Shun cybercrime, use skills more productively, security officials advise Nigerian youths
By Jessica Dogo
Some security officials have advised against cybercrime and urged the youths to use their digital skills more productively for their own good and legitimate gains.
The officials gave the advice on Thursday in Abuja at a workshop organised by the Alice Alobi Foundation (AAF), with the theme: “Empowering Young Nigerians for a Secure Digital Future”.
Mr Bob Steven, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Abuja Interpol, said that cybercrime loomed large in a world where technology was advancing at an unprecedented rate.
Steven said that cybercriminals were becoming more sophisticated, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to carry out their criminal activities.
“The rise of sophisticated cybercrimes is no longer a lone hacker in a basement today. Organised cyber crime groups operate like tech companies.
“We have a lot of our brothers who are IT savvy.
“Instead of learning skills that will add value to their lives, they embark on using the little skills they have acquired to cause pains on other persons,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be extremely careful so that they do not become victims.
“Just two weeks ago, Interpol Abuja intercepted a group of young men somewhere in Lugbe, who were supposed to be learning but what they were learning was someone putting them through skills that are not legitimate,” he said.
He said that the rise of sophisticated cyber threats had made it clear that international collaboration was essential in the fight against cybercrime.
According to him, Interpol’s Cyber Fusion Center brought together experts to detect patterns, charm criminals and prevent attacks.
“As the world becomes increasingly digital, the importance of cybersecurity can not be overemphasised.
“The fact that these crimes have no border makes trapping and arresting cybercriminals difficult without international collaboration.
“This is where Interpol comes in. Nigeria will do her best, but because of the fact that this crime goes beyond borders it becomes necessary for countries to collaborate,” he said.
Mr Hakeem Lasisi, Chief Superintendent, Cybercrime Section of the EFCC, spoke on the topic: “Cyber-Enabled Financial Fraud: Identifying and Avoiding Online Scams; and The Nexus Between Cyber Crimes and Money Laundering”.
According to Lasisi, money laundering is a crucial aspect of the game.
He said that cybercriminals would use various methods to clean their illicit funds, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track them down.
Lasisi said that one of the most popular methods used by money launderers was cryptocurrency.
“Bitcoin and other digital currencies have become a favorite among cybercriminals, who believe that they are immune from arrest or prosecution,” he said.
He said that law enforcement agencies were catching up fast by developing new techniques to track down cryptocurrency transactions, including those that used mixers or tumblers to obscure the origin of the funds.
The EFCC official said that money laundering had three stages, which include the placement stage, layering phase and the integration phase.
Earlier, Miriam Alobi, Co-Founder and Executive Director, AAF, said that the internet, while a phenomenal tool for learning, communication, and innovation, also harboured risk that could impact personal informations, financial security, and even reputations.
Alobi said that the workshop was designed to equip youths with the essential skills to navigate the digital landscape safely through the various topics discussed.
She thanked the security agencies present and encouraged participants to be active and share experiences.
“We encourage you to actively participate, ask questions, and share your experiences.
“This workshop is a collaborative effort, and your insights are valuable. Together, we can build a safer and more secure online environment for all,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
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