The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged Nigerians to strengthen their online security practices to guard against emerging cyber threats, including artificial intelligence-powered scams, deepfake impersonation and fraudulent QR-code attacks.
The agency made the call as Nigeria marks National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October under the theme, “Together for a Safer Cyberspace.”
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The campaign, led by NITDA and its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team, CERRT.NG, seeks to promote cybersecurity as a shared responsibility among individuals, businesses and institutions.
NITDA noted that the growing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals had increased the risks of deepfake impersonation and voice cloning, which can be used to deceive individuals and facilitate fraud.
The agency also warned against fraudulent QR-code attacks, commonly known as quishing, which can redirect unsuspecting users to malicious websites designed to steal personal or financial information.
To minimise these risks, NITDA advised Nigerians to adopt basic cyber hygiene practices, including using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication and regularly updating their devices and applications.
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It also urged the public never to disclose personal identification numbers (PINs) or one-time passwords (OTPs), while remaining vigilant against voice phishing, known as vishing, and SMS-based phishing, referred to as smishing.
Other recommended measures include securing home Wi-Fi networks, backing up important data and avoiding excessive sharing of personal information on social media and other online platforms.
As part of the awareness campaign, NITDA organised a roadshow in Abuja, where officials distributed flyers outlining nine essential cyber hygiene tips and engaged members of the public on practical ways to protect themselves online.
The outreach was designed to improve public understanding of everyday cybersecurity risks and encourage Nigerians to take proactive steps to safeguard their digital identities, devices and personal information.
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NITDA emphasised that building a safer digital environment requires collective vigilance and responsible online behaviour, rather than relying solely on cybersecurity professionals.
Members of the public can follow @NITDANigeria for updates or report cybersecurity incidents to CERRT.NG through its website, www.cerrt.ng, email address, cerrt@nitda.gov.ng, or telephone number 081-787-74580.