FG Poised to Curb Cybercrime Threat to National Security

 
Barr. Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Communications, has said that the global cybercrime threats to national security has widened government horizon to protect the nation’s cyberspace.

The minister made this remarks in a keynote address he delivered at the NGSecure Infosecurity Conference put together by DIFENSORE at Four Point by Sheraton, Lekki, Lagos.
 
Speaking on the theme: Cybersecurity Framework for National Security, he said in view of the critical nature of the economy and government activities, it is obvious that protection from different types of cyber and terrorist attacks is required.
 
Barr. Shittu said cyber space is being exploited to aid radicalization and violent extremism and that government has realized that those tasked with the responsibility to protect our cyberspace: information security and Cybersecurity can no longer function within a framework of the past.
 
To address emerging cyber threats, he said, ”the government has setup computer emergency response teams through the Office of the NSA and NITDA.
 
“Additionally, to further improve the nation’s preparedness to secure cyberspace, the Cybercrime Advisory Council has also been inaugurated. The council is expected to facilitate the implementation of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, and as well as the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy”.
 
However, the minister said there is a need for accelerated ICT development to foster inclusive development and address rising youth unemployment and other developmental challenges.
 
Barr. Shittu assured organizers of the conference of his support and collaboration “to fight these cancerous growths in our cyber space. You should, therefore, feel free to submit to me any realistic blueprint for my dispassionate consideration and immediate implementation”.
 
The Minister said government’s proactive measure is necessary because Nigeria’s growing dependence on digital infrastructure poses grave threats to national security as the country loses about N127 billion which is 0.08 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP), yearly to cybercrime.
 
He identified software piracy, identity theft, electronic fraud, online spam, intellectual property theft and malware attacks as capable of having  devastating and far reaching consequences on the economy.
 
 Barr. Shittu urged the gathering to view IT for national safety and security beyond a narrow focus on the usual security concerns and expand the scope to see IT for national safety and security as an outstanding and indispensable revenue earner, job creator, youth developer, innovation enabler and growth stimulator.