Dr. Patrick Ede, the Director of ICT Operations at PPC Limited, said, “This year’s predictions highlight some key aspects of hardware and software technologies that IT managers must prioritize in their strategy to remain competitive over the next 12 months.”

1. Smart Technologies

Smart technologies have a transformative effect wherever they are applied. This year, organizations as well as governments will harness the benefits they offer.

In smart cities, the application of IoT and other smart systems will ensure the needs of citizens are met by seamless communication, connected transport systems, ​ street lighting, security and traffic control.

In buildings, smart devices that use artificial intelligence can prevent unauthorized access, track assets and improve overall security.

Efficiency, productivity and increased uptime will greatly improve with the use of fully​-​integrated manufacturing systems that utilize AI, IoT and other cloud-based applications that can be managed from any location.

2. 5G network

The launch and availability of 5G network will greatly improve broadband access for various mission-critical and secure operations.

In 2023, Nigeria and three other countries in Sub-saharan Africa are predicted to gain increased 5G adoption.

There are 5G- consumer devices available already in these countries, which are in turn facilitating increased uptake.

The improved speed and low latency 5G offers will open up new vistas of possibilities for better industrial operations and further propel investment into the entertainment industry.

The resulting advancement will be driven by extended reality, augmented reality, virtual reality, and Ultra High-Density video​s​. Energy companies will benefit from real-time monitoring of assets, energy usage and improved revenue ​using 5G network access.

3. Clean climate technologies

Climate change advocacy and the commitment of organizations to rethink their operations while reducing carbon footprint will encourage investment in clean technologies that reduce environmental impact and assure energy efficiency.

These technologies include renewable power systems and smart lighting.

4. Collaborative tools

The remote or flexible work model is here to stay. Workplaces will continue to develop flexible work structures and invest in collaborative tools that make communication seamless.

5. Cybersecurity

As organizations continue to build digital capacity, data privacy and protection are vital. While there’s a lot of focus on cyber protection, organizations need to develop capacities in cyber resilience in the event of an actual attack or error.

Training of personnel on safety on the web coupled with data recovery and continuity efforts should not take a backseat.

6. Cloud

More businesses will migrate their storage to the Cloud this year as it posits as a critical aspect of digital transformation. Cloud products and services support remote or hybrid workplaces, and ensure data privacy while delivering scalability, speed, and cost savings.

Ede added, “While the list is non-exhaustive, these are critical areas that decision-makers need to harness for heightened productivity, profitability and continued relevance”.

PPC’s expertise in the deployment of best-in-class ICT and engineering solutions has assisted several organizations in the public and private sectors to create secure and collaborative work environments.

PPC (formerly Philips Projects Centre) is a wholly Nigerian-owned multi-competency engineering and infrastructure development company. Its core activities are primarily geared towards providing specialized integrated turn-key solutions for projects in ICT, Energy, Power, Healthcare, Building Engineering and other utility sectors.

Following a strategic buyout of the Dutch parent company – Philips Electronics N.V. of the Netherlands, the company commenced business in 1991. Today, PPC is a Principal Global Partner for Philips M.S International B.V, and leads in the provision of high-end engineering and ICT solutions premised on cutting-edge technology.

In response to a series of cybersecurity alerts issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Patrick Ede, the Head of the ICT Division at PPC Nigeria, while speaking in Lagos, said cyber-criminals were now using sophisticated tools to take control of outdated IT systems and gain remote access to important customer data.

The implication of this, according to him, is that organizations whose security has been breached will experience disruption of critical operations, loss of revenue and important data.

He stated that the credibility and reputational damage the activities of malicious hackers cause were often irreversible adding that neglect of vulnerabilities in IT systems would hamper overall business performance.

The NCC’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) issued different security alerts in the past months, urging Nigerians to be wary of five malicious Google Chrome Extensions, compromised apps and vulnerabilities in specific antivirus products that secretly track users’ activities online and compromise their data.

The telecoms regulator said the malwares, which have high damage potential, have been downloaded multiple times by unsuspecting people and consequently jeopardizing the privacy of users.

“Businesses are confronting new security threats arising from unprecedented global technology adoption and a hybrid work culture. These criminals explore the vulnerabilities in new and existing technology installations to launch their attacks,” Ede said.

He added, “It has become imperative for organizations to rethink how they address security concerns. Regular upgrade of software and hardware infrastructure should be included in cybersecurity measures to minimize risk of breaches.  Software is not perfect and loopholes are often exploited by threat actors. Therefore, businesses must plan to deploy patches immediately a security risk is announced by the vendor.

“While there has been a lot of focus on software updates, physical technology devices such as workstations and servers that are slow or have stopped receiving vendor updates, need to be replaced to mitigate risk of data breaches. Most end-of-life hardware infrastructure is not interoperable with new software installations and as such, the software requires an updated hardware to run it.”

PPC Nigeria’s expertise in the deployment of best-in-class ICT and engineering solutions has assisted several organizations in the public and private sectors to create a secured and collaborative work environment.