HACKING AND CYBER SECURITY IN NIGERIA TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY: IMPLICATION FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

Abstract

Over the years, the alarming growth of the internet and its wide acceptance has led to increase in security threats. In Nigeria today, several internet assisted crimes known as cybercrimes are committed daily in various forms such as fraudulent electronic mails, pornography, identity theft, hacking, cyber harassment, spamming, Automated Teller Machine spoofing, piracy and phishing. Cybercrime is a threat against various institutions and people who are connected to the internet either through their computers or mobile technologies. The exponential increase of this crime in the society has become a strong issue that should not be overlooked. The impact of this kind of crime can be felt on the lives, economy and international reputation of a nation. Therefore, this paper focuses on the prominent cybercrimes carried out in the various sectors in Nigeria and presents a brief analysis of cybercrimes in the country. In conclusion, detection and prevention techniques are highlighted in order to combat hacking and cybercrimes in Nigeria. Cyber security is the guard of cyberspace and other associated technologies, from records and electronic data to the physical structures and security systems. Cyber security in Nigeria is a vital aspect of protecting/guarding the organizations and businesses in the country. It is imperative for every small, medium and large scale businesses organization in the country to strengthen their cyber security. Cyber security is of rising significance. The importance of cyber security is as a result of the increasing dependence on computer systems and the Internet, wireless networks like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and the development of "smart" devices, as part of the Internet of Things. In summary this paper, however, looks at the cyber security, its challenges in the country and it also made several recommendations on the way forward such as the need for the ethical hackers, education on the ethics of using the internet and enacting laws to guard against various types of cyber and internet-related crimes.