MDXI, Avanti Group partner on GES management

ITREALMS:

The MDXI data centre has partnered with Avanti Communications Group Plc, a leading British satellite operator, to host and manage the satellite operator’s in-country Gateway Earth Station (GES), reports ITRealms.

MDXI, ITRealms gathered, is a subsidiary of MainOne, with this partnership delivers the commissioning of Avanti’s first GES in West Africa, hosted at MDXI’s satellite farm in Lagos.

The project, ITRealms also reports, has seen Avanti invest up to USD 20 million in the Nigerian Gateway, will ensure data from the HYLAS 4 Ka-band satellite is delivered efficiently in-country and interconnected with other networks.

The HYLAS 4 Ka-band satellite will deliver  High Throughput Satellite (HTS) connectivity to complement the country’s existing fibre-optic networks, ensuring access is available to enable high-speed internet everywhere, even to the most remote and rural locations.

Applications that will be supported by this Avanti’s 3rd Ka-band satellite include satellite broadband services for homes and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), rural schools, large enterprises and government agencies and cellular backhaul for 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks. Avanti already has an established track record deploying such services via existing satellites across East and Southern Africa as well across Europe and the Middle East.

Avanti’s efforts in Nigeria will also include the deployment of its Every Community Online (ECO) initiative, with built-in Wi-Fi hotpots in schools, communities and government agencies, especially in the underserved and remote parts of the country where power availability and connectivity services remain a challenge. In addition, the satellite operator will take advantage of MainOne’s extensive coverage to extend its market reach across nine countries in West Africa.

Avanti’s technology has been proven to deliver sustainable digital inclusion by delivering terrestrial-quality, affordable and superfast satellite broadband services. Given the satellite’s footprint across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, the services provided will greatly enhance eGovernment, eLearning, eCommerce, eHealth and eBanking services in rural areas among others. The new satellite will also offer support to oil and gas companies and enable coverage to remote Onshore, Offshore and Deep Offshore locations.

MDXI has been chosen to launch this project in West Africa based on its capability to deliver mission-critical data centre services and provide extensive interconnection with other operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the Nigerian Internet Exchange.

Speaking on the agreement, General Manager of MDXI, Gbenga Adegbiji said “As a carrier-neutral data centre enabling multiple local, regional and global networks in West Africa, Avanti’s choice of MDXI was inevitable. Working closely with Avanti, our engineers have already implemented a bespoke colocation solution to support the largest Gateway Earth Station in the region with uninterrupted power, connectivity and security to ensure 24/7/365 operations. While ineffective distribution of available bandwidth inland continues to hinder Nigeria’s broadband targets, our partnership with Avanti provides Nigeria the opportunity to make accelerated broadband expansion possible via satellite, to overcome last-mile gaps experienced in fibre infrastructure and enable the attainment of 30% broadband penetration target in the National Broadband Plan.”

Dave Bestwick, Chief Technology Officer at Avanti Communications, explained that the project would guarantee employment opportunities in ICT, engineering and communications to indigenes, as well as enable a huge leap towards economic growth in the ICT sector in Nigeria. “We are delighted to be partnering with MainOne and MDXI, to rollout satellite broadband services across Nigeria and West Africa. Avanti’s products will greatly complement MainOne’s existing network and provide reliable broadband connectivity to places within the region without terrestrial fibre connectivity. We look forward to expanding our collaboration in serving the people of Nigeria with market-leading products.”

Nenye Dom/GEE

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2017-18: NITDA awards 92 postgraduate scholarships

ITRealms:

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has awarded a total of 92 postgraduate scholarships for the year 2017-2018, reports ITRealms.

The awards, ITRealms gathered, comprises Masters and Doctorate degrees in relevant areas of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and ICT Law.

Also, ITRealms gathered that the scholarship scheme was established in 2010 with the aim of bridging the digital divide through human capital development with emphasis on creating and supporting a knowledge-based economy. Two scholars are selected per state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at Masters Level and one scholar per Geo-Political Zone of the country at Doctorate Level.

