Hitachi Systems Security on the Cybersecurity Challenges and Future of Africa’s Cyber Defence

TechAfrica News recently interviewed Anthony Subero, President and Chief Executive Officer and Yannick Berneron, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and CISO of Hitachi Systems Security , to gain insights into the company’s approach to cybersecurity, recent projects, and vision for the future of cybersecurity in Africa.

Hitachi Systems Security is a global cybersecurity company that helps organizations manage their cybersecurity risks. They support Africa’s digital transformation by providing services such as Security Consulting, Managed Security Services, and Security Training and Awareness. They work with businesses, governments, and other African organizations to develop and implement effective cybersecurity strategies.

According to Hitachi Systems Security, some of Africa’s biggest cybersecurity challenges include a lack of skilled professionals, a lack of awareness and education, and insufficient investment in cybersecurity infrastructure. They believe these challenges must be addressed to improve Africa’s cybersecurity landscape.

Hitachi Systems Security supported the development of the first African Cyber Security Innovation Center (ACSIC) in Cote d’Ivoire in partnership with Smart Africa. The decision to support the center was driven by the company’s commitment to strengthening the cybersecurity landscape in Africa. They see the center as a vital initiative to help develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in Africa and foster collaboration between businesses, governments, and other regional organizations.

One of our first steps was to provide laptops, but the key pillar is knowledge. We built a lab that will simulate a security operation centre, where we will do attack and defence simulations and we will train people how to manage a cyber attack, so they know how to respond to threats in the right way. We will focus on different skills and competences as part of the Cyber Security Innovation Center. 

Yannick Berneron, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and CISO

Hitachi Systems Security recently provided training to 100 auditors in Africa. The training program aimed to equip auditors with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage cybersecurity risks. The program aimed to improve cybersecurity awareness and education across the region and help organizations develop effective cybersecurity strategies.

Looking ahead, Hitachi Systems Security sees the cybersecurity landscape in Africa evolving rapidly over the next few years. They believe the increasing adoption of digital technologies across the region will create new cybersecurity risks that must be managed. Hitachi Systems Security plans to play a key role in addressing these risks by continuing to provide innovative cybersecurity solutions and services to businesses, governments, and other organizations in Africa.

It’s always great to do things that are greater than yourself. What we are doing at the African Cyber Security Innovation Center in Cote d’Ivoire and Smart Africa, is greater than us and greater than our company and we are looking forward for more opportunities to collaborate

Anthony Subero, President and Chief Executive Officer