The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening cybersecurity as a critical component of its operational readiness.
This commitment was highlighted by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during the inauguration of a Cybersecurity Awareness Training program held in Abuja.
Addressing participants, Air Marshal Abubakar underscored the significance of digital resilience in modern warfare.
He likened the impact of cyber threats to the devastation of physical combat, emphasizing that as global warfare becomes increasingly technology-driven, robust cybersecurity is essential for national defense.
He also highlighted the need to protect critical assets such as unmanned aerial vehicles and the NAF Integrated Management System (NAFIMS) from potential cyber attacks.
The CAS noted that the training aligns with Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Policy, which advocates for establishing incident response teams and cybersecurity operations centers.
He urged NAF personnel to view cybersecurity as a collective responsibility, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the Force’s digital and operational infrastructure.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support for the Nigerian Air Force.
He also commended the Communications and Information Systems team for organizing the training initiative.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Communications and Information Systems, Air Vice Marshal SK Usman, outlined the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting Nigeria’s digital and operational security.
He pointed to the growing sophistication of modern cyber threats and emphasized that securing the nation extends beyond airspace protection to safeguarding data and communication networks essential for mission success.
The Cybersecurity Awareness Training is a testament to the NAF’s commitment to adapting to evolving threats and ensuring the resilience of its critical systems in an increasingly digital world.
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