Yemisi Izuora
As the telecommunications industry advances with new technology which presents challenges, the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, has advocated the building of a culture of risk awareness to deal with emerging trends in the sector.
As an industry, the regulator says it is important to invest in empowering people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and report risks and embed security awareness and risk management practices throughout business processes.
The Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, of the Agency Dr. Aminu Maida, while addressing the “Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference,” with
theme of “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends.”, said emerging technologies such as AI should be leveraged to generate data-driven insights needed to predict, detect, and respond to risks in real-time.
Maida, said, “We should also monitor evolving threats and vulnerabilities on a continuous basis and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry.”
According to him, In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way we communicate, connect, and conduct business.
He said that the industry navigates this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount. “Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.”
The EVC, said that they discuss the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is imperative to even cast our gaze into the future. “We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communication. With promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity. However, with this advancement comes the responsibility to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations, ensuring that we pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.
“Looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon. As we contemplate the possibilities, we must acknowledge that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advancements but also a fresh set of challenges. Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.” he stated.
In addition to the evolution of connectivity, he urged stakeholders to consider the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and Block Chain (distributed ledger) technologies, adding “These trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform our industry positively.”
He said they also introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in our risk management strategies, but assured that NCC, remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of our telecom infrastructure.
In his views he said that the industry navigates through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders become even more crucial for sharing best practices, threat intelligence, resources and implementing robust risk management strategies.
In that case he said there should be broader collaborations as the industry should move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures, and instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry.
Maida, recalled is previous engagements with the Industry and Media, where he stated that collaboration is a key driver of my leadership and together the sector can build a shared understanding of emerging risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.
He urged the conference not only to address the challenges posed by current technologies but also anticipate and prepare for the opportunities and risks associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond.