INEC Launches Cyber Hygiene Workshop To Protect Election Technology
Electoral Commission Strengthens Digital Security
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day cyber hygiene awareness workshop aimed at strengthening the security of its digital infrastructure as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
The training programme brings together ICT personnel and other technical staff of the electoral body to deepen their knowledge of emerging cyber threats and improve their ability to safeguard election-related technologies.
The workshop is being organised under the leadership of the commission’s chairman, Joash Amupitan, as part of broader efforts to reinforce the integrity of technological systems used during elections.
Rising Dependence on Technology
Speaking on behalf of the Director of ICT, Bayode Lawrence, the Deputy Director (Communications), Lawal Umar, said the training had become necessary because of INEC’s growing reliance on digital systems in the conduct of elections.
According to him, the increased use of technology in voter registration, result management and other election processes makes it crucial for staff to adopt strong cyber hygiene practices.
Umar explained that cyber hygiene refers to routine practices and preventive measures that help maintain the security and integrity of digital systems by reducing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
Preventing Cyber Threats
He outlined several practices that form the foundation of effective cyber hygiene.
These include regularly updating software, avoiding the installation of unverified third-party applications, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, and ensuring frequent data backups.
He also highlighted the importance of deploying network security tools such as firewalls, encryption systems and access control mechanisms to protect sensitive information.
Umar stressed that continuous training and awareness are essential in enabling staff to identify potential threats early and respond effectively.
He compared cyber hygiene to personal health routines, noting that both are based on preventive actions.
“Just as human hygiene helps protect individuals from diseases through preventive health measures, cyber hygiene protects digital systems and data from threats,” he said.
Partnership With IFES
In a goodwill message, Seray Jah, Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
Jah described cybersecurity as a critical component of modern elections and encouraged participants to take the training seriously.
He urged them to replicate the knowledge gained during the workshop among 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.
Donor Support for Electoral Integrity
Jah also acknowledged the support of development partners, particularly the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), whose funding supports IFES programmes designed to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral integrity in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, the workshop will cover a wide range of topics including cybersecurity fundamentals, types and motivations of cyberattacks, election-related cyber risk scenarios, phishing prevention and workplace information security.
The sessions are also aligned with the internationally recognised ISO 27001 Information Security Standard for managing information security systems.
INEC said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure that technological systems used during elections remain secure, reliable and resilient ahead of the 2027 polls.