                                                           

A press statement made available to ITRealms, quoted the Director Human Resource and Administration Department of NITDA, Dr Mohammed Idris Yelwa, as saying the scholarship scheme is highly competitive and candidates are selected based on academic excellence and leadership qualities.

“Applicants go through rigorous and transparent selection process; holders of Bachelor’s degree with First Class or Second Class (Upper) Honours in any IT related field are eligible to apply for the MSc scholarships while only lecturers in any of the Higher Institutions of Learning in the country with MSc in any IT related field are eligible to apply. After application, shortlisted candidates sit for a computer-based aptitude test and two candidates with the highest scores from each of the 36 states and the FCT final interview for the MSc while only one candidate per geopolitical zone is invited for the PhD scholarship,” Yelwa explained.

Through the Agency’s efforts at assessing and addressing ICT skills requirements to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s sustainable economic growth and development strides through the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), this year, the scheme was expanded to cover diverse areas including LLM ICT Law.

“This academic year, a total of 5,504 candidates applied out of which 2,188 sat for the computer-based aptitude test. The final interview is designed to assess candidates’ academic merit and exceptional character traits that will enable them maintain highest level ethical values, discipline, dedication to studies and be worthy ambassadors of the country - an innovative extension of the selection process introduced by the Director General to enhance the scheme’s credibility,” he said.

Dr Yelwa further revealed that each scholar studying abroad receives an average package of 17.5 million naira per annum comprising tuition fees, personal allowance to cover accommodation, living expenses and other allowances while in-country scholars receive an average of 3.5 million naira and about 752.5 million naira is spent annually on the scheme.

From inception of the scheme to date, the Agency has successfully sponsored 341 Nigerian Graduates in various ICT fields at Masters Level and 42 for Doctorate Level at Universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. A number of beneficiaries of the Scheme are now in full employment while others have set up viable IT business ventures that are providing employment opportunities as well as developing globally competitive products and services, thereby making valuable contribution to the Nigerian economy.

“We are encouraged by President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to sustainable human capital development for economic recovery and growth as well as the exemplary leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami in ensuring that scheme is sustained and entitlements of NITDEF scholars are paid regularly, despite the challenges of recession” he said.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is an Agency of the Federal Government. The Agency was created in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(a & k) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; and determine critical areas in information technology requiring research intervention and facilitate research and development in those areas.

Uboshe Uboshe with Doris Minimah/GEE

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P3 rates 9mobile first in voice clarity in Nigeria

ITREALMS:

Despite its restructuring controversy, Nigeria’s innovative and customer-friendly telecommunication network, 9mobile has been adjudged the mobile operator with clearest voice quality ahead of other telcos operating in the country, reports ITRealms.

According to the P3 Communications, the largest European and international leader in mobile telecoms benchmarking, the rating was contained in the latest result of the annual mobile network test conducted by this firm.

The test considered data speed and voice clarity as key parameters. An on-device testing methodology was used to measure speed and latency of the four largest broadband operators in Nigeria including MTN, Airtel, 9mobile and Glo on the road.

In the industry report, 9mobile emerged the overall best scoring 257 points ahead of MTN which scored 182 points; Airtel, 142, and Glo, 130. Travelling at a measuring distance of 9,000 km with 17 per cent population measured, the test route covered different parts of the country such as Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano.

The global test has been conducted in several countries across the world including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Australia and Netherlands amongst other key global markets.

Reacting Director, Network Operations, 9mobile, Abdul Adegbuyi, expressed delight at the feat and said it affirmed the unalloyed commitment of the telco to continuously innovate and invest in human and material resources as well as technology that impact positively on the delivery of qualitative solutions to customers and relevant stakeholders.   

