By Rita Okoye
Postgraduate students of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, recently had a webinar on cybersecurity. Giving an opening remark, Dr. Isaiah Adebayo of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, LAUTECH, who initiated the program, welcomed participating students saying it aimed to raise awareness about the pressing need to protect critical infrastructure from cyber intrusions. Dr Adebayo introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Kehinde Ayano, a US-based cybersecurity expert. Dr Adebayo maintained that the event was a homecoming for Dr Ayano, who is an alumnus of LAUTECH. Reading through the profile of guest speaker, Dr Adebayo, stressed that Dr Ayano holds several certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). He earned a master’s degree in computer science from Ladoke Akintola University and a Ph.D. from the prestigious Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Dr. Ayano introduced participants to the current landscape of cybersecurity threats, focusing on the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure globally. According to Dr. Ayano, there is a critical need to protect the power grid and smart grid systems, which are integral to the nation’s economy and daily life. He further discussed various vulnerabilities these systems face, including outdated software, insufficient security protocols, and the growing threat of ransomware attacks.
Furthermore, Dr. Ayano illustrated his points with real-world case studies of recent cyber-attacks on power grids and smart grids, explaining how these incidents disrupted services and caused significant economic damage. He outlined measures to prevent potential cyber-attacks, such as implementing advanced encryption techniques, regular system audits, and employee training programs to recognize and respond to phishing attempts.
The interactive session was a key part of the webinar, allowing the students to share their views and ask questions. Dr. Ayano addressed their concerns and provided practical advice on how to incorporate cybersecurity best practices into their future work.
Responding, the students took turn underscoring the importance of cybersecurity in their field of study saying they gained a deeper understanding of how cyber threats could affect electrical and electronic systems and the proactive steps required to mitigate these risks.
The webinar concluded with a commitment from participants to prioritize cybersecurity in their academic and professional endeavors, recognizing its significance in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure. The students were grateful to Dr Adebayo for making the event possible and thanked Dr Ayano for imparting on them.