As we wrap up the cybersecurity awareness month for 2023, we deem it necessary to celebrate men and women who are cyber defenders. As professionals, they offer valuable tips on how to stay safeguard your business from cyber incidences.
Cybersecurity job is not for everybody; it take months, if not years, of learning, sacrifices and mastery to become a though leader in this field. Their stories should inspire you who is interested in taking up a career in cybersecurity.
Did you know that, according to the University of Maryland, hackers attack every 39 seconds, on an average of 2,244 times a day?
With the increase in the generation of digital data, it is anticipated that cyberattacks will quadruple shortly.
In this article, we are recognizing 10 influential thought leaders in cybersecurity. These are true thought leaders who are confident and clear in their purpose.
Others in this industry turn to them for guidance. It is important you follow these leaders to keep updated on cybersecurity matters:
1. Adewale Peter Obadare (DrOPA)
Position: Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO), Digital Encode Limited.
Global #DrOPA is arguably the most credentialed Pan-African digital trust leader, cybersecurity strategist, GRC thought leader & global technopreneur with fifty Six (56) professional certifications and still counting.
He is a fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS); fellow, Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC); fellow, Institute of Information Management (FIIM); fellow, Institute of Brand Management (FIBM); Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP); the First
PECB Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) in Nigeria; the first Ec-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) in Africa; first Ec-Council Certified BlockChain in Africa; second COBIT 5 Certified Assessor in Africa Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Qualified Security Assessor (PCI DSS QSA), amongst others.
To his credit, Dr. Obadare was awarded Honorarary Doctorate Degree in Cybersecurity from Trinity International University of Ambassadors Atlanta Georgia, United State of America.
Peter is a well-recognized subject matter expert with numerous successful engagements to his credit in Africa.
Obadare Peter Adewale’s list of credentials
DrOPA is a big dill in his field; the résumé is peppered with accomplishments anise common for him to command a large celery:
- Doctor of Human Letters – Cybersecurity (TIUA 2018)
- Harvard University Cybersecurity Risk Management (2018)
- Harvard Kennedy School (HKS LIDP 2017)
- Harvard Kennedy School (HKS CSX 2017)
- Harvard Business School (HBS LPSF 2014)
- MIT SLOAN School Of Management (ACE 2018)
- MIT SLOAN School Of Management (EDP 2016)
- MIT SLOAN School Of Management (GEA 2014)
- Oxford Blockchain Strategy Expert (2018)
- MIT Professional Education (CSX 2015)
- MIT Professional Education (CMBC 2015)
- FELLOW BRITISH COMPUTER SOCIETY
- FELLOW INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
- FELLOW INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
- FELLOW INSTITUTE OF BRAND MANAGEMENT
- CHARTERED IT PROFESSIONAL
- COBIT®5 CERTIFIED ASSESSOR
- COBIT®5 IMPLEMENTATION CERTIFICATE
- COBIT®5 FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE
- IIB COUNCIL CERTIFIED BLOCKCHAIN PROFESSIONAL (C|BP
- PAYMENT CARD INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL
- PAYMENT CARD INDUSTRY QUALIFIED SECURITY ASSESSOR
- ISO 27001 MASTER
- ISO 27001 LEAD AUDITOR
- ISO 20000 LEAD AUDITOR
- ISO 22301 LEAD AUDITOR
- ISO 27001 LEAD IMPLEMENTER
- ISO/IEC 27032 LEAD CYBERSECURITY MANAGER
- ISO/IEC 38500 LEAD IT CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MANAGER
- INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS LEAD AUDITOR
- MCP, CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCDP, CCIE (Written), SMBE, SBCS, SNAA, QCS, CSA, MSA, CEH, ECSA, ECSP, CHFI, LPT.
Like the saying goes, Dr Obadare is an old salt who has mustard enough experience over thyme to become a sage.
2. Confidence Staveley
Position: Founder and Executive Director, CyberSafe Foundation
Confidence Staveley is Africa’s most celebrated female Cybersecurity Leader, an author, API security
professional, talent developer, international speaker, and inclusion advocate.
She is also the Author of API Security for White Hat Hackers: Uncover offensive defense strategies and master secure API implementation.
What sets Confidence apart is her innate ability to merge profound cybersecurity knowledge
with impeccable communication finesse.