“9mobile is synonymous with innovation, and in living up to this brand value we have continuously infused innovative thinking in all that we do. At 9mobile, our passion for innovation has resulted in the development of innovative services and solutions, thereby delivering high value to our customers. Most recently we reloaded Moreblaze – the fastest data package in Nigeria; all these typify our spirit of innovation, and valuable products and services which enrich the lives of our customers”, he said.

Adegbuyi assured that 9mobile would not rest on its oars as it would continue to raise the bar of excellent service by innovating many more positive ways technology can be leveraged as an enabler of national development.

P3 Communications is a German company that provides broad service portfolio for network operators, equipment vendors, device manufacturers, public safety organisations and regulatory authorities worldwide. It also conducts and publishes the industry-leading annual mobile network test across different countries.

9mobile recently revved up the data market in Nigeria with the reload of Moreblaze – the fastest data package in the country that enables individuals and enterprises to enjoy uninhibited positive online and browsing experience. The data package will see 9mobile renowned for its ultra-fast speed data, set the universal standard data benchmark in Nigeria and further bolster its position as the leading innovative telecom company in Nigeria.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Leah Sharibu Release: Police recants, claims IGP Idris was ‘misquoted’

ITREALMS:

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Sunday, recanted the statement made by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, that the last Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, was on her way back, reports ITRealms.

The Inspector General of Police Idris Ibrahim had earlier on Saturday hinted that the remaining Dapchi student, Leah Sharibu, who was not released along with her schoolmates last Wednesday, was on her way back home.

Read Also: Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu on way home - BBC

In an interview with journalists at the Military Command and Control Center in Maiduguri, Saturday, where he visited the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, IGP Idris was quoted as saying that he had been scheduled to travel to Dapchi but shelved the trip so as avoid jeopardizing her release.

“I am supposed to go to Dapchi today, let me be sincere with you but because of the girl (Leah Sharibu) that I learnt here will be released today,” he said.

“It is a sort of understanding that we don’t create much security (anxiety) there. By the time I fly (in a helicopter) there, they will think I broke (in) and that is why I had to postpone the visit to Dapchi.”

Leah was reportedly held back for refusing to denounce her Christian faith while in captivity but the government promised to do everything possible to secure her release just like the rest.

But on Sunday, the Police recanted IGP Idris, saying he was misquoted or misunderstood, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jimoh Moshood.

For him, the misunderstanding could arise partly because residents of the area anxiously awaited the safe return of the already released students, noting that they could not get to Yobe State owing to what the police termed as “weather condition.”


However, Moshood explained, “The misunderstanding may be a result of the already released Dapchi School girls expected back home in Yobe State today but could not arrive due to weather condition. The IGP could not also proceed to Dapchi because of same weather condition.”

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

Related stories:

Breaking News: Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu on way home - BBC

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Dapchi girls: Back-channel meant for secure, quick safe release – Lai Mohammed

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The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has explained that the use of back-channel in the release of the abducted Dapchi girls from the Government Girls Secondary and Technical College (GGSTC) in Dapchi on 19 February 2018, was for quick and safety, reports ITRealms.

Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, Mohammed said “the abducted girls were released last Wednesday as a result of intense back-channel engagement aimed at securing their quick and safe release.”

This, he said, was done in concert with a friendly country, international organization and trusted facilitators, stressing that since then, there have been a lot of developments, including that actually, a total of 111 girls were abducted from

“That means one student was not captured on the list of 110 abducted students that was compiled by the school, on the basis of which the Federal Government gave the number of abducted schoolgirls as 110.

“Also kidnapped were two other persons, who are not students of the college. They include a primary school boy who came to the school to sell pure water and another primary school girl. That brings the total number of abducted persons on that day to 113.

“So far, a total of 107 persons, comprising 105 Dapchi schoolgirls and the two non-students, have been released by the insurgents,” he said.

The Minister equally said that six Dapchi schoolgirls were yet unaccounted for, but all efforts will be made to secure their release.

