As Nigerian companies face escalating cyber threats, global tech leader HP is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to empower businesses of all sizes with advanced cybersecurity tools.
Yesh Surjoodeen, HP’s Managing Director for Southern Africa, revealed that cyberattacks, once considered the burden of global corporations, are now hitting small and medium-sized Nigerian enterprises—ranging from banks and government agencies to manufacturers. These breaches, he noted, can cost millions, not just in IT repairs but also in legal disputes, reputational damage, and crisis communications.
“Containment alone is expensive, but additional costs like PR management, overtime for IT teams, legal consultations, and security upgrades can quickly spiral,” Surjoodeen warned.
A May 2025 report by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky places Nigeria among the top five most affected countries in the Middle East and Africa region for ransomware. The study showed that 17.5% of Nigerian users experienced web-based attacks, with small and mid-sized businesses hit hardest due to limited protection.
Kaspersky cited low cybersecurity awareness and inadequate resources as key vulnerabilities across the region.
HP’s response, according to Surjoodeen, is to embed AI-driven security protocols directly into its device architecture. These smart tools monitor user behaviour, analyze network traffic, and dynamically enhance access controls—automatically tightening login security after repeated failed attempts.
Surjoodeen emphasized that while hackers use AI to evolve their attacks, HP uses the same technology to stay a step ahead. “Each month, HP’s systems resolve over 11 million IT issues, ensuring businesses stay focused on growth and innovation,” he said.
Through its HP Wolf Security and Workplace Experience (WXP) platform, the company offers enterprise-grade solutions like real-time encryption, secure boot processes, performance forecasting, and advanced threat protection. IT teams can also access Fleet Explorer—an AI tool that helps diagnose problems using natural language, such as identifying memory issues causing slow performance.
Deloitte’s 2025 cybersecurity report echoed HP’s warnings, urging Nigerian businesses to prioritize smart security investments as no industry remains untouched.
“With the right AI tools embedded from the ground up, Nigerian companies can not only defend themselves but lead the charge against digital criminals,” Surjoodeen concluded.
