INEC Holds Cyber Hygiene Workshop Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a two-day cyber hygiene awareness workshop aimed at strengthening the security of its digital infrastructure as preparations gradually gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

The workshop, organised under the leadership of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, brings together the Commission’s ICT personnel and key technical staff to deepen their understanding of emerging cyber threats and reinforce best practices for protecting election-related technologies.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of ICT, Dr. Bayode Lawrence, the Deputy Director (Communications), Engr. Lawal Umar, said the training was necessary given the Commission’s increasing reliance on digital systems in the conduct of elections.

According to him, the growing adoption of technology in electoral processes makes it essential for staff to practice strong cyber hygiene in order to safeguard sensitive data and protect the Commission’s technological infrastructure from potential attacks.

Umar explained that cyber hygiene refers to routine practices and preventive measures designed to maintain the health and security of digital systems by reducing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.

He said such practices include regularly updating software, avoiding unverified third-party applications, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, backing up data frequently, and deploying network security tools such as firewalls, encryption and access control systems.

The INEC official stressed that continuous training and awareness were vital to improving staff capacity to detect, prevent and respond effectively to cyber threats.
He compared cyber hygiene to everyday personal health practices, noting that both involve preventive measures designed to protect systems from harm.

“Just as human hygiene helps protect individuals from diseases through preventive health measures, cyber hygiene protects digital systems and data from threats,” he said.

Umar expressed optimism that the workshop would equip participants with practical knowledge to identify vulnerabilities and improve the Commission’s overall technological resilience.

In a goodwill message, the Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), Seray Jah, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-standing partnership with INEC in supporting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.

Jah described cybersecurity as a timely and critical issue, urging participants to take the training seriously and ensure that the knowledge gained is shared with other staff members across the Commission.

“Participants are expected to understand these issues thoroughly and replicate the training for their colleagues across the country,” he said.

He also noted that the increasing use of technology for both personal and official activities, particularly through personal devices such as smartphones, makes cyber awareness even more important for staff of the electoral body.

Jah further acknowledged the continued support of donors, particularly the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), whose funding supports IFES programmes aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and electoral integrity in Nigeria.

According to organisers, the workshop will feature sessions on cybersecurity fundamentals, cyberattack types and motives, election-related cybersecurity scenarios, phishing prevention, and workplace information security in line with ISO 27001 Information Security Standard.

INEC said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure the secure deployment of technology in the conduct of credible elections across the country.