The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, expressed growing concern on Monday about the increasing prevalence of cyber-attacks, deep fakes, and digital manipulations fueled by Artificial Intelligence within Nigeria.
He warned that these developments pose significant threats to both national security and public trust in digital platforms.
According to The PUNCH, Bichi voiced these concerns during a seminar hosted by the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja.
He emphasized the urgent need for robust strategies to counter these evolving threats.
“We must recognise the risks associated with AI, particularly in the context of cyber-security. As AI systems become more sophisticated, so do the tactics of those who seek to exploit them,” he noted.
He explained further that the country is 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.”
Stressing the dual nature of AI, Bichi added, “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.”
Adding to the discourse, the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, Yemisi Edun, underscored AI’s transformative potential to advance human development, enhance decision-making, and complement human intelligence.
She, however, also acknowledged the darker side of AI, pointing out its misuse in criminal activities like fraud, identity theft, and cyber-attacks.
“AI has proven invaluable in profiling individuals and businesses and aiding decision-making,” she stated. Yet, Edun cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the importance of security. “However, its misuse for fraud, identity theft and cyber-attacks underscores the need for robust security measures,” she continued.
Both leaders underscored the collective responsibility of securing the digital landscape.
Bichi and Edun emphasized that every individual and organization must actively engage in enhancing security compliance, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing appropriate protective measures to safeguard against the growing risks posed by AI-driven threats.
