NITDA raises alarm over cybercrimes, begins sensitisation workshops

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has decried the riding number of incidences where Nigerians have lost money and data through vulnerabilities arising from lack of knowledge on how to manage their online presence and personal details.

To this end, the agency has begun sensitization events to equip citizens with foundational knowledge as well as share best practices on staying safe in cyberspace.

Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, director general/CEO, NITDA said that “The cybercriminals use social engineering, phishing mails, and probably specific to Nigeria, the use of text messages pretending to be sent from banks, requesting for PIN or revalidation of BVN numbers.

“To the unaware, such are the sources where vital information needed for making unauthorized withdrawals from victims’ bank accounts occur.“A more worrisome and recent trend is the SIM Swap cases, where the victim’s SIM card is swapped; an operation that makes the victim’s phone inaccessible while funds are transferred”.

The DG further stated that everyone that uses ICT devices is vulnerable; these workshops target executives of registered associations and groups, with the ultimate aim to reach their members.“We have also deployed effective conventional channels and social media in conveying the stay-safe message.

“The workshops use presentations and interactive demonstration of trending concepts like SMS, SIM swap, malware, phishing, social engineering and its manifestations, to disseminate the stay-safe tips.The first of the series of Workshops was held in Katsina, Katsina State for the North West Zone on Thursday 29th March, 2018, followed by that of Bayelsa State on the 19th April, 2018.

The event for the North East held at Gombe in Gombe State on the 16th July, 2018 wile another was held on October 23, at Lokoja, Kogi State, for the North Central Zone.