Nenye Dom/GEE

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Pix: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle) flanked by the Special Assistant 1 to the President on Information and Culture, Segun Adeyemi (left) and Special Assistant II to the President on Information and Culture, Mr. Williams Adeleye (right) at the press conference in Lagos on Sunday.

Mary Uduma joins 2018 IGF-MAG, DigitalSENSE Africa applauds

ITREALMS:

The chairperson of the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) Multistakeholder Advisory Group (NIGF-MAG) and Managing Director of Abuja-based Jaeno Digital Solutions, Mrs. Mary Nma Uduma, has been nominated among the 56-members into the 2018 global Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) of the Internet Governance Forum, reports ITRealms.

IGF-MAG, ITRealms gathered, serves as a global multistakeholder platform that facilitates discussions of public policy issues pertaining to the Internet under the United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).

In a swift reaction, the Executive Director, Operations, DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA) Media, the organisers of the Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development, an At-Large Structure, and member of NIGF-MAG, Mrs Nkem Nweke, applauded Mrs. Uduma’s appointment.

“Congratulations Mrs. Uduma, this appointment is well-deserved and Nigeria needs to leverage on this by giving her all the support needed especially members of the NIGF-MAG. Her success is our success,” Nweke declared.

ITRealms also reports that Mrs. Uduma, is the immediate past president of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) and was nominated to serve in the IGF-MAG 2018, as a member of the Technical Community for her first term. 

A press statement made available to ITRealms by the United Nations, proclaiming the development which included the renewal of the MAG and reappointment of the MAG chair, showed that Ms. St. Amour, Lynn of Boston, USA-based Internet Matters, and a member of technical community, has been reappointed for a third term as chair of MAG.

ITRealms further gathered that Mrs Uduma would serve alongside some 54 other members cutting across civil society, technical community and government, including:

Ms. Abdulla, Rasha  (Civil Society, 3 terms) Cairo, Egypt – Professor, American University in Cairo

Ms. Aquino Ribeiro, Renata (Civil Society, 3 terms) Fortaleza, Brazil - Researcher and teacher, E. I. Consulting

Ms. Banial, Dalsie (Government, 1 term) Port Vila, Vanuatu - Communications and Consumer Affairs Manager, Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator

Mr. Bazlyankov, Iliya (Private Sector, 3 terms) Sofia, Bulgaria – CIO, UNICART

Mr. Bello, Pablo (Private Sector, 2 terms) Santiago, Chile – Secretary General, Association of Inter American Telecom Enterprises (ASIET)

Ms. Bou Harb, Zeina (Government, 3 terms) Beirut, Lebanon – OGERO Telecom, Ministry of Telecommunications

Ms. Cadena, Sylvia (Technical Community, 1 term) Bogota, Colombia – Head of Programe, APNIC Foundation

Mr. Candia, Miguel (Government, 2 terms) Geneva, Switzerland – Officer, Permanent Mission of Paraguay to the UN Office at Geneva

Ms. Cassa, Concettina (Government, 1 term) Rome, Italy – ICT Senior Specialist, Agency for Digital Italy

Mr. Casasbuenas, Julian  (Civil Society, 3 terms) Bogota, Colombia - Director, Colnodo

Mr. Cheon, Billy Mooho (Government, 3 terms) Seoul, Republic of Korea – General Researcher, Korea Internet & Security Agency

Ms. Chung, Jennifer (Private Sector, 1 term) Hong Kong S.A.R – Director of Corporate Knowledge, Dot Asia

Ms. Clarke-Hinds, Shelley-Ann (Government, 1 term) Trinidad and Tobago – Executive Manager for external ICT relations, Ministry of Public Administration and Communications

Ms. Croll, Jutta (Civil Society, 1 term) Berlin, Germany – Chairwoman of the Board and Project Manager, Stiftung Digitale Chancen

Ms. Dahmani, Wafa (Government, 1 term) Tunis, Tunisia – Internet Resource Manager, Tunisian Internet Agency ATI

