AI Scams in Nigeria: Practical Ways to Protect Yourself Online

AI cybercrimes have become rampant in Nigeria, with phishing, business email compromise and deepfake impersonation being on the rise.

Although these crimes often involve large organizations and public figures, everyday internet users can also fall for well-executed scams.

This article will highlight some practical ways to avoid being swindled by AI crimes.

Firstly, it is essential to configure multi-factor authentication on all your professional and personal emails, banking services, social media accounts, and cloud storage.

Do not open suspicious links and reply to emails or messages that ask you to take any urgent action.

Although they might seem to be sent by a trusted individual, contacts can be hacked.

Therefore, it is good to confirm any request for money or sensitive information by contacting the sender through another reliable channel, even if it is a phone call.

You should never share OTP, BVN, or any other crucial details with anyone.

Also, keep your devices and applications updated.

Whenever possible, use reliable endpoint security solutions.

Remember that many crimes occur because people fail to update their devices, and the vulnerabilities that exist in outdated software can be easily exploited.

Whenever you get a call or video message from a public figure or a family member asking you to send them money, always confirm the request through another channel.

The first thing to do is never trust the authenticity of any video or audio evidence presented by the scammer, especially if it was sent via text or social media.

In case you suspect a scam, it is essential to report it through the ngCERT portal and forward any available evidence, including a screenshot of the conversation, without taking any further action.

For organizations, the same security principles apply but at a larger scale.

Organizations should employ a least-privilege model and invest in quality infrastructure that helps detect any anomalous activity.

Moreover, employees should get regular training that prepares them for various cybercrime scenarios.

It is good to remind employees that any request for sensitive information, financial support, or a call from a manager or executive official should be verified through alternative means.

Individuals also need to adjust their privacy settings on social media networks.

Doing so will help you remain incognito on the sites, making it difficult for would-be scammers to target you.

It is always advisable to delete, block, and report any suspicious contact or message.

Never pay any ransom to extortionists because it only encourages them to target you further. On the contrary, blocking and reporting their calls and messages to your social media accounts will discourage would-be scammers.

The practical ways discussed in this article can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling for most AI-assisted cybercrimes.

It is essential to implement them in your daily life, particularly when dealing with financial transactions.

Remember, any communication that seems urgent or requires you to take an action you have not anticipated is a scam.

Therefore, always confirm any request for your sensitive information or financial support before giving a response.