She excels in translating intricate cybersecurity concepts into digestible, jargon-free insights for diverse audiences. Her unique approach is brilliantly showcased in her YouTube series, “API Kitchen” where she uses culinary metaphors to explain API Security concepts.
Within its debut season, this series amassed over half a million views across social media, as Confidence masterfully served up a banquet of API security wisdom.
- Here’s a summary of some of her achievements, recognitions and work:
- Winner, Cybersecurity Woman of the World, 2023 Edition
- ISC2 Global Achievement Awards (CEO Award) winner.
- Top 25 Leaders in Cyber Security 2024 (Cyber Security Hub)
- Spoken at several International Conferences like Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) Community meetings in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- 45 Most Influential Women in Digital Transformation 2021-2022
- ABCD Africa’s 50 Most Impactful Voices 2023
- Featured as 40 under 40 in cybersecurity 2023
- International Security Journal 2022 and 2023 influencer
- 20 African Women of Impact 2022 – Ventures Africa
- Built Africa’s biggest female-focused novice-to-professional, free cybersecurity training, mentorship, and placement program; CyberGirls Fellowship.
- CyberSecurity Woman of the Year Award winner 2021 and 2022
- 2022 Obama Africa Leader
- U.S State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Awards.
- IFSEC Global Top Influencers in Security & Fire (One-to-Watch) for 2021
- Young CISO of the Year award 2021
- Led my team and 20+ cybersecurity experts across 7 countries to provide cybersecurity upskilling training to over 10,000+ employees of SMEs across 36 states in Nigeria.
- Listed as Top 50 Women in Cybersecurity in Africa 2020
3. Oluseyi Akindeinde
Position: Co-founder/Chief Technology Officer, Digital Encode Limited
With over two decades of expertise in the technology and information security sectors, Dr. Akindeinde, has recently dedicated a significant portion of his professional journey to understanding and addressing the security challenges within Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and Financial Transaction Systems (FTS).
He has share the findings of his comprehensive research work at an array of esteemed conferences and with prestigious organisations such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (Nigeria), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Information Security Society of Africa – Nigeria (ISSAN), CCIBN, CIBN, EFCC, NSE, EPPAN, and the executive councils and senior management of numerous financial institutions across Nigeria, and beyond.
Dr. Akindeinde serves as an advisor to the Nigerian eFraud Forum (NeFF), a broad-based initiative by the CBN.
Beyond his advisory role, Seyi’s expertise has been sought by entities from various sectors including finance, manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, as well as State and Federal Government Agencies.
He regularly provides enlightening presentations on current cyber security issues to the National Assembly, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Recently, the digital juggernaut immersed himself in the realm of web3 and blockchain technology, concentrating on harnessing these innovative systems to enhance enterprise security.
His particular focus lies in applying these technologies to advance web and product authentication, identity and access management as well as web and IRL token gating using smart contracts.
Dr. Akindeinde is passionate about establishing and developing tech startups. He is involved in two ventures; first, Hyperspace Technologies, known for its groundbreaking product, cipherKEY tap2sign™.
Their innovative patented product cipherKEY tap2sign™ harnesses NFC microchip technology to offer a passwordless, contactless, and trustless multi-factor authentication, identity and access management for web based applications. The technology also used in our Keymaster VAULT product, offers a low cost and secure, cold storage for digital assets.
The second startup, Neural AI, provides essential support to organizations intending to build and deploy Large Language Models (LLMs) for generative text.
Top skillsTop skills:
Blockchain • Cybersecurity • Artificial Intelligence (AI) • Near-field Communication (NFC) • Web3
4. Chukwuebuka Ume-Ezeoke
Position: Chief Technology Officer, CED Technologies
Chukwuemeka Ume-Ezeoke (CUE) is a technology advisor and entrepreneur who is highly driven with keen insights into understanding and interpreting various organizational demands.
With over a decade of technical experience and excellent skills in technology innovation, entrepreneurship, and business management, he has extensive experience developing and implementing technology strategies, solutions, and transformations for businesses in various industries like aviation, healthcare, oil&gas, dinancial, FMCG, and technology.
Through CED Technologies, as the CTO, they have partnered with Appknox the World’s highest rated mobile security solution on Gartner and G2 Crowd.
