Financial crime and cybersecurity experts have stressed that it is critical for Nigerians to become more cybersecurity aware to reduce the surge in cyber-attacks and the associated suffering.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the workshop titled “Impact of Cybersecurity Awareness in Combating Cybercrime” was held at the agency’s innovation institute, NITHUB.
Officials urged participants not to become victims of cybercrime by handling sensitive information such as national identification numbers and bank identification numbers carelessly.
Addressing the participants, the EFCC’s Lagos Area Commander, Mr. Michael Wetkus, urged participants not to jeopardize the security of their data and never cross any red flags.
Mr Wetkus, who was represented by Suleiman Jijiwa, Deputy Head of the EFCC Cyber Crime Division, said the crime had changed from the usual bloody attacks to digital attacks and many people had fallen prey to greed and ignorance.
“All they (cyber crooks) need now is a laptop, a network, and knowledge. Unlike before, crime knows no borders. To carry it out, you have to be physically there. I have to be there.
“EFCC is monitoring. If you see something, say something and we will take some steps to arrest the culprits,” he said.
Wetkus urged the students to imbibe a culture of reporting cybercrimes on time and said such reporting can also be done anonymously.
He said any cybercrime can be traced if reported to the appropriate authorities.
Mr. Wetkus advised participants to always protect their data, not to release data in a hurry without cross-checking, and to be mindful of what they push on social media to avoid undue exposure to risk. Participants were warned to be careful about what they do.
He said the commission shares information with other agencies in domestic and international cyberspace to crack down on internet fraudsters.
Mr. Ejike Onyema also spoke on behalf of Mr. Abdul Kabir Eler, ICPC State Area Director, who emphasized on data protection and urged the participants to increase their safety awareness in cyberspace.
“We have to be safe. We have to protect the BVN. We have to protect the BVN. Don't let it out,” he said.
Financial expert Ben Ekwere also urged participants to always double-check the security features of any website they visit, saying, “The cost of a cyber breach outweighs the cost of securing it.'' “It's expensive.”
In his address, Director NITHUB, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, commended the organizers for equipping the students with the knowledge and training to become solution providers.
“If you're not greedy, you won't easily fall into the hands of cybercriminals. Their tactic is to scare and lure you in. Be careful in providing information,” said Odumuyiwa, a computer science major.
Also speaking, Abdul Aziz Ghazali, CEO of H'QUBE Consulting Limited, said more needs to be done to ensure the security of the digital space, adding that humans I said it's the weakest part.
“Data privacy must be ensured. You must be a security guard. No one can protect you better than yourself. We must ensure our own safety in the digital space. Must be secured and paid attention to.
“Most of the victims of cyberattacks are in mental distress and many are crying. We must not be reckless in the digital space,” Ghazali said.
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