According to a recent report released by Deloitte, the country faces an unprecedented rise in cyber attacks that affect all levels of society, with countless billions of naira being stolen.
Among a number of major incidents in recent months, one of the most concerning is a spate of breaches that have been traced back to a criminal hacking group that has been identified by the pseudonym "Silence", which has recently targeted the infrastructure of the Nigerian Central Bank, attempting to siphon out huge sums of cash.
The threat is also compounded by recent efforts by Nigerian authorities to move government bodies and encourage large businesses to adopt cloud computing networks, which Deloitte has said may increase the potential for successful cyberattacks to occur.
With this emerging threat in mind, let's take a look at some of the ways that Nigerians can protect themselves against cyber thieves in the future.
Small Business and Cybersecurity Best Practices
According to the Nigerian cybersecurity firm Sidmach Technologies, 43% of all cyberattacks in Nigeria are aimed at small businesses. This has been compounded by the increased uptake of mobile payment technologies and IT data storage by small businesses across the country.
However, there are many ways that small businesses can protect their cybersecurity. For one, they can introduce cybersecurity best practices to their employees, educating them on common tactics used by thieves to install malware or steal sensitive information.
Small businesses can make use of free antivirus software for all business devices, as well as VPNs such as PureVPN, which develop products specifically for Nigerian users. These small and affordable steps can prevent potentially ruinous cyberattacks on your small business.
How Consumers Can Protect Their Financial Information
It is equally important that consumers are able to protect themselves from cyberattacks when using the internet. The most effective way to do this is to shop safely, using reputable sites with proven cybersecurity credentials for all online activities.
As an example, let's look at an online casino site, which requires users to enter sensitive financial information, that offers services that are accessible to Nigerians. Mr Green casino, a global online casino site that offers slots, table games and live casino games, has players around the world that are constantly depositing and withdrawing large sums of cash.
To protect these users from cyber thieves, Mr Green utilizes ultra-secure payment gateways such as PaySafeCard and iDebit to protect all on-site transactions. What's more, they also utilize full encryption throughout their site, so that users can know that their private data is safe.
When doing any kind of online shopping, gaming, or other activities that involve digital transactions, it is essential that Nigerians opt for websites and platforms that offer security measures such as these.
Cybercrime might be on the rise, but that doesn't mean that you have to be a victim. By following these simple steps, Nigerian consumers and businesses can protect themselves against this growing threat.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Federal Govt Threatens To Deploy Military As Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Snubs Court
VIDEO: Davido's Wife, Chioma Spotted At Husband's Concert In US
PHOTOS: Woman Allegedly Abducts 5Yr Old Child In Akwa Ibom
EFCC To Arraign Yahaya Bello, Nephew Over N80.2billion Money Laundering Today