Abuja: Some security officials have advised against cybercrime and urged the youths to use their digital skills more productively for their own good and legitimate gains. The officials gave the advice on Thursday in Abuja at a workshop organised by the Alice Alobi Foundation (AAF), with the theme: 'Empowering Young Nigerians for a Secure Digital Future'.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Bob Steven, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) with Abuja Interpol, highlighted the increasing complexity of cybercrime as technology advances. Steven pointed out that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, employing artificial intelligence and machine learning in their operations. He noted that organized cybercrime groups now function similarly to tech companies, with many IT-savvy individuals misusing their skills to harm others.
Steven urged Nigerians to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to cybercrime. He shared an incident where Interpol Abuja intercepted a group of young men in Lugbe who were being trained in illegitimate skills. He emphasized the necessity of international collaboration in combating cybercrime, highlighting Interpol's Cyber Fusion Center's role in bringing together experts to detect patterns and prevent attacks.
Mr. Hakeem Lasisi, Chief Superintendent of the Cybercrime Section at the EFCC, discussed the connection between cyber-enabled financial fraud and money laundering. Lasisi explained that money laundering is a key component of cybercriminal activities, with digital currencies like Bitcoin being popular among criminals due to perceived immunity from arrest. He noted that law enforcement agencies are developing techniques to track cryptocurrency transactions, even those that use mixers to obscure the funds' origins.
Earlier, Miriam Alobi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of AAF, remarked on the internet's dual nature as both a tool for innovation and a risk to personal and financial security. She stated that the workshop aimed to equip youths with essential skills for safe navigation of the digital landscape. Alobi encouraged active participation and experience sharing among attendees, emphasizing the collaborative effort to create a safer online environment.