CUE continues to effectively manage technical and business teams in different countries executing a wide range of IT projects and strategic business solutions with industry leaders as he continues to encourage and share cybersecurity knowledge and help secure data in organizations across Africa.
Chukwuemeka Ume-Ezeoke is interested in solving business and economic challenges by identifying high-potential, technology-intensive business opportunities, gathering resources such as talent and cash, and managing rapid growth using principled, real-time decision-making skills.
He assists businesses worldwide make positive changes by utilizing top-notch technologies such as cloud solutions architecture, software development life cycle management, implementation & support, and cross-functional team coordination.
CUE also specializes in strategic business development, planning, execution, developing entrepreneurial skills, maintenance of technical services, client relationship management, cybersecurity, mobile & web application security services, decision making using a multiagent robotic system, training, and skill development for teams.
Top skillsTop skills: Agile Methodologies • Platform as a Service (PAAS) • Mobile Applications • Cybersecurity • Process Improvement
5. Jimi Falaiye
Position: Sophos Territory Manager for West Africa
Jimi Falaiye is a business sales and business manager with over 13 years of experience in the Information, and communication technology (ICT) industry in business development and sales of Software, IT infrastructure (Security and Networks), and other IT services within Nigeria and the West African Market.
Currently, he is the Sophos Territory Manager for West Africa, growing the sales revenue and expanding both customer and partner ecosystem within the region.
He previously worked in various roles with D-Link Networks West Africa, Cyberoam, Telesol (GH), etc.
Falaiye grew the Cyberoam business to become the go-to Unified Threat Management solution for various companies in Nigeria before transitioning and expanding the Sophos security solution business to Ghana and other West African countries.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electrical Electronics Engineering and an MBA from the Business School Netherlands.
He has attended various short programs and courses in business management and sales. He has also won various awards including 3 consecutive Sophos President Club awards for overachieving set business sales targets.
6. Olufemi Ake
Position: Managing Director, ESET West Africa (Anglophone)
Olufemi is an experienced strategic business development and operations professional with more than seventeen (17) years of experience cutting across Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Finance, FMCG and Information Technology sectors with vast business knowledge of the United Kingdom and West Africa markets.
Olufemi served as the Managing Director at ESET in West Africa. He is responsible for the growth and wide adoption of cybersecurity within the West African (Anglophone) region comprising five (5) countries, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.
He spearheaded the strengthening of the brand over the last 10 years by opening access to strong, trust-based relationships with private and public sectors and ensuring symbiotic business relationships and growth with partners of ESET within the operational markets.
In his quest to ensure digital security is widely accepted in this part of the world, he has championed various cybersecurity education programs at schools, large and small corporations, and public sector institutions by creating awareness of the importance.
He has also written numerous articles and press releases, which often serve as advisories to Information Technology (IT) professionals on ethics, compliance, risk, and governance in corporate environments.
He attended the University of Sheffield in England with Honors and has been in a couple of business schools since graduation.
He is certified in Strategic Management and Innovation for Sustainable Business Growth at the China-Europe International Business School (CEIBS). In 2022, he was selected as one of the four IFSEC most influential security professionals in Africa.
7. UMAR SA’AD
Position: Manager Information Technology, ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited.
Umar Sa’ad is one of the influential thought leaders in cybersecurity; a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience countering emerging cyber threats.
He specializes in detecting threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents by designing comprehensive security programs that combine technology, processes, and human behavior.
With skills in network architecture, penetration testing, and risk management, Umar currently holds the positions of Vice President at the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) and IT Manager at ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC); a leading midstream energy company in Nigeria.
He holds an MSc in Computer Networking and key certifications including CEH, CISM, and ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, remaining on the cutting edge of cybersecurity advancements.
8. Chinenye Chizea
Position: Security Architect and Technical Lead, World Bank/FGN Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.
Chinenye Chizea has over 20 years’ professional experience from a diverse background in Information Security, IT management, Enterprise Architecture, Privacy and Compliance. She is named among IFSEC Global’s Security & Fire Influencers 2021 Security Executives.
Chinenye is an advocate of implementing best practice security risk controls, common security frameworks and standards within an organization.
Her broad technical background built over the years in the UK and in Nigeria has equipped her with the skills and knowledge in areas relating to corporate governance, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, risk management,business continuity, information security and assurance.
