EFCC, experts advocate cybersecurity awareness

Experts in financial crime and cybersecurity have emphasised the crucial need for Nigerians to enhance their cybersecurity awareness, aiming to reduce the surge in cyber attacks and the resulting distress.

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.

The stakeholders urged the participants to ensure that they do not fall victim to cybercriminals through careless handling of their sensitive information, including the National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number data.

Addressing the participants, Lagos Zonal Commander of EFCC, Mr. Michael Wetkas urged the participants not to compromise the security of their data and never to cross the red flags.

Wetkas, who was represented by the Deputy Head, Cybercrimes, EFCC, Mr. Suleiman Jijiwa, said that crimes had changed from the usual bloody attacks to digital, and many people had fallen prey because of 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.

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.

A financial expert, Mr. Ben Ekwere, who also urged participants to always double-check the security features of whatever website being visited, said, “The cost of cyber breaches is higher than what it will take to secure it.”

In his remarks, the Director, NITHUB, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, commended the organisers for empowering the students with knowledge and training to be 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.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, H’QUBE Consulting Limited, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Ghazali, said that a lot more ought to be done in ensuring security in the digital space, describing humans as the weakest link.

“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.

NAN