Mr. Donkor, Wisdom (Government, 3 terms) Accra, Ghana – Information Technology Manager, Technical Lead for Ghana Open Data Initiative, National Information Technology Agency

Ms. Erramuspe, Alejandra (Government, 3 terms) Montevideo, Uruguay – Communications Manager and Head of Internet Governance, Agencia de Gobierno Electrónico y Sociedad de la Información y el  Conocimiento

Mr. Estrada, Miguel Ignacio* (Technical Community, 3 terms)  Buenos Aires, Argentina – General Manager, LACTLD

Ms. Franz, Liesyl I. (Government, 3 terms) Washington, D.C., USA – Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues at the Department of State

Ms. Galpaya, Helani (Civil Society, 1 term) Colombo, Sri Lanka - CEO, LIRNEasia

Ms. Galstyan, Lianna (Civil Society, 1 term) Yerevan, Armenia – External Relations Manager, ISOC Armenia

Ms. Gatto, Raquel (Technical Community, 2 terms) Sao Paulo, Brazil – Regional Policy Advisor, ISOC

Ms. Glavor, Nataša (Government, 1 term) Zagreb, Croatia - Data Analyst, CARNet

Mr. Gridl, Rudolf (Government, 1 term) Berlin, Germany - Head of Unit, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Mr. Haojun, Ji (Government, 2 terms) Geneva, Switzerland - Counselor, Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva

Mr. Ilishebo, Michael (Government, 2 terms) Kitwe, Zambia - Officer, Zambia Police Service

Ms. Jallow, Adama (Civil Society, 1 term) Banjul, Gambia - Tech Coordinator, Give1 Project Gambia

Mr. Jevtović, Danko (Technical Community, 1 term) Belgrade, Serbia - Partner, Jugodata

Mr. Lo, Mamadou (Private Sector, 2 terms) Dakar, Senegal – Head of Communication and Information Department, Credit Agricole Bank

Mr. Malcolm, Jeremy (Civil Society, 1 term) Perth, Australia - Senior Global Policy Analyst, Electronic Frontier Foundation

Mr. Mansoor Ansari, Omar (Private Sector, 3 terms) Kabul, Afghanistan – President, TechNation Afghanistan

Mr. Markovski, Veni (Technical Community, 1 term) Sofia, Bulgaria - Vice-President for UN Engagement, ICANN

Ms. McCabe, Karen (Technical Community, 1 term) Piscataway, USA - Senior Director Technology Policy and International Affairs, IEEE

Mr. Mochizuki, Kenta (Private Sector, 2 terms) Tokyo, Japan – Lawyer, Yahoo Japan Corporation

Mr. Mohammed, Muataz (Government, 3 terms)  Khartoum, Sudan – Head of Monitoring and Response, Sudan Computer and Emergency Response Team

Mr. Ndicho Bambo, Samuel (Government, 2 terms) Yaoundé, Cameroon – Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of External Relations

Ms. Parris, June (Private Sector, 1 term) Bridgetown, Barbados - Research Associate, Halaqah Media

Mr. Onyango, Douglas  (Technical Community, 3 terms) Kampala, Uganda – Chief technology officer at Delta IT Solutions

Mr. Pérez Galindo, Rafael (Government, 3 terms) Madrid, Spain – Head of Unit, Directorate for Information Society Services, Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism

Mr. Regoje, Nebojša (Government, 1 term) Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Head of the Public Relations Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Rowney, Paul (Private Sector, 1 term) Windhoek, Namibia – Board member, Africa Information & Communication Technologies Alliance (AFICTA)

Mr. Rhijn van, Arnold (Government, 3 terms) The Hague, Netherlands – Senior Policy Coordinator Global Internet Governance, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy

Mr. Sabir, Sumon Ahmed (Technical Community, 3 terms) Dhaka, Bangladesh – Chief Strategy Officer at Fiber@Home Limited

Mr. Sibul, Heiki (Government, 1 term) Tallinn, Estonia - CEO, Estonia Internet Foundation

