That’s why Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s leading digital payments and commerce companies, has teamed up with Thales, a global heavyweight in digital security, to launch the CipherTrust Data Security Solution.

The security solution is a game-changer for businesses to keep their data safe and secure.

The CipherTrust solution was recently unveiled recently at a Customer Engagement Forum in Lagos, where key players from the financial and tech industries gathered to discuss the future of data security.

Hosted at The Wheatbaker Hotel, the event brought together Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and Compliance and Risk executives from various sectors, including commercial and microfinance banks, as well as fintech companies.

So, what makes CipherTrust standout? This solution is all about making sure that businesses can protect their sensitive information no matter where it’s stored—whether on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.

It’s got everything from advanced encryption to multiple-factor authentication, key management and access controls.

Basically, it’s the full package when it comes to data protection.

These features ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive information, giving businesses peace of mind about the  security of their data.

Plus, the platform’s compliance tools make it easier for organisations to meet both local and international regulatory requirements, which is increasingly crucial in today’s stringent regulatory environment.

One of the key takeaways from the forum was the importance of collaboration in fighting cyber threats. Data security isn’t just the responsibility of one organisation or sector, it’s a collective effort that requires cooperation across industries and borders.

By combining Interswitch’s expertise in payment solutions with Thales’ advanced data security technologies, the CipherTrust platform is setting a new standard for how Nigeria businesses should protect their data.

Discussions at the event also emphasised the need for continuous innovation in data security. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, so must the tools and strategies we use to combat them.

The CipherTrust Data Security Solution is designed with this in mind, offering a scalable and flexible platform that adapts to the ever-changing landscape of digital security.

As organisations continue to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, the CipherTrust platform stands out as a beacon of innovation and reliability.

For businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve, investing in advanced data security solutions like CipherTrust is a necessity.

Interswitch is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, driving positive change and setting new standards for data protection.

This state-of-the-art data security solution is designed to protect organisations against data breaches and cyber threats, ensuring solid protection targeting the growing and dynamic security needs of businesses.

Launched at a recent Customer Engagement Forum at The Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos, the event gathered Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and Compliance and Risk executives from diverse industries such as commercial and microfinance banks, as well as fintech companies, 

The forum featured expert-led discussions and presentations on the latest trends in data security, the growing threats facing businesses, and strategies for enhancing organisational defences.

In his keynote address, Tyoyila Aga, vice president of Financial Services at Interswitch Group, emphasised the key function of advanced technology in safeguarding data. He stressed the importance of compliance and collaboration within the data security industry.

“Our partnership with Thales exemplifies our commitment to leverage cutting-edge technology to protect our clients and partners. Regulatory frameworks around data security are becoming increasingly stringent, and organisations must ensure they are in full compliance to avoid penalties and protect their reputation. 

The CipherTrust Data Security platform is designed with these challenges in mind, offering comprehensive compliance features that make it easier for organisations to adhere to local and international regulations. Keep in mind that data security is a collective responsibility and it requires collaboration across industries, sectors, and borders,” Aga said. 

He asserted that the data security solution combines Interswitch’s expertise in payment solutions with Thales’ advanced data security capabilities, providing unparalleled protection for organisations’ sensitive information. 

“This platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including advanced encryption, key management, and access controls, to safeguard sensitive data across all environments, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid.”

Demonstrating how the CipherTrust Data Security Solution works, Neil Cosser, regional sales director for Africa, Thales Group elaborated on the practical applications and benefits of the CipherTrust Data Security Solution to businesses. 

“The CipherTrust Data Security Platform is a game-changer in data protection. By leveraging advanced encryption, technologies, multi-factor authentication, and sophisticated fraud detection systems, the data security solution is designed to protect sensitive data and ensure that only authorised users can access it.

By continuously updating these technologies, we can stay ahead of cyber threats and provide a secure environment for digital transactions,” he said.

In a fireside chat, Cosser said that Thales offers a robust security framework that ensures sensitive data is secure and organisations retain full control and transparency over their information, no matter where it’s stored. 

“The CipherTrust Data Security Platform represents a new era in data protection. With CipherTrust, businesses can confidently leverage their data’s full potential, while we handle the complexities of securing it,” he said. 

He further stated that beyond data security, the solution can amplify business capabilities, streamline operations, and enable informed decision-making, driving innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

Interswitch’s partnership with Thales is a forward-thinking approach to creating a more secure digital ecosystem and transforming the Nigerian security sector. 

This collaboration goes beyond technological progress, pointing to a focus on protecting data integrity and strengthening the security framework for businesses nationwide. 

Both companies are working to deliver innovative solutions that enable organisations to operate securely in an increasingly digital world.

Thales is working with Zambia Airports Corporation Limited to modernise the TopSky – ATC systems at the ATC centres at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone.

Thanks to the Datalink CPDLC and ADS-C solutions, Zambia’s ATC centres and pilots will be able to communicate via data messages instead of conventional voice radio.

This upgrade will enhance flight safety by mitigating the risk of degraded radio communications. VHF channels will still be available as the primary mode of communication in the Flight Information Region (FIR).

To ensure safe navigation in their airspace, air traffic control officers (ATCOs) need to know the exact position of an aircraft before and during flight. Flight plans provide an initial overview of the pilot’s intentions, but complete situational awareness is only possible thanks to a network of connected sensors that provide ATCOs with real-time knowledge. All this data enables flights to be “deconflicted”, thereby increasing air safety.

