With the number of internet users growing daily, experts have stressed the need for cyber security awareness so as to reduce the number of victims as well as the value of their losses.
They also stated that without good cyber security, nearly half of the entire G-20 economy will be lost to cybercriminals.
Speaking at a one day forum in Lagos organised by the U.S Mission in Nigeria to mark this year’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NSAM), the US Consul General, Mr. F. John Bray, regretted that billions of dollars were lost annually through cyber crimes globally.
He added that many individuals, companies, and governments around the world had become victims of cyber attacks.
According to him, cyber security ventures predicted that the global community would lose more than $6 trillion annually by 2021.
Mr. Bray recalled that in 2009, President Obama called for an increase in education and dialogue about cyber security in the Cyberspace Security Review.
As part of this policy review he said, the Department of Homeland Security created an ongoing cyber security awareness campaign tagged ‘’Stop. Think. Connect.’’
He described the programme as a national public awareness campaign designed to raise awareness of cyber security and to be more vigilant about practising safe online habits.
‘’By joining the Stop. Think. Connect campaign you will have connections to partners and subject matter experts who are committed to increasing online safety; cyber security tips, messaging, articles, and presentations; monthly discussions highlighting current cyber issues and trends.
‘’People are spending more time online – at home and at work – than ever before.
“Our growing dependence on technology, coupled with the increasing threat of cyber-attacks and risks to our privacy, demands greater security in our online world.
‘’By adopting and joining the Stop.Think. Connect campaign people will better understand the risks that come with using the internet and the importance of practising safe online behavior.”
Delving in to “Internet of Things (IoT),” the Consul General said it will continue to increase the amount of crimes seen globally.
Continuing he said that “Internet of Things” is the technology used in Bluetooth and Wifi devices in homes such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves.
These devices, he explained, can be hacked and used in a malicious manner to cause serious harm.
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However, he described international cooperation and information sharing as key to the successful mitigation of cyber attacks.
‘’There are many ways for you, your family and your organisation to promote cyber security awareness within your community.
‘’You have an opportunity to join in cyber security awareness efforts across the country.
‘’As some of you may know the African Union has joined other international organisations in designating October as cyber security awareness month,” he added.
However, he described the national public awareness campaign as a collaborative effort between government and industry that encourages individuals to protect their computers and their nation’s critical cyber infrastructure.
Speaking on ‘’Making Strong, Unique Yet Memorable Passwords,’’ Mr. Doncarlo Agustino of the US Consulate General, Lagos, stressed the need for internet users to secure their passwords.
He added that such effort would prevent fraudsters from having access to their emails.
Mr. Agustino advised those who usually give their passwords to others to ensure they restated their passwords immediately.
‘’Some people do give their passwords so that others will help them access information from the e-mails, if that is done, it is important you change your password. It is something confidential.’’
In his presentation on ‘’Be Internet Awesome,’’ Mr. Adedoyin Adedeji of International Center for Leadership Development Nigeria, frowned at internet users who are not careful when sharing information on line.
‘’A lot of people especially the youths abuse others on line; that is cyber bulling, it is a crime. We should be kind when sharing information on line,” he said.