BREAKING NEWS, Crime
–
Nigerian government reveals the country lost 450 million dollars to cyber attacks in 2015
DESPITE the passage of Cybercrime Act in 2015, Nigeria lost more than $450 million to cyber attacks in 2015. Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications, lamented that in spite of federal government efforts, cyber crime is still increasing in the country. About 70 percent of cyber attacks carried out by hackers in Nigeria’s Information Communication Technology, ICT, space were successful in 2015.
According to Shittu, studies carried out by the ministry showed that 3,500 cyber attacks unleashed in the country resulted in loss of the $450 million. The minister made the disclosure at the 8th Cybersecurity, Technology Optimisation and National Development, conference organised by Information System Audit and Control Association, ISACA, forum in Abuja last week. He said maintaining a hitch free cyber security space required the engagement of information technology specialists and expertise.
“I am convinced ISACA has those skills; you have the knowledge; you have the professionals; you have the approaches, techniques and strategies. Permit me to say that you, sitting here, are the professionals Nigeria is counting on to conquer the cyber wars and crimes in the country. If the country fails, then you have failed and ISACA has failed in Nigeria.”
Shittu said he was not unaware that ISACA recently introduced Cyber Security Nexus, CSX, to equip professionals with expert skills and competencies to counter cyber terrorism in the country.
He emphasised that although these certifications are very important, practical involvement, the demonstration of one’s expert knowledge will help to secure the cyberspace in Nigeria.
“I can assure you that if our cyberspace is safe, investors will come; e-commerce will be given much priority; and most transactions will be done without stress and above all, the quality of life will increase. This is what national development is.”
According to him, the share of telecommunications in total real Gross Domestic Product, GDP, declined throughout 2010 to 2014, but in the last five quarters, growth in telecommunications has been higher, meaning the trend has reversed. “The total number of subscribers as of the end of June 2016 stood at 149,803,714, and internet users for the same time stood at 92,181,978 – the biggest internet market in Africa. The ICT sector contributed 12.62 percent to the total nominal GDP in the second quarter of 2016, up from its 12.25 percent contribution in the first quarter.”
Shittu is of the view the government is redoubling efforts to increase ICT’s contribution to the country’s GDP, as we consider it to be a veritable alternative to the oil sector whose contributions have dwindled over the past year.
“The electoral process today also involves the use of electronic card readers. The use of CCTV is very common in most organisations and even households today.
“Mobile communication and e-mailing and social media communication are now the order of the day. Use of computers and other office support systems are obvious in all offices today.
“Electronic commerce and online malls are very prevalent. Electricity and transportation had also gone digital using prepaid. This developmental approach, as good as it is, is faced with war with cybercriminal elements,” he said.
On his part, Isa Ibrahim, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, said his agency would be working in close collaboration with ISACA to evolve solutions that will address the menace. He added that Nigeria cannot function properly if it is vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Also, Chimenka Ezeribe, president, ISACA, said ISACA is committed to promoting positive use of technology to improve the quality of life for individuals and organizations. “While we do not downplay the realities of security incidences, we want everyone to achieve the full potential of technology. The tasks before us are enormous but it is very possible and we must provide practical steps to assist individuals, organisations and the society at large realise the benefits of technology,” he said.
— Nov 10, 2016 @ 20:50 GMT
|
Tags:
