Lagos: An entrepreneur, Mrs. Oreofe Aina, experienced a scare early on a Saturday morning when she was unable to log into her account with a Fintech company. Despite multiple attempts using various methods, her efforts were in vain, prompting her to contact the financial company via email. Her access was eventually restored, but the incident highlighted her fear of cyber threats, especially after recent reports of a Fintech company being hacked by fraudsters.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the account of the Fintech company was compromised and cloned, leading to the exploitation of Non-Fungible Token (NFT) owners and entrepreneurs. Many Nigerians have faced similar experiences, feeling anxious due to the activities of cybercriminals and the perceived lack of robust cybersecurity measures.
Cybersecurity and data expert Mr. Oluwaleke Oni emphasized the importance of enhancing cybersecurity policies in Nigeria. He suggested that by updating legislation, investing in technology, launching public awareness campaigns, and forming partnerships, Nigeria could build a strong cybersecurity ecosystem. This, he argued, would require transparency, swift incident response, and assurance of data safety for individuals and organizations.
Mr. Oni also highlighted the necessity of promoting digital responsibility and personal accountability. He advocated for public education on securing personal devices, using strong passwords, and avoiding unsafe websites. Collaborating with mobile network providers to improve SIM card and internet service security was also recommended.
Additionally, Mr. Ahmed Olanrewaju, Principal Systems Analyst at the University of Ibadan, pointed out that user education is crucial for both individuals and organizations. He warned that employees leaving organizations with access to sensitive information could pose a risk if proper exit protocols are not in place. Olanrewaju stressed the importance of following standard procedures and best practices to prevent potential system compromises.
Olanrewaju called for regular audits by organizations to monitor access and the frequent updating of protocols, particularly passwords for sensitive data. He emphasized that education is vital in reducing hacker activities and securing digital financial services, digital data management, and other digital public infrastructures.
Both experts agree that user education is a significant factor in cybersecurity. They noted the alarming number of individuals keen to learn how to protect themselves online, underscoring the need for legislative action to promote user education in Nigeria.