subject: Internet Security Experts Help Recover Money From Cyber Criminals [print this page] Nigeria is considered as one of the major hubs of cybercrime. Cybercriminals in Nigeria have been notorious for luring people across the world into fraudulent scams through spam mails, money-laundering e-mails, and cleverly crafted but fake business partnership offers. The infamous 419 scam is considered to have originated in Nigeria. Recently, internet security experts at The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria revealed that they have recovered over 110 million (U.S $172.33 million, Nigerian R1.5 billion) from cybercriminals during the last three years.
Usually, Computer hacking forensics investigators use computer forensics to trace the crime trail. In this case, experts of EFCC intercepted 12,000 scam e-mails. Officials at EFCC reported that over the last few months, they were able to successfully block over 3,870 scam e-mails originating from cybercriminals in Nigeria and outside the country. Since, its inception EFCC has been actively collaborating with International counter-crime agencies to control the menace of cybercrime originating from Nigeria. The conviction of over 300 people accused of indulging in cybercrime is a testimony to the commissions efforts.
Over the recent years, cybercrime has evolved as an organized activity. Cybercriminals have successfully leveraged technology to launch sophisticated attacks to inject malicious software, gain remote access and steal confidential information. Cybercrime poses threat to the privacy and financial security of Internet users. Government and business organizations are forced to spend considerable resources towards internet security, while the same funds could have been used for productive purposes.
To champion its cause, EFFCC recently hosted a West Africa Cyber Crime Summit in association with International agencies and corporations including the International Police Organization (INTERPOL) and Microsoft. Active perusal of cybercrime in Nigeria, has forced cybercriminals to relocate to other countries in West Africa. Drugs and cybercrime are one of the major factors responsible for the lack of development in West African countries.
The menace of cybercrime requires to be dealt deftly through collaboration among different international agencies. Cybercriminals also take advantage of lack of homogenous laws in different countries to escape punishment. Continued efforts by EFFCC to control cybercrime may improve Nigerias image among the international community in the years to come.
