By Ernest Igboanugo
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has trained its staff on cybersecurity awareness as part of efforts to strengthen the protection of its information systems, business operations and customer data.
The training, held on November 3, at the company’s Corporate Headquarters in Awka, Anambra State, was organised for members of the Executive Management and key operational departments to promote knowledge sharing and effective cybersecurity practices.
Declaring the training open, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Chukwudi Okolafor, described cybersecurity as a shared responsibility requiring vigilance and active participation of every staff member, irrespective of position or department.
Engr. Okolafor noted that increasing dependence on digital platforms for communication, information management and business transactions had made cybersecurity awareness necessary, warning that a single careless action could expose the company to operational, financial and reputational risks.
He urged participants to take the training seriously and apply the lessons in their daily responsibilities, particularly in handling official emails, company information, customer records and digital transactions.
The training featured sessions on common cyber threats, including phishing, spear phishing, Business Email Compromise, malware, ransomware, credential theft, insider threats and social engineering, with facilitators demonstrating how cybercriminals exploit human errors to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information.
Participants were also enlightened on safe internet browsing, the importance of approved applications, strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, as well as the need to protect company devices and confidential information.
Particular attention was given to emerging threats involving artificial intelligence, deepfakes and synthetic content, with participants advised to independently verify unusual requests, especially those involving money, passwords or confidential files.
The training also addressed the safe use of mobile devices, remote work platforms and removable storage media, alongside procedures for reporting cybersecurity incidents. The exercise was attended by members of the Executive Management, District Business Managers, District Commercial Managers and personnel from Finance, Billing and Customer Service.
The training forms part of FirstPower’s efforts to strengthen its internal security measures, protect its operational systems and safeguard the information entrusted to it by customers, as the company continues to promote responsible digital practices in providing secure, efficient and reliable services.
Ernest writes for the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
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