Nigeria, vulnerable to cyber crime ―DSS

The Department For State Security Service ( DSS ) says Nigeria is vulnerable to cyber crimes due to dearth of cyber security experts and other technological  means to tackle the menace .

He said that internet fraud activities are more prevalent in the South-West region of the country especially Lagos , Ogun , Oyo states, mentioning LAUTECH as the highest concentration of cyber criminals and internet fraudsters in the country.

Deputy-Director of the DSS in-charge of Security in Anambra state Mr.Yekini Ishola who was  a guest speaker at a two-day annual security
seminar organised by the Security Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe  University Awka tagged ” Developing Technological Strategy Towards
Crime Reduction In Tertiary Institution ” , made the disclosure while presenting a paper on cyber crimes and the way out .

He said cyber crimes are not committed by one person but a network of criminal activities perpetrated by syndicates using what he mentioned
as identity theft , hacking , stocking , malicious software and a host of  other dubious means to gain access into personal information and
account details of people .

The DSS official noted that due to dearth of hitech cyber security apparatus in the country , it could be rather difficult to fight cyber crimes to a standstill stressing that collective responsibility is required to track cyber fraudsters and their cronies .

Although the security expert mentioned that one of the subtle means to track down cyber criminals was what he described as sudden
transformation into affluence amongst people without legitimate and verifiable means of livelihood especially youngsters .

He also stated that through investigation and intelligence gathering, perpetrators of cyber crimes could be nailed .

The DSS official however called for concerted efforts to tackle cyber crimes in the country and also cautioned members of the public to
desist from disclosing personal information like Bank Verification Numbers , ATM PIN Numbers , Pass Words , phone numbers and a host of
other sensitive information to unknown persons as well as ascertain need to divulge such information , if need be .