The alarming rise of cybercrime has prompted urgent calls for collective action to secure cyberspace globally. Recent discussions led by Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighted the critical threats posed by cybercriminal activity, which can disrupt essential infrastructure and compromise sensitive information.
At a Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign organized by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, Egbetokun emphasized that cyber threats pose significant dangers to national security, affecting individuals, businesses, and government institutions alike. He stated, “Cybercriminals operate across borders, exploiting system vulnerabilities.”
CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, Director of the NPF-NCCC, reinforced the idea that combating cybercrime is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders, including government, law enforcement, and the private sector. He noted that the center aims to build a robust framework for cybercrime investigation and digital forensics, collaborating with various agencies to enhance national cyber resilience.
In a related context, Jorge Miranda, senior country manager for Fortinet Mexico, revealed that cybercriminals can earn up to a million dollars through data ransom schemes, asserting that cyberattacks could lead to significant losses for companies, including market value drops and potential closures. He reported that Mexico experienced a staggering 31 billion cyberattack attempts in the first half of 2024, accounting for 55% of all threats in Latin America.
Both events underline the urgent need for a global response to the escalating cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing, capacity building, and strengthening legal frameworks to protect digital assets and ensure a secure online environment for all.