Cyber Security Bill

Stakeholders in Information and Communication sector recently reiterated their commitment to the passage of the anti-cyber crime bill into law.

The bill was stepped down by the National Assembly because they opined that there is a rival bill from the EFCC. But the events gradually emanating from the sector needs urgent attention from the authorities. It is an established fact that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure is the bedrock of modern economies. ICT has permeated every aspect of life hence it must be given necessary attention to confront emerging threats in the sector. Lately, ICT fraud is on the increase with perpetrators devising more dynamic and ingenuous ways of operation. The egression of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards and Internet Banking

Facilities has become breeding ground for these evil. It is disheartening to know that cyber criminals are not limited to individuals alone but governments of some countries and multinational firms are also included. They either inflict intelligent damage on their competitors or gather secret intelligence reports on entities of their interest, which could be used to assert injury later on. Increase in business complexities and multinational transactions are not helping matters as they help to open flood gates of opportunities for cyber criminal to perpetrate their evils. The consequences of cyber crime are enormous and pose threat on the survival of corporate entities and some individuals. Therefore, there is a need promulgate and pass into law a legislation that is in line with international best practices to deal effectively with cyber crime.

The step-down legislature is intended to deal with the issue of security among other threats. It is further believed that the anti-crime bill when passed into law and properly implemented will enhance economic development of the country with a safe working environment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ms. Bolanle Opadokun Ms. Opadokun is an Associate at Blackfriars LLP.

Source: https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/nigerian-maritime-industry-foreign-participation-in-cabotage-trade-21403