Chinenye was the first female CISO for National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
A role that had her accountable for ensuring the security of her organizations information assets as well as driving her organizations certification in ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and PCI DSS Program. Chinenye participated in the review of Nigeria’s 2021 National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS).
Her current role sees her consulting for the World Bank/Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) digital identity for development (ID4D) project on security and privacy.
She has served in varying committees, and is frequently interviewed, and invited to speak at varying platforms on cybersecurity, privacy, compliance and related corporate governance responsibilities. She has Master’s degree in Information Technology, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics, and holds several industry certifications including CISSP, ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Master, MCSE_Private Cloud, OCP, ITIL and Cisco certifications.
9. Remi Afon
Position: Pioneer President, CSEAN, and the Founder GoLegit Africa
Remi Afon is a dynamic and results-oriented Cyber Security Specialist with an exceptional track record of success.
With over two decades of IT experience and a solid academic foundation, including a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin, an MBA, and an MSc in Information Security from Royal Holloway University of London, Remi brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
A true luminary in the field, Remi is not only a sought-after speaker at prestigious conferences, summits, and seminars, but also a strategic thinker who has consistently delivered outstanding results in overseeing diverse corporate IT projects.
Remi’s contributions extend beyond the boardroom, as he actively shapes the strategic planning and deployment of information security solutions that seamlessly align with both business and governmental objectives.
Remi Afon is not just a cybersecurity professional; he’s a mentor and coach, recognized for his exceptional skills in the field.
He has authored educational materials for the Infosec Institute, Chicago USA and holds esteemed roles as a PECB & CEH Certified Trainer.
Currently, Remi’s focus is on the strategic implementation of cloud migration security solutions and ensuring robust application security for both public and private sector entities. His unparalleled expertise in core security operations serves as a strong foundation for these endeavors.
In addition to his impressive career, Remi is the pioneer and immediate past president of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), demonstrating his commitment to advancing cybersecurity in Africa.
He is also the Founder of GoLegit Africa, an innovative initiative aimed at rehabilitating cybercriminals. Furthermore, Remi Afon has established Penayde Cybersecurity Limited in the United Kingdom and Lynsec Cybersecurity Solution in Nigeria, cementing his status as a visionary leader in the cybersecurity landscape.
10. Uchenna Jerome Orji
Position: Research Fellow, African Centre for Cyber Law and Cybercrime Prevention (ACCP)
Meet Dr Uchenna Jerome Orji, an Attorney admitted to the Nigerian Bar. He holds an LL.B from the University of Nigeria, and an LL.M from the University of Ibadan, with specialization in cybersecurity and information technology law.
He also holds a PhD in Law from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, with specialization in telecommunications law.
Dr. Orji is a Fellow of the African Center for Cyber Law and Cybercrime Prevention within the UN African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders in Kampala, Uganda.
He is the author of Cybersecurity Law and Regulation (Wolf Legal Publishers: The Netherlands, 2012), International Telecommunications Law and Policy (Cambridge Scholars Press: United Kingdom, 2018), and Telecommunications Law and Regulation in Nigeria (Cambridge Scholars Press: United Kingdom, 2018), in addition to several peer reviewed law journal publications. He is a recipient of a national award (the Dangote Prize) for the best overall essay in the fourth edition of the Nigerian Ships & Ports National Essay Competition.
Recently, he has participated as an expert in notable projects including the Council of Europe Cybercrime@Octopus Project; the Commonwealth Virtual Currency Project; the Dutch Terre des Hommes’ Sweetie 2.0 Project; and the GSMA E-Health Regulatory Framework for Africa. In 2016, he was appointed as the resource person/professor of cybersecurity law and policy for the CODESRIA African Cybersecurity Governance Institute.
He has been a speaker at several high-level international conferences including the Hague Global Conference on Cyber Space; the NATO CCD COE’s International Conference on Cyber Conflict; and the Asian Security Conference, and also works as a legal consultant for local and international organizations.
Dr. Orji specializes in cybersecurity & cybercrime law; data protection law; telecommunications law; information technology law; money laundering law; development law; trade law.
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(Sources: CSEAN, LinkedIn, Corporate and Individual websites, Profiles)
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