TACKLING CYBERCRIME AND STRENGTHENING CYBER SECURITY LAWS IN NIGERIA

• Lack of Standards and National Central Control • Charles Emeruwa, a consultant to Nigeria Cyber Crime Working Group (NCCWG), said lack of regulation standards and computer security and protection act is hampering true e-business. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and foreign out sourcing are encouraging computer misuse and abuse. • Lack of National Functional Databases National database could serve as a means of tracking down the perpetrators of these heinous acts by checking into past individuals’ records and tracing their movements. Porous Nature of the Internet: The Internet is free for all with no central control. Hence, the state of anarchy presently experienced. Increased Dependency of Computer Systems: With vulnerability and dependence of computer system within global Internet. The rate of crime and damage of the new Internet technology as a result of criminal activities is significantly increasing. • Poor Regulation of the Internet • Cybercrime thrives on weak information protection due to poor regulation of the Internet. It is therefore imperative to give information about vulnerability of computer system due to the Internet use and necessity of effective protection means. • Complex Cyber Criminal Network The emerging trend of criminal organizations working together with criminally minded technology professionals to commit cybercrime as well as fund other activities. These cybercriminal networks are inherently complex bringing together individuals in real time from across the globe to commit crime on an unprecedented scale. 2.3 Legal Framework of the Nigerian Cybercrime Act • Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 Prior to 2015, Nigeria's legal framework was devoid of specific legislation tailored to combat cybercrimes, leaving a significant void in the country's ability to effectively address and prosecute online offenses. The existing legal framework, comprising the Criminal Code, Penal Code,