In a significant move to fortify efforts against the escalating threats of cybercrime and data breaches in Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has teamed up with the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCC). The collaboration was marked by an awareness walk held in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, themed “Secure Our World.”
The walk, which saw the participation of senior officials, cybersecurity experts, and law enforcement personnel, was part of a broader initiative to engage the public on the critical issue of cybersecurity. The event highlighted the increasing vulnerability of individuals and organizations to cyber threats, from identity theft and hacking to ransomware attacks and data breaches, calling for collective action to mitigate these risks.
In a speech at the event, the NDPC’s leadership emphasized the importance of the partnership with the NPF-NCC, noting that tackling cybercrime requires a united front that includes regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and the private sector. “Cybersecurity is not just a government issue—it affects all sectors of society. With the rise in digital transactions and the expansion of the internet, the need for a secure cyber environment is more pressing than ever. Our collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ personal data and digital infrastructure,” a senior NDPC official said.
Representatives from the National Cybercrime Center echoed these sentiments, stating that the collaboration between the NDPC and the police force would not only enhance the country’s ability to respond to cybercrime but also serve as a preventive measure. “Awareness is the first step in prevention. By educating the public, businesses, and even government agencies about the best practices in cybersecurity, we can reduce vulnerabilities and better protect our critical infrastructure,” said a spokesperson for the NPF-NCC.
The walk was accompanied by a series of activities, including cybersecurity demonstrations, workshops, and public engagements aimed at enlightening individuals on how to safeguard personal information online, secure devices, and recognize potential cyber threats. Participants carried banners with messages advocating for stronger passwords, regular updates of software, and the importance of two-factor authentication.
The theme for this year’s Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, “Secure Our World,” reflects the global push to improve online security as cybercrime rates continue to rise. With Nigeria’s growing reliance on digital services, both for personal and commercial purposes, the country has increasingly become a target for cybercriminals. According to recent data, cyberattacks in Nigeria have cost the economy billions of Naira, with small businesses, large corporations, and even government institutions falling victim to sophisticated cyber schemes.
This awareness walk is just one of many events planned throughout the month, as the NDPC and NPF-NCC aim to ramp up public engagement and collaboration with stakeholders in the fight against cybercrime. The two organizations will be hosting additional workshops, training sessions, and forums aimed at improving the cybersecurity capabilities of businesses and raising awareness about the latest threats and solutions.
The NDPC also reiterated its commitment to enforcing data protection laws and ensuring that organizations in Nigeria comply with global best practices in handling personal information. They encouraged citizens to remain vigilant, adopt secure online behaviors, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
By fostering stronger collaboration between regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and the private sector, the NDPC and the Nigeria Police Force hope to create a safer digital ecosystem for all Nigerians.
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