Ms. Soriano, Jianne (Civil Society, 1 term) Manila, Philippines  - NetMission Ambassador, YIGF Asia Pacific organizer

Mr. Steck, Christoph (Private Sector, 1 term) Madrid, Spain - Director, Telefonica

Ms. Suto, Timea (Private Sector, 1 term) Romania - Project Coordinator, ICC Basis

Mr. Szubert, Krzysztof (Government, 2 terms) Warsaw,  Poland – Strategic Advisor, Ministry of Digital Affairs

Ms. Tamanikaiwaimaro, Salanieta (Civil Society, 3 terms) Suva, Fiji – President, South Pacific Computer Society

Mr. Tao, Xiaofeng (Technical Community, 1 term) Beijing, China - Member of the Consultative Committee on ICT for United Nations, China Association for Science and Technology; Professor, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications

Ms. Teleanu, Sorina (Civil Society, 1 term) Bertea, Romania - Digital Policy Senior Researcher, Diplo Foundation

Ms. Uduma, Mary (Technical Community, 1 term) Abuja, Nigeria - Managing Director, Jaeno Digital Solutions

Mr. Wallis, Ben (Private Sector, 1 term) London, United Kingdom - Regulatory Policy Analyst, Microsoft

Mr. Wanawit, Akhuputra (Government, 3 terms) Bangkok, Thailand – Deputy Executive Director, Electronic Transactions Development Agency, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, and

Ms. Zumbado Munoz, Marcela (Government, 1 term) San Jose, Costa Rica – Officer, Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the UN Office at Geneva.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Pix: Mrs. Mary Uduma, courtesy, NCC.

PFS embraces global market, names Gartner advisor

ITREALMS:

 

As part of efforts to mainstream global software markets, Precise Financial Systems (PFS) has named Gartner Consulting as its global advisor, reports ITRealms.

The engagement, ITRealms gathered would be for two years, and empowers Gartner to review PFS software solutions including its flagship Clirec and iTeller in order to recognize the possible international markets where the products would be most needed and advise on appropriate market approach.

Confirming this to ITRealms, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, PFS, Dr. Yele Okeremi, said that as the “global advisor to PFS”, Gartner would guide the company on the strategy for effective globalization as well as engage in “some hand-holding to ensure we get into some specific international markets. Gartner will do this for two years”.

Gartner, he also said, would provide a fact-based consulting service for PFS to boost its business performance.

According to him, Gartner's expertise would help the international businesses to make the right decisions about adopting PFS software and align their IT initiatives with business objectives as well as connect with industry peers and best practices.

Explaining how Gartner works, Dr. Okeremi said that Gartner has invested in research processes and proprietary methodologies that enable the firm to cut through information “overload, decipher multiple viewpoints and develop insights” that allow their clients to perceive the business landscape more clearly.

“Gartner will give us the information we need, in the context necessary to make both large-scale and everyday decisions with confidence,” Dr Okeremi said.

Account Manager, Africa, Emerging and Midsize Technology Providers at Gartner, Joseph Banks, said, “As Precise embraces international markets, our research process embodies a way of thinking that turns complex information into insight, which Precise can use for its business advantage. Our underlying methodologies are a tested set of research practices, procedures and rules used to collect and analyze information. This is what Precise stands to benefit as we work together to achieve its globalization objective it has set”.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Biometric 101: What you should know

Talking Biometrics@ITREALMS:

This is our maiden edition of Talking Biometrics – a weekly online biometric education resource featuring valuable awareness on biometric identification and verification systems, with a focus on data protection, system security and efficiency. So, keep a date with us!

Introduction to Biometric Authentication Systems (BAS):

In this edition we introduce biometrics as one of many forms of authenticating a system user. We give emphasis to benefits of biometric technologies and highlight areas of global industrial use.

