Cybercrime: Responding Sensibly in the Age of Uncertainty

Abstract

Cybercrime is now threatening the very existence of Information Technology critical infrastructure, the greatest human innovation after the industrial revolution. Wrong value system has been identified as key factor encouraging cybercrime in Nigeria and the desire to get rich quick without working for it. Cyber crime is complex and committed mostly from remote locations making it difficult to police. The absence of enabling law makes policing even more difficult. This paper has proposed several recommendations including the fact that the National Orientation Agency should shift focus to national re-orientation of the psyche of the whole population and particularly the youths in post-primary and tertiary institutions and to parents, towards raising crop of children with strong religious training, belief and trust in God as well as the infusion of religious training in the curriculum of our educational system at all levels. Cyber-security awareness training should now constitute part of the school curriculum. Government-Private sector partnership should be formed to develop appropriate strategies towards cyber crime monitoring, control and prevention. This is the responsibility of all citizens - government, private sector and individuals. The paper contends that if action is not taken urgently, Nigeria will head towards self-destruct and the African continent may turn out to become a desolate colony!