NITDA Unveils National Campaign and Reporting Portal to Tackle Rising Wave of Phishing Scams.
In a significant move to safeguard Nigerians from the increasing threat of online fraud, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has today launched a major national cybersecurity awareness campaign titled "Secure Naija." This initiative, in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), features a new, dedicated web portal for the public to easily report incidents of phishing, identity theft, and other digital financial scams.
The campaign is a direct response to a surge in sophisticated cybercrimes targeting Nigerians. According to NITDA, there has been a notable increase in financial losses attributed to phishing attacks, where fraudsters use deceptive emails, text messages, and websites to steal sensitive personal and banking information. The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized that as Nigeria's digital economy expands, it is crucial to empower citizens with the skills to recognize and thwart these online threats.
The "Secure Naija" campaign will roll out across multiple platforms, including social media and SMS alerts, with short, educational videos and graphics on how to identify fraudulent links, create strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication. The centerpiece of the initiative is the new reporting portal, which will allow citizens to quickly submit suspicious links and messages. This data will be analyzed by a response team that will work with internet service providers to take down malicious websites.
Ultimately, the goal of "Secure Naija" is to build a more security-conscious culture among Nigerian internet users. The NITDA DG urged all citizens to be vigilant and act as the first line of defense against cybercriminals. "Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility," he stated. "We are providing the knowledge and the tools, but we need every Nigerian to be alert and to use these resources to protect themselves and our nation's digital space."
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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