A dearth of experts in cybersecurity and technology is leaving Nigeria vulnerable to cybercrimes, warns the Department for State Security Service (DSS).

DSS says internet fraud is more prevalent in the south west, especially Lagos, Ogun and Oyo.

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is considered to have the highest concentration of cyber criminals and in the country.

Deputy-Director of the DSS in-charge of Security in Anambra state, Mr.Yekini Ishola, made the disclosure while presenting a paper on cyber crimes and the way out at a two-day annual security seminar organised by the Security Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, tagged “Developing Technological Strategy Towards Crime Reduction In Tertiary Institution.”

He said cyber crimes were not committed by an individual, but a network of criminal activities perpetrated by syndicates using what he referred to as identity theft, hacking, stocking, malicious software and other dubious means to gain access into personal information and account details.

“As a result of dearth of hitech cyber security apparatus in the country, it could be rather difficult to fight cyber crimes to a standstill. Collective responsibility is therefore required to track cyber fraudsters and their cronies,” he stressed.

Identifying investigation and intelligence gathering as ways perpetrators of cyber crimes could be nailed, the security expert however cautioned the public to desist from disclosing sensitive personal information like Bank Verification Numbers, ATM pin numbers, passwords and phone numbers to unknown persons.