A two-day sensitization lecture for staff, civilian staff, and academy cadets was recently completed by the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).
The two-day lecture series, which took place at the Academy Auditorium in Afaka, was intended to educate staff members and cadets about the value of social media and how to use it, as well as about cybercrimes and the effects they have on individuals, companies, and the country as a whole.
Sqn Ldr JM Chiwar, who gave one of the lectures, noted that as technology has developed over time, the computer and social media in particular have not only become fixtures but have also significantly facilitated interactions with people and businesses in both social and official contexts. Sqn Ldr JM Chiwar pointed out, however, that social media does have its drawbacks because some dishonest people and occasionally corporate entities utilize it to engage in illegal actions like information and identity theft and even financial fraud. In order to protect their personal and professional information, staff and cadets must be empowered and knowledgeable.
Another speaker, Mr. Ikenna Divine Chukwu, a member of the DICT staff, pointed out that social media has made it simpler for us to connect with friends and family who live far away, even though it can also be used as a tool to sever friendships and family ties, especially if people are careless with sensitive information.
The DICT organized the 2-Day Sensitization Lecture, which was attended by officers, civilian staff, military personnel, and cadets from all departments of the Academy, excluding those engaged in essential duties, to keep staff and cadets informed of new and emerging trends in the cyber environment and to educate them on the various ways that social media is being used to defraud unwary members of the public.
The presenters exhorted the cadets to avoid the “get rich syndrome” and to be prepared to work hard for everything of value that they sought to acquire, whether personally or professionally, while addressing the cadets during the presentation. The cadets were also made aware of the risks associated with the type of content they post on social media handles and accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email, etc., as this information may be utilized for illegal activities, sometimes to the damage of innocent people.
After the lecture on both days, there were interactive sessions where staff and cadets could ask questions about gray areas and get responses from the presenters.
