Financial institutions must move beyond mere compliance and fully integrate data protection into their business culture to mitigate risks and gain a competitive edge, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has advised.

The call was made by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, during the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) Tabletop Session for executives of Providus Bank. Represented by Barrister Babatunde Bamgboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulation at the NDPC, Dr. Olatunji delivered a keynote presentation titled “Embedding Data Protection into Business Culture: Beyond Compliance to Strategic Advantage.”

Addressing growing global concerns over data security, Dr. Olatunji warned that breaches could expose organizations to severe financial and reputational liabilities. He outlined key provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), emphasizing that banks, as major data controllers and processors, must implement robust measures to protect customers’ personal information.

The NDPC boss highlighted the Commission’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach as instrumental in driving awareness and compliance across sectors. He noted that businesses prioritizing data privacy not only strengthen customer trust but also build more resilient and risk-aware operational models.

The session reinforced the need for financial institutions to treat data protection as a strategic imperative rather than just a regulatory obligation.

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Legacy cybersecurity systems – once recognized as the cornerstone of business infrastructure – are putting African companies at risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, which could end up costing more than just money. These on-premises solutions have been identified as major threat to businesses, due to outdated tech, missing modern security features, and integration challenges – an issue that only grows worse as hardware gets older. In response, cybersecurity experts recommend that businesses switch over to cloud-based solutions, which offer continuous, automated updates for up to date protection.

“Africa’s rapidly expanding economy has made it a target for cybercriminals looking to exploit weak points in the digital infrastructure of local businesses. Cyber threats are also evolving and adapting faster than ever – which means that businesses need to be able to upgrade their cybersecurity in real-time, to ensure their data and finances remain protected against the latest threats,” says Tony Anscombe, Chief Security Evangelist at ESET, a leading international cybersecurity company with a presence across the continent.

As technology progresses, support for older systems, including patches and updates, dwindles. This means that legacy systems may not be able to accommodate modern technologies and new security best practices – including multi-factor authentication and encryptions. As a result, vulnerabilities in older software and hardware remain unaddressed, leaving gaps in the defense framework and making them prime targets for cyberattacks. This can also lead to non-compliance, resulting in legal issues and hefty fines.

“If a data breach occurs, it will impact operational continuity and damage the brand’s reputation far more than the downtime needed to upgrade their systems. Recognizing that outdated solutions could cost them more in the long run, businesses are switching over to cloud-based solutions,” says Anscombe.

Cloud-based cybersecurity systems host digital defences outside of a business’s internal network, providing a ‘protective layer’ that blocks threats before they can reach critical infrastructure. By nature of being hosted on the cloud, these digital solutions offer greater cost flexibility and opportunity to scale (up or down), compared to hardware-bound legacy systems – both of which are key considerations when it comes to Africa’s thriving start-up ecosystem.

These solutions also make use of the latest technologies – for example, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to continuously monitor digital infrastructure. This means they can detect and respond to cyber threats, including zero-day attacks (previously unknown vulnerabilities), much earlier than conventional methods. Cloud-based solutions also learn and share information about emerging threats detected in other regions, integrating the information in real time and adjusting detection models so they are always prepared.

A further element of flexibility offered by cloud-based solutions is having more options to choose from; “Since cloud-based operations can be deployed and serviced from anywhere, businesses can look beyond their immediate physical borders when it comes to choosing a provider. This means being able to select a provider based on best-fit, instead of closest-to-the-office,” says Anscombe.

The demand for cloud computing services in Africa is growing between 25% and 30% annually, according to data firm Xalam Analytics. This is based on an understanding that cloud-based solutions enable African businesses to compete globally, without the financial strain of upfront investment and ongoing maintenance of expensive IT infrastructure. Applying the same school of thought to cybersecurity is the first step in building a resilient, digitally secure business in an age of ever-developing cybercrime.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a scathing condemnation of Russia’s latest missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and ports, urging the global community to respond with unified and decisive action. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky painted a grim picture of escalating violence and laid bare the strategic motives behind Russia’s ongoing military aggression.

According to the Ukrainian leader, the latest wave of attacks included missiles launched from Russian naval vessels stationed in the Black Sea — a calculated move he says underscores the Kremlin’s unwillingness to embrace diplomacy or work towards a meaningful ceasefire. “Today’s Russian attack included missiles launched from the waters of the Black Sea. Our partners know exactly which vessels were involved and from which part of the sea the launch occurred,” Zelensky stated.

He further argued that Russia’s continued use of the sea to target civilian infrastructure is a deliberate attempt to preserve its offensive capabilities under the guise of stalled negotiations. “This is one of the reasons why Russia is distorting diplomacy, why it is refusing to agree to an unconditional ceasefire: they want to preserve their ability to strike our cities and ports from the sea,” he said.

Zelensky emphasized that a ceasefire must go beyond simply halting land-based hostilities. He called for comprehensive maritime security as a fundamental element of any peace effort. “A ceasefire at sea is not just about free navigation and the export of food products — it is, above all, about overall security and bringing peace closer.”

The President accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately prolonging the war, stating that the Kremlin’s current strategy hinges on maintaining the ability to resume full-scale aggression at will. “Putin does not want to end the war — he is looking for ways to preserve the option of reigniting it at any moment, with even greater force,” Zelensky declared.

He reiterated the need for continued international pressure, calling on allies to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, sustain and expand sanctions on Russia, and ensure that diplomatic engagements do not offer Moscow any opportunity to regroup or launch renewed offensives.

“If there is a ceasefire, it must be unconditional — one that does not allow for the destruction of life,” Zelensky asserted. He confirmed that Ukraine has accepted a proposal from the United States for a full and unconditional ceasefire, while noting with concern that the Kremlin has flatly refused to comply.

The Ukrainian leader expressed disappointment over the silence from Washington and called for swift responses from global powers. “We are awaiting a response from the United States — none has come so far — and we also expect a response from all in Europe and around the world who truly want peace,” he said.

As Russia’s military campaign continues to inflict widespread damage and humanitarian suffering, Zelensky’s message serves as a poignant call to action — urging the world not to turn a blind eye, but to collectively stand for justice, sovereignty, and a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu