CYBERCRIME:. JOURNALISTS TOLD TO BE MINDFUL OF WHAT THEY PUBLISH ONLINE.
CYBERCRIME:. JOURNALISTS TOLD TO BE MINDFUL OF WHAT THEY PUBLISH ONLINE.
By Ruth Sunday
The Acting Assistant Director, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, SP Abubakar Smart has urged journalists to be disciplined and mindful of their choice of words online.
SP Smart who spoke at a cybercrime workshop organised for journalists by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
enjoined journalist to ensure that whatever they push out online would not put them in trouble.
“What strikes the mind of people when we talk of cybercrime is internet fraud but it is more than that.
“Today, it has become a global threat due to the way we use the digital technology, the nature of our work and the way we interact online.
“Journalists need to be well-informed about the Cybercrime Act of 2015, as amended, and be more educated about cybercrime so as not to fall victim,” he said.
He described cybercrime as any criminal activities done on the cyber space in any social media platforms which include bullying, stalking, fraud, identity theft and phishing adding that the punishment for cybercrime can be up to 10 years imprisonment, or a fine of N10m and asset forfeiture.
“We should be aware of regulatory agencies responsible for ensuring the cyber space is free.
“Some are National Cybercrime Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” he said.
Speaking also, a Mass Communication LecturerDr Layinka Adagun at Lagos State Polytechnic,Dr Layinka Adagunurged journalists not to be desperate to be superstars.
He said that the zeal to confirm exclusive stories and the persistence to get information first, could make some bullied.
Adagun said that some media professionals had a misconception that their daily activities, particularly intellectual outputs were removed from internet governance.
“The internet has become a global tool for everything including a channel for freedom of expression but sadly, the freedom that the internet depicts is now being attacked and users intimidated.
“We all need to safeguard our access and activities on the electronic highway,” he said.
He said that cybercrime could be avoided, reduced or eliminated through a combination of individual awareness, organisational measures and technological solutions.
“Some strategies are: to educate ourselves on cybercrime, use strong passwords, be cautious with links and attachments, keep software up-to-date, and implement cyber security policies,” he said