One of Nigeria’s fast growing IT and cyber security firms, Upgraded Era Solutions Limited, is hosting a Cyber Security Challenge event (CYSEC NG), the first of its kind in the country.

The theme of the event is ‘Gaining Competitive Advantage for Securing Nigeria’s Critical IT Infrastructures’.

The event has the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), Centre for Strategic Cyberspace + Security Science (CSCSS), University of Lagos, and others as partners. It will take place in Lagos, Nigeria between October 18 and 19, 2016 at The Civic Center, Victoria Island Lagos.

The Cyber Security Challenge will include a two-day summit for participants to connect, network and have high-level talks and solutions about cyber security in Nigeria.

There would be a hacking challenge where participants will compete and a winner will emerge and get awarded the Ultimate CYSECA 2016 including a cash prize and other consolation prizes for runners-up.

Senior Vice President of CSCSS, Mr. Kelechi Agbugba, said: “The initiative will help get our youths skilled up in cyber security as well as provide direction towards building a viable IT/ cyber security professional base for Nigeria.”

Managing director of Upgraded Era Solutions Limited, Mr. Victor Idonor, said: “It’s a conference aimed at identifying Nigeria’s next generation of cyber security professionals, connecting Nigeria’s best and brightest to the cyber security industry.

“Bring together all stakeholders in the IT security industry to deliberate the most logical way to address the forever growing cybercrime wave recorded within and outside Nigeria. In so doing, ascertain the overall implication for the nation’s economy and political stability as well as the global image of Nigeria in the comity of nations battling cybercrime.”