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Cybercrime remains huge technology threat for Nigeria
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CYBER crime remains the biggest challenge to Nigeria’s growing information technology, experts have warned.
Among other computer-generated crimes Nigeria is faced with is internet lottery scams.
Online visa applications and banking are also targets of abuse, and experts say these are on the increase.
Already the Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (ISSPIN), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have spoken strongly against the high rate of cyber crime and online security challenges brought about by new technology.
In an exclusive interview with CAJ News on Thursday, information technology expert, Mikel Lawal, said cyber crime was becoming a source of grave concern in Africa’s most populous nation, adding that it was important that a speedy solution to the problem was found.
“Responsible cyber bodies and several internet authorities in this country (Nigeria) should step up awareness campaigns against abuse of the cyber before the situation gets out of hand. Cyber crime has become a serious issue of concern, and if no proper steps are taken now our image out there as Nigerians will be soiled.
“This is a responsibility for us all including internet service providers, government and the international community. I also believe banks and diplomatic missions using the online visa application facilities should stop watching from afar, but join hands in the fight against perpetrators of cyber crime in our great nation,” said Lawal.
He said with the increasing number of internet users globally, controlling cyber crime would be a big challenge, not only in Nigeria but where there is advanced economy and technology.
He told CAJ News that the rate of internet users globally has risen from slightly above five million to 1.4 billion.
Other concerned service providers in the country such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NBS, NCC and ISSPIN have embarked on measures to curb or reduce the cyber crime in the country.
Nigeria is rated world’s number three country in terms of cyber crime.
Last week, the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in his speech during the commemoration of the 16-Days of Activism, strongly condemned the abuse of the internet.
