Dr. Adebola Folorunso, co-founder of Absolute Solution Technology, a cybersecurity organization, has emphasized the importance of proactive cybersecurity practices for business owners.
Speaking at a virtual lecture today (Saturday, August 24) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Folorunsho who spoke on the topic “Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs),” said that being proactive in cybersecurity is crucial for protecting businesses against cyberattacks.
The workshop, organized by Knowledge Aid Initiative (KAI) in collaboration with the Cyberspace Community Association of Nigeria, highlighted the need for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity.
According to Dr. Folorunso, treating cybersecurity as an afterthought could lead to severe consequences in the future.
“In today’s digital era, cybersecurity is a necessity for every business, regardless of its size,” she said. “Business owners must implement technological measures and practices to protect their systems, networks, and data from cybercrimes, damage, or unauthorized access.”
She highlighted the significant role that SMEs play in economies worldwide in job creation and economic growth, advising business owners to adopt measures to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats to such businesses, given their importance.
“Many assume that cyber attackers only target large corporations or government agencies, but SMEs are increasingly being targeted due to perceived weaker online security,” she explained.
Dr. Folorunso pointed out that the high risk and potential impact of cyberattacks on SMEs could result in financial losses, damage to brand reputation, and loss of customer trust. She acknowledged that implementing effective cybersecurity measures can be challenging for SMEs due to limited financial resources, but emphasized that there are cost-effective strategies available.
She recommended regular risk assessments, employee training, and timely updates of software and hardware as essential measures to strengthen cybersecurity. “Outdated systems are prime targets for cyberattacks. Many attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in software that have been patched by vendors but not applied by users,” she cautioned.
Dr. Folorunso underscored that cybersecurity should be viewed as a continuous process, not a one-time solution, and is vital for the longevity and success of SMEs.
“Stay vigilant, invest in the right tools, engage in regular training, and enforce strong guidelines,” she advised.
In addition to Dr. Folorunso, Dr. Olajumoke Akere, CEO of Cherithpoint Education and Youth Development Initiative (CEYDI), urged small businesses and educators to prioritize cybersecurity to secure sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.
Dr. Success Ojo, CEO of KAI, also spoke at the workshop, advising SMEs operating online to be cautious and implement cybersecurity measures to avoid falling victim to cyberattacks. He emphasized that creating awareness about cybersecurity should be a collective responsibility for the betterment of society.
“Attackers and scammers are constantly evolving their strategies, so it’s essential for online business owners to safeguard their businesses, earn customer trust, and prevent losses,” Dr. Ojo concluded.
