In light of the escalating cyber threats in the nation, Prof. John Kolo Alhassan, a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the Federal University of Technology, FUT Minna, has urged the Federal Government to establish a National Cybercrime Control Centre (NCCC) with branch centers in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
During the delivery of the 111th inaugural lecture at FUT Minna’s Gidan-Kwano campus along the Minna-Bida road, Prof. Alhassan emphasized the necessity of this center to keep up with the rapid advancements in internet technology and emerging cyber warfare strategies.
He proposed the establishment of a Dark Web Monitoring Research Centre to stay abreast of internet technology advancements and evolving cyber warfare tactics.
Prof. Alhassan stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to combat cybercrime, including vigilant network monitoring, detection of unauthorized activities, and prompt responses to threats.
Addressing issues like identity theft, fraudulent bank applications, and deceptive alerts that often originate from the “Dark Web,” Prof. Alhassan underscored the need for proactive cybersecurity measures such as effective password management, two-factor authentication, regular vulnerability assessments, and continuous staff training.
He urged governmental bodies, private enterprises, and individuals to adopt proactive approaches and enhance cybersecurity to counter the escalating cyber threats effectively.
Prof. Alhassan also called for extensive awareness campaigns through both traditional and social media platforms, coupled with the acquisition of advanced cybersecurity surveillance tools to enhance public safety.
Encouraging internet users to stay informed about new cyber attack methodologies and establish disaster recovery plans for security breaches, he underscored the importance of being prepared for potential cyber threats.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta commended Prof. Alhassan for his insightful lecture and acknowledged the active involvement of the audience.