….says Nigeria already witnessing rise in AI-enabled cyber-attacks, deep fakes etc
Director-General of the State Security Service (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, has warned that Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses a double-edged sword to national security, capable of being used for both beneficial and harmful purposes.
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Speaking at a seminar organized by the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), in Abuja on Monday, Bichi emphasized the need for a robust strategy to mitigate the risks associated with AI, particularly in the context of cybersecurity.
According to him, AI-enabled cyber-attacks, deep fakes, and digital manipulations are already on the rise, threatening to undermine national security and trust in digital systems.
He said, “We must recognize the risks associated with AI, particularly in the context of cyber-security. As AI systems become more sophisticated, so too the tactics of those who seek to exploit them.
“We are already witnessing the rise of AI-enabled cyber-attacks, deep fakes, and other forms of digital manipulations that could undermine our national security and trust in digital systems.
“Therefore, it is imperative that we develop robust strategies to mitigate these risks while harnessing the benefits. For Africa’s emerging economies, AI represents a double-edged sword.”
Also speaking, Mrs Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), highlighted the transformative potential of AI to accelerate human progress, complement human intelligence, and enhance various aspects of life.
However, she also acknowledged the security risks associated with the misuse of AI, such as fraud, identity theft, and cyber attacks.
Her words, “AI has proven invaluable in profiling individuals and businesses, and aiding decision making. However, its misuse for fraud, identity theft, and cyber attacks underscores the need for robust security measures.
“National security is a collective effort. Every individual and organization must access security compliance, identify gaps, and implement appropriate controls.”
The lead paper presenter, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu, Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, discussed the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the role of AI in shaping the future.
He emphasized the need to proactively address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, including retraining the workforce, addressing security and bias issues, and exploring applications in autonomous transportation systems.
According to him, “The benefits of AI include enhanced decision-making, improved efficiency, and the ability to tackle complex problems. However, there are also challenges, including limited resources, skill gaps, vulnerabilities, and issues of bias and privacy.”
Commandant of the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS), Alhaji Ayodele Adeleke, noted that the seminar aimed to explore how AI can be leveraged to enhance security, protect communities, and foster sustainable development in Africa.
Other speakers emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to develop an enabling environment for AI innovation that is inclusive, ethical, and secure, and called for collaboration across borders and sectors to address the complex challenges caused by AI.
The seminar, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence, Security, and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,’ brought together subject matter experts in security from security agencies and academia to discuss the complex relationship between AI and security in Africa.
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