Types of Authentication:

Accessing information systems requires a means of confirming the claimed identity of the user. Any adopted means of verifying the identity of a system user is known as authentication. Authentication verifies that the person seeking access is indeed whom he claims to be. This process of authentication can be accomplished by any of three modes:

1.    Memory-based authentication: This requires the user to produce a memorized item (what the user knows). Examples include password, PIN number, memorized code, passphrase, etc. Unfortunately passwords can be shared, forgotten, compromised or stolen.

2.    Possession-based authentication: Here the user is required to produce a tangible item, or physical object (what the user has), as a confirmation of his claimed identity. Examples include proximity card, badge (Id Card), debit card, or other forms of tokens. Physical objects used for authentication have the disadvantage of being easily forged, stolen, misplaced or damaged.

3.    Nature-based authentication: Natural attributes used for authentication involve the use of certain human physiologies or behaviours as a means of authentication (what the user is). Examples include fingerprint, voice print, iris pattern, signature pattern, keyboard dynamics, gait, etc. These human physiological or behavioural attributes possess natural characteristics and properties that are unique, not easily damaged; and difficult to share or steal. They are collectively called biometrics. Digital systems that make use of biometric characteristics for identity verification are also called biometric systems, or more specifically Biometric Authentication Systems (BAS).

Advantages of Biometrics:

Biometric systems exhibit special advantages over tradition password and token-based authentication systems because they could not be shared, borrowed, reused, forgotten or easily circumvented.

Eg eyeballs cannot be forgotten in the shower or elsewhere, fingers cannot be borrowed or shared among friends, voice cannot be stolen. These benefits make biometrics a preferred option for secure authentication.

However, biometric authentication can be expensive to deploy and maintain depending on many factors such as area of deployment, type and choice of biometric system, additional features, among others.

Applications of Biometrics:

Biometric systems find great use in many areas:

·         Time and attendance systems:

Biometric systems are used to regulate and track entrance and exit into corporate premises, for example offices, shopping malls, schools, to name a few.

·         Access control:

Biometric authentication is used to control access into sensitive and protected facilities where maximum security is required, for instance, military facilities, nuclear facilities, airports, stadia, train station, among others.

·         Border and immigration management

Biometric technology facilitates efficient management of immigrants at land, air and sea borders.

·         Crime investigation

Biometrics finds great use in forensic examination in crime and disaster management, eg FBI’s cross-matching of fingerprints in Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).

·         Civic registration and identity systems

Management of national identities is made possible by capturing citizens’ biometrics into a single or replicated database for several purposes including monitoring the demographics of birth and death rates, controlled allocation of benefits, etc.

·         Identity and Access Management (IAM)

IAM systems use biometric authentication to ensure that the right users access the right resources at the right time and for the right reasons. IAM is a major component of biometric-based eGovernment automated systems such as the Electronic Document management System (EDMS).

·         Electoral system

Biometrics find usefulness in the registration of credible voters to curb multiple voting, under aged voters, and avoidable disenfranchisement, etc.

·         Passport management

Biometrics has been adopted as a modern means binding travel passports with their owners and the data contained therein, hence biometric passports are universally usable across global borders.

·         Healthcare management

Biometrics finds great use in healthcare management systems where the biometric data of healthcare beneficiaries are captured, processed and stored in secure databases and later used to verify their identities at the points of care in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

About the columnist:

Kenneth Okereafor is an accomplished ICT professional and Cybersecurity expert with over 20 years experience in Enterprise ICT innovation management in private and public sector computing. He holds dual PhD Degrees in Computer Science (Cybersecurity) and Management (ICT Administration and Governance) with a first class Electronic & Telecommunications Engineering background. He is a United Nations trained Network Security Specialist and is proficient in Network Optimization, Data Protection, Biometric Systems and Digital Forensics. Kenneth has published many works, contributed to several national ICT assignments and participated at many international technology conferences. He has strong research interests in Cloud Security and Green Computing, and may be reached at nitelken@yahoo.com 

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