Thales TopSky – ATC is an air traffic control automation solution designed to control en route, approach and oceanic traffic, both in civil and military environments.

TopSky – ATC provides air traffic controllers and technicians with innovative and intuitive access to flight information, accurate real-time tracking for faster and better decisions, efficient tools for enhanced detection and resolution of conflicts, integrated sequencing and optimisation capabilities and a robust, reliable, easy-to-maintain system.

“We would like to thank ZACL for their continued trust and are proud to be able to support them once again in improving air navigation safety by integrating two state-of-the-art functions into our TopSky – ATC system, which are perfectly suited to today’s needs. Together, Thales and ZACL are delivering the safer air travel of tomorrow,“Cyril Einaudi, Vice President Global Turnkey segment, Thales.

Over the years, Thales has become a major player in ATM in Africa, with 80% of the continent’s control centres equipped with TopSky – ATC. This solution is used by over 16,000 controllers worldwide. More than 80 Thales ATC radars are in service in Africa today.

In this role, he will be responsible for driving the civil and defence business of Thales in the region.

Prior to this appointment, Fabien Bortoluzzi was Sales Director, Asia Air Defense Systems for Thales Land and Air systems.

Earlier in his career, he was Key Account Manager, Air Defense for Indonesia and head of Export Sales Eurasia and Northern Asia for Thales Land and Air systems.

“Thales, which brings technologically advanced solutions in Defence and Security, Digital Identity and Security, Aerospace, and Transportation industries, has been present in Africa for over 50 years, and today employs over 1,200 people in the continent. The Group has established its West and Central Africa headquarter in Dakar, Senegal as well as an office in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. 

Thales has established references in the region and in particular, in Senegal. The Group is partner to the Senegalese Armed Forces, supplying equipment for seamless communications, Air Surveillance and Training & Simulation.

The Group is part of some of the country’s major projects, including Train Express Regional (TER) where it provides Signaling (ERTMS), ticketing and passenger information systems.

Headquartered in Dakar, ASECNA, is a key partner for Thales in the region. The region relies on Thales’s Topsky Air Traffic Control system and a complete range of NAVAIDS and Radars for navigation and surveillance to protect more than 16 million km² of airspace.

In the space domain, Thales Alenia Space is a partner to the ANGA (Augmented Navigation for Africa) programme, led by ASECNA.

This programme aims to provide Satellite Based Augmentation Services (SBAS) throughout the Africa and Indian Ocean (AFI) region.

Thales has made a clear social commitment to promoting a strong corporate social responsibility policy in Africa. As a company embedded in the local ecosystem, Thales Solidarity charitable fund with Learning & Culture team and Polaris Asso, in partnership with UN Women and the Embassy of France in Senegal, have launched a programme to help young Senegalese women pursue digital careers called TECH4SHE.

In 2023, Thales plans to hire more than 12,000 new employees to support its strong growth trajectory in its three core markets: Aerospace, Defence and Security, and Digital Identity and Security.

The Group will be hiring all over the world, and expects to take on 5,500 new employees in France, 1,050 in the United Kingdom, 600 in Australia, 550 in India and 540 in the United States. 

The recruitment plans follow a series of earlier achievements: 

• A record level of recruitment in 2022, with 11,500 new hires (50% more than in 2021) 
• Success in protecting jobs during the COVID public health crisis, particularly by redeploying affected aerospace staff to other businesses 
• 8 consecutive years (2015-2022) of hiring at least 5,000 people annually

…recruiting people in a range of job profiles, for its R&D and industrial operations

• Thales is hiring in every discipline across all its business segments, and in particular: 
• For Research & Development (40% of new hires): software and systems engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, etc. 
• For industrial operations (20% of new hires): supply chain, electronics production, mechanical production, etc.

Thales is working to improve the gender balance in its workforce. In 2022, women accounted for 32% of new hires worldwide, and represented 27% of the Group’s global workforce (compared to 23,6% in 2018).

In addition, Thales is particularly interested in apprenticeships and internships. In France for example, close to 4,000 students are expected to join the company in 2023, in addition to the more than 5,500 new hires planned for French sites. These opportunities can be an important springboard to permanent employment for these young people: each year, about 40% of the students on work-study and internship programmes are hired in engineering roles on fixed or indefinite term contracts.

Thales, inventing the future in 68 countries

• Innovation at Thales is part of building a future we can all trust by harnessing the talents of 35,000 R&D engineers and a portfolio of 20,000 patents in specialised fields such as quantum technologies, AI, lasers, cybersecurity and more. In 2023, for the 10th year, Thales was listed as one of the world’s 100 most innovative companies, in Clarivate’s Top 100 Global Innovators 2023, a global benchmark for innovation.
• With its broad range of businesses, and an industrial and academic footprint spanning across 68 countries, Thales offers a wealth of long-term and highly diversified career opportunities.

“There is meaning in what we do at Thales, particularly in these times of upheaval and transformation. Day after day, our people around the world are driven by the same goal – harnessing human intelligence and technology to drive progress in our societies. Joining Thales is a ticket to some of technology’s great human adventures and a chance to be part of a learning organisation that places a premium on collective endeavour,” says Patrice Caine, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Thales