diary of hackers
about this project
Diary of Hackers, a collaborative initiative with TAG International, focuses on addressing the socio-economic factors that lead individuals in Nigeria to turn to cybercrime. In the face of limited access to education and employment opportunities, coupled with societal glamorisation and family pressures, the project aims to provide an alternative pathway for vulnerable young people.
HOW IT WORKS
In Nigeria, many of those who turn to cybercrime do so because they have limited access to education and work opportunity, and can often secure only low-paying, temporary jobs in the informal economy. Alongside this lack of life chances, cybercrime is glamourised by 'celebrities' such as the infamouse cybercriminal Hushpuppy, who despite imprisonment, has become a hero figure to many disenfranchised and disadvantaged young people. Family and peer pressure also play roles in pushing individuals towards this path, with many parents believing it is the only way for their children to escape from poverty.
TAG International has been on the ground in Nigeria for the last few years, delivering initiatives designed to address the push and pull factors that make young people vulnerable to involvement with cybercrime. One such initiative was called “Capture The Flag for Brighter Futures" delivered by our partners Diary of Hackers. The project engaged 110 people, aged 15 to 30 from Ikorodu and Ajeromi-Ifelodun in Lagos State, who were assessed as particularly vulnerable to the allure of cybercrime. By equipping them with new and saleable cyber skills, these young people are now better prepared for to secure online work in Nigeria’s thriving digital economy.
Our approach was recently validated by a recent INTERPOL report, which highlighted the essential contribution that equipping young, tech-savvy people with the skills they need to work in the licit cyber environment can make to addressing the intensifying challenge of cybercrime. Through Capture the Flag for Brighter Futures and a range of other innovative initiatives, TAG and its partners are committed to securing the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable citizens and communities across Nigeria.
BENEFITS OF diary of hackers PROJECT
Skill Development
Diary of Hackers equips participants with valuable cyber skills, enhancing their employability and providing them with tools for success in Nigeria's digital economy.
Youth Empowerment
By engaging young individuals aged 15 to 30, the project empowers vulnerable youth, offering them a pathway towards a more positive and constructive future.
Crime Prevention
The initiative serves as a proactive measure to prevent involvement in cybercrime, diverting participants from potential criminal activities and contributing to community safety.
Validation and Recognition
Recognition by INTERPOL validates the efficacy of Diary of Hackers, highlighting its essential contribution to addressing the complex challenges posed by cybercrime in Nigeria.
Community Impact
The project extends its benefits beyond individual participants, making a positive impact on communities in Ikorodu and Ajeromi-Ifelodun, fostering a safer and more resilient society.
Market Relevance
The cyber skills imparted are designed to be marketable, ensuring that participants are better prepared for online work in Nigeria's digital landscape.
