Cyber Security Issues in Nigeria and Challenges

Abstract

Cyber-space refers to the boundless space known as the internet. Cyber-security is the body of rules put in place for the protection of the cyber space. Cyber-crime refers to the series of organized crime attacking both cyber space and cyber security. The Internet is one of the fastest-growing areas of technical infrastructure development. Over the past decades, the growth of the internet and its use afforded everyone this opportunity. Google, Wikipedia and Bing to mention a few, give detailed answers to millions of questions every day. Cyberspace is a world that contains just about anything one is searching for. With the advent of these advancements in information accessibility and the advantages and applications of the internet comes an exponentially growing disadvantage-Cyber Crime. Cyber security has risen to become a national concern as threats concerning it now need to be taken more seriously. This paper attempts to provide an overview of Cybercrime and Cyber-security. It defines the concept of cybercrime, identify reasons for cyber-crime and its eradication. It look at those involved and the reasons for their involvement. Methods of stepping up cyber security and the recommendations that would help in checking the increasing rate of cyber-crimes were highlighted. The paper also attempts to name some challenges of cybercrime and present practical and logical solutions to these threats.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Proliferation of Ponzi Schemes in Nigeria Cyberspace

“…Mbanaso and Dandaura (2015) described cyberspace as the merger of internet, information systems and people. In addition, cyberspace was conceived as the boundless space known as the internet (Makeri, 2017).…”

“…It is geared towards ensuring the safety and protection of users against security risks in the cyber arena. Makeri (2017) observed that as we become more dependent on cyberspace we undoubtedly face new risks. The security architecture of many countries including Nigeria was badly challenged by COVID-19 pandemic (Osah & Adewumi, 2020).…”

“…The porosity of Nigeria's cyberspace will not be overemphasized. Statistically, Nigeria was recently ranked 3 rd among ten nations that commits cybercrimes in the world (Eze in Makeri, 2017).He argued that the victims continue to show increasing naivety and gullibility at the prospects incited by cyber criminals. In other words, many Nigerians are naïve and gullible when it comes to internet gimmicks.…”

A reassessment of public awareness and legislative framework on cybersecurity in South Africa

“…Real transformation involves exploring new ways of doing business, while increasing efficiency, costs reduction and higher investment returns. While navigating these new frontiers cautiously, we should remain aware that digital networking, data specifications and distributions, which enhance a more digitalized means of livelihood, have equally become more abstract, which may, in turn, increase our vulnerability to internet risks [3]. Increasingly, our infrastructures are also frequently becoming complex and relying on external dependencies.…”

Cyberspace, Black-Hat Hacking and Economic Sustainability of Corporate Organizations in Cross-River State, Nigeria

“…Cybercrime is one of the most complex, widespread, and persistent social problems ravaging the cyberspace, and Africa is not immune from the ensuing treachery because of her weak legal and regulatory cyber policies (Abdul-Rasheed Ishowo et al, 2016; Ajah & Onyejegbu, 2019; Jaishankar, 2010; Ndubueze et al, 2013; Odo & Odo, 2015; Quarshie & Martin-Odoom, 2012). The cyberspace is driving business innovations and growth globally, and at the same time, exposing corporate organizations to new and emerging internet-assisted crimes (Longe et al, 2009; Makeri, 2017; Quarshie & Martin-Odoom, 2012). Today, the negative frontiers of the cyberspace that corporate organizations are contending with include: hacking, malware attacks, cyber-terrorism, spoofing, phishing, spam, virus attacks, child pornography, cyber vandalism, cyberstalking, data modification, email bombing, and cybersquatting (Fanawopo, 2004).…”