CYBER LAW AND THE ROLE OF CYBER LAWYER IN NIGERIA
Cyber Law generally termed to as “Law of the Internet” or “IT Law.” It’s a legal aspect that oversees issues relating to the Internet, computing, cyberspace, and other related matters. As the web of internet and technology become more woven into our lives, so are the complexities of information and our vulnerability to hacking, ransom, and other crimes.
Cyber law acts as a protection over cyberspace, preventing cybercrime from happening. Cyber law serves as one of the emerging aspect of the Nigerian Legal System. This is as a result to the rapid advancement of internet technology. People who engage the internet have legal safeguards under cyber law. This covers both business and common citizens. Anyone who uses the internet should be familiar with cyber laws and should know that there is a law that regulates their internet usage. The government is constantly devoted to developing and enforcing regulations to combat illicit online activities.
SCOPE OF CYBER LAW
CYBERCRIME
Cyber crime concerns offences involving cyberspace, computers and other electronic information storage devices, such as data interference, illegal interception, illegal access and the misuse of devices. In Nigeria, the “Cyber crimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015” has a significant impact on cyber law in Nigeria. This Act creates a comprehensive legal, regulatory, and institutional framework in Nigeria to prohibit, prevent, detect, prosecute, and punish cyber crime. The Act also encourages cyber security and protection of computer systems and networks, electronic communications, data and computer programs, intellectual property, and privacy rights, as well as the protection of important national information infrastructure.
CYBER SECURITY
Cyber security law is defined as the law that prevents criminal activities related to cyberspace or the cyber world. With this, cyber security helps to shield businesses, government and people that might be susceptible to cyber crime. Cyber security seeks to address weaknesses in computers and networks. The International Cyber security Standard is known as ISO 2700. The intent of this law is to improve transmission of data over the internet while keeping it safe.
THE ROLE OF CYBER LAWYER
As field of cyber security law evolves, so the requirements will change as new cyber threats emerge. But the bottom line of being an excellent cyber security lawyer is understanding and interpreting laws and statutes well.
Cyber security lawyer, to be successful, must have the following:
A full understanding of how government works
Thorough knowledge of litigation
Understanding of the client’s internal practices
The role of a cyber-lawyer is to help clients resolve the issue or navigate related cyber law litigation. Another crucial role of cyber lawyers is to assist clients to develop best practices for conducting business and personal affairs. For example, a cyber-lawyer representing a hospital may assist them in implementing measures to comply with privacy rules while still protecting personal information. Cyber lawyers also assist organizations in maintaining client confidentiality in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
Cyber lawyers practice in a broad range of areas and expertise. They both work in private practice and for the federal government. A cyber security lawyer must also be duly engaged in the drafting and evaluation of contracts that involve data sharing and information transfer on the internet. The lawyer should include approved and established cyber security and technology-related clauses that benefit all parties involved.
NB: This article is not a legal advice, and under no circumstance should you take it as such. All information provided are for general purpose only. For information, please contact chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
WRITTEN BY: CHAMAN LAW FIRM TEAM
E-MAIL: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
Tel: 08065553671, 08024230080