The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Adamu Maida has called for industry collaboration to mitigate risks that come with the latest technologies such as 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Computing.
The NCC Boss made the call in his opening remark at the Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference in Lagos recently with the theme: “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends.”
“As we navigate 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,” he said.
According to him, anticipating and managing risks associated with the latest technologies will require collaboration, innovation and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.
“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. Thus, as we navigate this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount because we today stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges,” he said.
He believes that the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, comes with the responsibility to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations. Meaning, the industry must ensure it paves the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.
“In addition to the evolution of connectivity, we must consider the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and blockchain (distributed ledger) technologies. These trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform our industry positively. However, they also introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in our risk management strategies,” he advised.
He added that the industry must 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.