The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and the Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) will be holding a one day workshop on Cyber Crimes, Cyber Threats, Cyber Security and Computer Misuse at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos. Date: Wednesday 12th June, 2013. Time: 9:00am. Growing dependence on Information Technology (IT) and IT enabled activities in all spheres of life make cyber security a priority.
How can citizens, businesses and governments exploit knowledge economy opportunities in a safe and secure manner? NCS, the leading association of IT professionals and stakeholders in Nigeria is again seizing the initiative by asking pertinent questions related to cyber crimes and threats: What can government do? What should stakeholders do? The need to raise online benefits and reduce associated threats is obvious. Without security, progress limps. The online environment is no exception.
Are current regulations and legislation appropriate, flexible and robust enough to facilitate the protection and growth of the IT enabled environment in Nigeria? The Internet and the knowledge driven world have changed the way we interact, learn, relax and do business. Several sectors have changed beyond recognition. Dependence is high. Digital infrastructure is here to stay. E-this, e-that, …but has safety been invited to the party? Despite the convenience technology introduces, vulnerabilities come as part of the territory. Welcome to 21st Century crime!
The hackers, crackers and online attackers are real, and in fact organized crime and terrorism has gone online. Online crime can be lucrative and the bad guys are not going away. Instead of guns and knives, offensive weapons of choice for today’s criminals are laptops, tablets and the Internet.
Identity theft, Online fraud, ICT facilitated deception, digital assisted extortion, Denial of Service Attacks and child online abuse are major concerns. And low level public awareness is certainly not a sign of progress. Cybercrime has national security implications. Cyber-offense does not promote economic development. The knowledge economy cannot lead to sustainable development without protecting digital enabled transactions, communications and interactions of Nigerian people and organizations.
Expertise is needed. Strategy is needed. Vision is needed. And most importantly deliberate concerted and collaborative efforts are needed. IT professionals cannot “stand aside and look” while cyber bandits attack the nation’s social and economic system for criminal purposes.
The workshop will bring members of the IT profession and stakeholders together to debate, share ideas and offer expert opinions and contributions into bills and legal processes that will be submitted to the National Assembly.
What are the cybercrimes and threats? Is capacity of law enforcement and security agencies taken into account? How realistic are the proposed legislation and bills presently before the National bill? Is monitoring the online and mobile communications of Nigerians online help in detecting crime and terror plans? How role should internet service providers and phone companies play? Civil liberties implications will surely need to be considered.
The need to update existing draft bills and proposals with stakeholder insights and contributions is essential. According to a release “the workshop will afford the industry opportunity of drafting and submitting to the National Assembly Bills that should give legal teeth to various IT issues and policies that will help move the society forward”. The IT sector needs to come together for meaningful impact in the fight against cybercrime and create better conditions for overall growth.
NCS has told participants not to expect a talkshop but to come prepared for an uncommon groundbreaking experience that will chart the way forward in this important area.
HAVE YOUR SAY: What are the critical cyber security issues IT professionals and stakeholders must address? Please share your comments, thoughts and opinions.
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