Students at the University of Lagos in Akoka have received data protection education from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission.

On Saturday, H’QUBE Consulting Limited organized a cybersecurity awareness workshop in which the two anti-graft agencies interacted with the students.

Aware of the growing financial losses due to cyberattacks, stakeholders and participants attended the workshop at NITHUB, UNILAG, with the theme “Impact of Cybersecurity Awareness in Combating Cybercrimes.”

Michael Wetkas, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Commander, cautioned the students not to jeopardize the security of their information, especially their Bank Verification Number and National Identity Number, and he urged them to be on the lookout for scammers’ strategies.

Wetkas said, “All they (cyber fraudsters) need now is a laptop, network and knowledge. Crimes have no border. Unlike before, you have to be there physically to perpetrate it. The EFCC is watching. If you see something, say something, then we will do something to arrest the criminals.”

Reiterating the significance of data protection, Ezike Onyema, the State Zonal Head of the ICPC, advised participants to use caution when using social media. “We need to be safe,” he stated. Guard your BVN. Keep your BVN secure; don’t expose it.

Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the EFCC, urged young people to avoid cybercrime and other types of criminal activity earlier in April.

Speaking during a program called “Youth Empowerment Against Cybercrime” hosted by Cybersecurity Education Initiatives, a nonprofit organization devoted to preventing cybercrime, the EFCC chairman made this request in Benin, Edo State.

He said, “Don’t be tempted or lured by the ostentatious lifestyle of other youths because the Commission will continue to arrest and prosecute anyone that is involved.”