Nigeria Customs Service Shines at ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made headlines by showcasing its exceptional skills and strategic prowess at the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024. This prestigious event, organized by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), gathered cybersecurity experts from across West Africa to compete and collaborate in enhancing regional cybersecurity measures.
Overview of the Hackathon
The ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon is designed to identify and celebrate the top cybersecurity teams within the region. This year’s competition is structured in two distinct phases. The first phase, which took place online, involved a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition hosted on the Sec-Dojo platform. Participants had access to a series of labs from August 6 to August 31, 2024, where they could hone their skills and tackle various cybersecurity challenges.
The second phase, set to occur from October 14 to 16, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, will feature an in-person CTF competition. This phase aims to foster cross-border collaboration among participants while rigorously assessing their advanced cybersecurity skills in a live environment.
NCS Performance and Achievements
The NCS team, led by CSC Abubakar Mustapha Jauro, emerged as one of the top contenders in the competition, competing against an impressive 340 teams from ECOWAS member states. Their performance was nothing short of remarkable, as they secured a total of 1,100 points. This achievement highlights their expertise in critical areas such as cryptography, steganography, reverse engineering, web exploitation, and binary analysis.
DCG, ICT/Modernization Kikelomo Adeola, praised the NCS teams for their strategic thinking and resilience in addressing complex cybersecurity challenges. The tools employed by the NCS, including Kali Linux, BurpSuite, and Metasploit, played a significant role in their success, showcasing their technical capabilities and preparedness for the challenges presented during the competition.
Importance of Cybersecurity Skills
The ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon serves as a vital platform for enhancing the cybersecurity skills of participants, particularly those from the NCS. Jauro emphasized that the event not only sharpened the skills of NCS officers but also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening the cybersecurity framework across West Africa.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for skilled professionals in the field of cybersecurity has never been more critical. The NCS’s participation in this hackathon underscores its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace and ensuring the safety of its digital infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: The Final Phase
As the second phase of the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon approaches, anticipation is building for the final leg of the competition. This phase will determine the best teams in the region, recognizing their cybersecurity prowess and contributions to enhancing the collective security posture of West African nations.
With continued investment in resources and training, the NCS is well-positioned to play a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s cyberspace. The skills and knowledge gained from participating in events like the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat cyber threats and enhance national security.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Customs Service’s impressive performance at the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 is a testament to its dedication to cybersecurity excellence. As the competition progresses, the NCS’s achievements serve as an inspiration for other organizations in the region to prioritize cybersecurity training and collaboration. The future of cybersecurity in West Africa looks promising, with the NCS leading the charge in protecting the digital landscape of Nigeria and beyond.