Information Security Society of Africa – Nigeria (ISSAN), is seeking collaboration to join forces with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fight cybercrime more effectively.
The move was conceived during a visit to EFCC headquarters by the ISSAN’s team led by its Vice President, Dr. Martin Ikpehai.
Highlighted the shocking existence of “yahoo schools” that train people in cybercrime, underlining the urgency for teamwork, Ikpehai stressed the importance of collaboration as cybercriminals increasingly target businesses online..
ISSAN offers cybersecurity education to students and the public, promoting awareness of online threats like cyberbullying and stalking. They also commended the EFCC’s “Eagle Eye” app for its role in combating internet fraud.
Meanwhile, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, welcomed ISSAN’s initiative. He acknowledged the importance of cybersecurity efforts and pledged stronger collaboration. Olukoyede emphasized the need for a united front against cybercriminals, stressing that the fight must be as technologically advanced as the crimes themselves.
The discussion also touched on ISSAN’s past proposal for a unified Nigerian Identity System. This system would link a person’s international passport, phone number, and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to simplify tracking cybercriminals. Additionally, ISSAN called for regular updates to regulations and improved collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to create a secure digital environment.
This collaboration between ISSAN and the EFCC signifies a positive step towards a more secure Nigerian cyberspace.