To counter the alarming increase in cyber attacks, financial crime and cybersecurity experts are hammering on the need for Nigerians to enhance their cybersecurity literacy and protect themselves from potential dangers.
Speaking on Saturday at a Cybersecurity Awareness Workshop organized by H’QUBE Consulting Limited for University of Lagos students, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other experts shared insights.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the workshop, titled ‘Impact of Cybersecurity Awareness at Combating Cybercrimes,’ was held at NITHUB, a tech innovation of the institution.
Participants were urged by the stakeholders to be mindful of cyber threats and to take proactive measures in safeguarding their sensitive information, including their National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number data, to thwart potential attacks from cybercriminals.
In his address to the participants, Mr. Michael Wetkas, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Commander, urged them to prioritize the security of their data and cautioned against disregarding any red flags.
Mr. Wetkas, through his representative Mr. Suleiman Jijiwa, Deputy Head of Cybercrimes at the EFCC, pointed out the transition of crimes from physical violence to digital realms, noting that numerous individuals have been ensnared as a result of their greed and ignorance.
“All they (cyber fraudsters) need now is a laptop, network and knowledge. Crimes have no border, unlike before. You have to be there physically to perpetrate it.
“EFCC is watching. If you see something, say something, then we will do something to arrest the criminals,” he said.
Wetkas urged the students to imbibe the culture of reporting cybercrimes right on time, saying that such could be done anonymously.
He said every cybercrime can be traced if reported to the appropriate authorities.
Advising the participants to always protect their data and not be hasty in releasing it without cross-checking, Wetkas warned the participants to mind whatever they push on social media to avoid undue exposure to risks.
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According to him, the commission shares information with other agencies in cyberspace within and outside the country to clamp down on internet fraudsters.
Also speaking, Mr. Ezike Onyema, representing the State Zonal Head of ICPC, Mr. Abdul-Kabir Elelu, who emphasised data protection, urged the participants to be safety conscious in cyberspace.
“We need to be safe. Protect your BVN. Your BVN must be protected. Don’t let it out,” he said.
Mr. Ben Ekwere, a financial expert, emphasized the importance of participants always verifying the security features of websites they visit, adding that the expense of cyber breaches surpasses the investment required to secure against them.
Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, Director of NITHUB, expressed appreciation towards the organizers for their efforts in imparting knowledge and training to students, enabling them to become adept solution providers.
“If you are not greedy, you will not fall easily into the hands of cybercriminals. Their tactics are to scare and lure. Be careful in providing information,” Odumuyiwa of the Department of Computer Science, said.
During his speech, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Ghazali, CEO of H’QUBE Consulting Limited, underscored the imperative of bolstering security measures in the digital sphere, characterizing humans as the most vulnerable aspect.
“Data privacy must be ensured. You must be the guard. Nobody can protect you better than yourself. We must try to secure ourselves and be careful in digital space.
“Most victims of cyber attacks undergo emotional distress, and many are crying out there. Do not be reckless in the digital space,” Ghazali said.