How Nigerians can protect themselves from identity theft

In Nigeria, identity theft is a growing threat that affects individuals of all backgrounds, including businesses and government offices. Cybercriminals frequently steal victims’ personal information in order to commit identity theft, impersonate, and steal bank funds. The use of digital payment methods and online banking has increased Nigerians’ security concerns, yet most individuals are still unaware of how easily their personal data can end up in the wrong hands. To get personal information, cybercriminals employ a variety of strategies. Some attack databases, while others use phishing emails, phone calls, and cloned websites looking closely to the real website to fool people into disclosing private information. A cloned website usually looks like the original website but usually has a small change in the web address. Messages appearing to be from their banks have been sent to numerous people, advising them to verify their account information or risk being locked out. Others have been the targets of social media impersonation, in which scammers take over their accounts and send friends and followers a desperate need for money.

Identity theft can have a devastating effect on the victim. Victims experience financial loss, mental distress, to mention a few. A single compromised BVN or ATM card details can result in unlawful withdrawals or loans made in their name. The advent of online loan services has made it even easier for fraudsters to acquire funds using stolen identities, leaving unsuspecting victims to deal with the consequences. Despite these risks from identify theft, many Nigerians fail to protect their identities. Simple habits such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links might prevent the majority of identity theft. People continue to use weak passwords, publicly reveal personal information on social media and fall victim to fraudulent activities.

Phishing attacks are one of the most popular ways that cybercriminals use to steal identities. Fraudsters send emails or SMS messages that appear to be from legitimate companies, requesting login passwords or banking information. These notifications frequently imply a sense of urgency, informing the receiver that their account will be blocked unless they take immediate action. Many innocent Nigerians fall victim to this scam, unintentionally providing these malicious actors with their personal information.

Social media has also become a means for identity theft. Many people provide too much personal information online, making it easier for malicious actors to guess security questions and impersonate them in the process. Criminals hack into accounts and use them to solicit funds from unsuspecting friends and relatives. This article aimed is to educate Nigerians about the growing threats of identity theft and how to protect themselves. Protecting personal information is no longer optional; it is required. Nigerians must take identity protection seriously and avoid revealing confidential information such as NIN, BVN, ATM PINs, ATM Card Details, Date of Birth, full name and account numbers just to mention a few. No legitimate institution will ever require these details via phone, SMS, or email. When required to enter this information on websites, ensure to double check that you are not on a cloned website. When in doubt, always check with official sources to avoid falling prey to scam.

Strong and unique passwords usually about 12 or more characters combining letters, numbers, and special characters are ideal. Using the same password for several accounts makes them more vulnerable since it makes it easier to access the others if one is compromised. By enabling a second verification step before logging in, known as two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication, accounts have an additional layer of security. Since many identity theft cases go undetected until victims find huge withdrawals or outstanding loans in their names, it is essential to regularly monitor bank statements in order to identify unauthorized transactions early. Monitoring financial activity closely enables the reporting and blocking of suspicious transactions before they become more significant. In addition, Nigerians should also refrain from utilizing public Wi-Fi to access crucial accounts or banking since hackers can intercept unprotected connections and steal login information.

If you feel your identity has been compromised, take urgent action. Notify your bank to freeze affected accounts, reset any compromised passwords, and report the incident to the law enforcement. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operate helplines for reporting fraud related complaints. Cybercriminals are getting smarter, but Nigerians can keep up by becoming more knowledgeable as well. As Nigeria’s digital economy grows, everyone must be more aware. The responsibility for online safety does not rest only with banks or the government; it begins with you and I making informed decisions regarding the security of our personal information.

.Adesola, CC, Security+ Cybersecurity Analyst

Email: [email protected]