Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology, will be better equipped to handle digital incidents, identify potential vulnerabilities, and mitigate future risks."

 

Cross section of participants at the opening ceremony

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Digital Footprints Limited, Dr. Tombari Sibe, while giving the overview of the course, said in the last two decades there has been a radical adoption in a lot of areas ranging from banking to e-Governance and very recently to e-elections, a very important aspect of our national life.

“As cyber-crime increases with the use of technology, it is important that as a nation we prepare our public service and private service for the highly sophisticated world of cyber-security.”

He added that the course was put together by ACETEL and Digital Footprints to equip the participants with the necessary skill-set both as a person and as a corporate entity to be able to stand the emerging threat landscape.

“We have made it to be a very practical oriented course. We use some of the best tools in the world, you’ll do hands-on practicals; we are very practically inclined,Sibe said.

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