From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
A Professor of Law and Director of Academic Planning in the American University of Nigeria, (AUN), Yola, Prof. Mohammed Bello Magaji, has alerted the federal government to up its games against rising cybercrime in the country in order to secure the digital environment and boost national security.
Prof. Magaji noted that as the country continues to embrace digital transformation, addressing cybersecurity challenges has become critical and imperative.
The University Don spoke on the topic, “The Significance of Cybersecurity for National Security and Development in Nigeria”, at the 55th Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) Conference at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, which was made available to Sunday Sun.
According to Prof. Magaji, “Nigeria faces a diverse range of cyber threats, including cybercrime, cyber-espionage, and cyberterrorism. Cybercriminal activities such as phishing, ransomware, and financial fraud have seen a surge, often targeting critical sectors like banking and government.
“Additionally, the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks poses a threat to national infrastructure and data integrity.
“Nigeria faces a complex cyber threat landscape characterised by a diverse range of cybercriminal activities. The country has experienced an increase in cybercrime, including phishing, ransomware, and financial fraud.
“These threats often target critical sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and government services. The growing sophistication of cyber-attacks poses significant risks to
national infrastructure and the integrity of sensitive data.
“Moreover, the rise of cyber-espionage and potential cyberterrorism further emphasises the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard national interests.
“Cyber-attacks can undermine national security by disrupting essential services, compromising sensitive information, and undermining public trust. For instance, attacks on financial institutions
can destabilise the economy, while breaches in government databases can compromise national intelligence and diplomatic relations.
“The potential for cyber warfare and espionage further emphasises the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect national interests. Cyberattacks can disrupt essential services, compromise sensitive information, and erode public trust in institutions.
“For example, successful attacks on financial institutions can lead to economic instability, while breaches of government databases can jeopardise national intelligence and diplomatic relations. The potential for cyber warfare amplifies these risks, highlighting the urgency of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect Nigeria’s national security framework.
“Cyber incidents can have severe financial repercussions, including direct costs related to the attack
and indirect costs such as reputational damage and loss of consumer trust.
For Nigeria, a developing economy with burgeoning digital sectors, the financial losses from cyber attacks can impede economic growth and investor confidence.
“Cyber incidents have profound economic implications, leading to both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include financial losses stemming from theft or data breaches, while indirect costs encompass reputational damage and diminished consumer trust.
“Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure not only protects businesses and institutions but also fosters a more secure environment for economic activities. By mitigating risks, businesses can operate more efficiently, attract foreign investment, and contribute to economic stability.
“A secure digital environment supports innovation and the growth of digital services, which are vital for
economic development. Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure is vital for protecting businesses and fostering a secure environment for economic activities.
“A robust cybersecurity framework can enhance operational efficiency, attract foreign investment, and contribute to economic stability. By mitigating risks, Nigeria can encourage innovation and the growth of digital services, which are crucial for sustainable economic development.”
However, Prof. Magaji said that challenges hinder effective security measures in cybersecurity infrastructure investment.
He said, “Despite these efforts, challenges persist in policy implementation. Issues such as inadequate funding, lack of skilled professionals, and insufficient public awareness hinder effective cybersecurity measures.
“The fragmented nature of cybersecurity governance also complicates the coordination between various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organisations.
“Inadequate funding, a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, and insufficient public awareness are significant barriers.
“The fragmented nature of cybersecurity governance complicates coordination among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organisations. Addressing these challenges is essential for establishing a more effective cybersecurity framework
“Strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial for developing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Joint initiatives can facilitate information sharing, enhance threat intelligence, and improve incident response capabilities.
“Building a skilled cybersecurity workforce is essential for addressing the growing complexity of cyber threats.
“Investing in education and training programmes can equip individuals with the necessary skills to defend against cyberattacks and support the development of a robust cybersecurity infrastructure.
“Raising awareness about cybersecurity risks and best practices is vital for fostering a security-conscious culture.
“Public awareness campaigns and educational programmes can help individuals and organisations recognise and mitigate cyber threats, contributing to a more resilient digital environment.”