There is no sector that doesn’t involve technology now for its daily activity. Either directly or indirectly, from the educational sector to the financial sector.
Hence, cybersecurity in Nigeria should be of utmost importance, seeing as a lot of cyber threats have emerged alongside.
Even though control measures are put in place, they are not enough to combat cyber threats.
Cybersecurity is derived from two root words ‘ Cyber’ which pertains to computers and computer-related dealings, and ‘Security’ which simply means being out of harm’s way or protection.
Cybersecurity can then be said to mean the overall protection of both hardware and software from harm’s way.
It involves every technique or method used to safeguard data, computers, networks, programs from unauthorized access. Cybersecurity protects against threats such as Malware, identity theft, Ransomware.
Malware simply is a shortened form of malicious software developed specifically with the purpose of damaging data, infiltration of databases, and generally any breach in the original activity of cyberspace.
People who engage in these are known as cybercriminals. These cybercriminals use various means to carry out their activity and depending on why they are attacking particular cyberspace, the results could be crippling.
Some cybercriminals hack into a system just for fun, they just want to see if they can do it. Afterward, they retreat.
Also read, Cybercrime, Youth and the Future: World of friends and Foes
Some involve due to revenge purposes, the other party caused them harm in some way and they decide to retaliate. The most harmful group are cybercriminals that are doing it for pay, they can go to any length to get paid.
In Nigeria, cybersecurity is one of the major societal issues. Financial fraud seems to be topping the list of why cyber crimes are practised in Nigeria. And one can easily discern that making money is the main reason why cybercrimes are perpetuated.
The age brackets most actively involved in these cybercrimes is quite alarming, even young adults are involved as it’s seen as the new big thing.
Cybersecurity in Nigeria will involve the protection of data, finances and identity of people who use cyberspace.
Inability to put in place a legal cyber monitoring structure and information technology personnel with a good skill set for cybersecurity is a major setback for combating cybercrimes in Nigeria.
Cybersecurity in Nigeria should be taken more seriously, and citizens should be taught how to be safe even while using their gadgets.
Because that’s the major loophole, these criminals present a fake link and when you fill out your information, it is used to scam you.
Also, the employment of ethical hackers can further help as earlier stated money is usually the main reason for cybercrimes in Nigeria.
If these perpetrators are employed as ethical hackers they still use their skills but instead for bad purposes they present to the organization and that flaw is taken care of.
They get the money while doing the right thing and the organizations are safe too.
Cybersecurity in Nigeria can only be effective and its impact felt if it’s all-encompassing. Offering cloud security, network security, application security, endpoint security, mobile security and most importantly a recovery plan if there’s any breach.
About the author
Chibuzor Elizabeth Chijioke a graduate of Abia State University is a Nigerian-based entrepreneur and content writer. She trained as a digital marketer at Innovation Growth Hub. She is committed to teaching people how to apply technology to better their lives and businesses. She spends her leisure reading sci-fi and fantasy novels.
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