The Information Security Society of Africa – Nigeria, ISSAN), has called for stronger and closer collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in safeguarding the cyber space for more effective fight against internet fraud and other financial crimes in Nigeria.

 

 

This call was made in Abuja by ISSAN’s Vice President, Dr. Martin Ikpehai, when he led a three-man delegation on a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s headquarters.

 

 

Commending the EFCC for doing a great work in putting a stop to cybercrimes, Ikpehai however called for a more sustainable approach towards taking over cyberspace from internet fraudsters.

 

 

“Now, every business is conducted on digital space and as businesses are on cyber space, criminals are chasing them online. One important thing we have come to realise is that the EFCC, being a crime fighter, has done so much in this aspect of crime, especially fighting crime on the digital space and we are happy about it.  We are also happy to fight this crime and to let you know that there should be synergy between our organisation and the EFCC”, he said.

 

 

He expressed surprise at the prevalence of “yahoo schools” across the country, pointing out that such an anomaly demanded enhanced cooperation with ISSAN.

 

 

“EFCC is discovering yahoo schools in Nigeria and it surprises us that there are schools created to teach people to learn cybercrimes, that is why we have come to let you know that you should collaborate with us so that we can work hand in hand”.

 

 

He further explained that cyber security is so important that security officers of key institutions are working closely with ISSAN, since the Society offers a platform to teach secondary school children and University students and Nigerians in general  about cyber security in schools, how to defend and safeguard  against cyber- bullying, cyber-stalking and other forms of cyber security challenges.

 

 

 

He commended the EFCC on its Eagle Eye app, describing it as an excellent device in achieving success in the fight against internet fraud.

 

 

Responding, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede appreciated ISSAN for its focus and mandate, adding that  the Commission greatly valued any effort geared towards enhancing  cyber security, while assuring of better collaboration with the Society.

 

 

“We have a lot to do on cybercrime and security as it were and that is what we do. We must engage all stakeholders and ensure that we take drastic measures to stop criminals in cyberspace. The more we come together, the better for the country to prosecute the war on cybercrime and security”, he stated.

 

 

It would be recalled that the ISSAN Industry Roundtable had made a case for a’ Nigerian Identity’’ System. According to the association the Integrated Identity Management System to be called ‘’The Nigerian Identity’’ would have international passport, phone number, BVN belonging to one individual grafted onto one composite interconnected file to easily detect and track perpetrators of cybercrime.

 

 

ISSAN President, Dr David Isiavwe,  stated the need for industry operators, law enforcement agencies and financial sector regulators to ensure they are steps ahead of the activities of cybercriminals. According to him, “the cybersecurity space is constantly evolving. As the cybercriminals do not sleep or relent, operators and regulators have a duty to not also sleep. Indeed, the protection of the cyberspace is the responsibility of all stakeholders”.

 

 

 

 

He commended the EFCC on its Eagle Eye app, describing it as an excellent device in achieving success in the fight against internet fraud.

 

Responding, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede appreciated ISSAN for its focus and mandate, adding that  the Commission greatly valued any effort geared towards enhancing  cyber security, while assuring of better collaboration with the Society.

 

“We have a lot to do on cybercrime and security as it were and that is what we do. We must engage all stakeholders and ensure that we take drastic measures to stop criminals in cyberspace. The more we come together, the better for the country to prosecute the war on cybercrime and security”, he stated.

 

It would be recalled that the ISSAN Industry Roundtable had made a case for a’ Nigerian Identity’’ System. According to the association the Integrated Identity Management System to be called ‘’The Nigerian Identity’’ would have international passport, phone number, BVN belonging to one individual grafted onto one composite interconnected file to easily detect and track perpetrators of cybercrime.