Family Joy! Joy Forever!
Last time, we explored the following issues:
Meaning of Cyberbullying
How Do We Recognize the Signs of Cyberbullying?
The Impact and Effects it has on Our Children
What we can do to tackle Cyberbullying
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s as pressing as it is pervasive – 7 Latest cybercrime Trends in Nigeria. In this guide, we will reveal these criminals’ latest tactics to perpetrate their evil acts and prescribe how to stay safe.
As the Cyber Director of Family Joy International, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of cyber threats on families and communities. It’s a digital battleground out there, and we’re here to arm you with knowledge and strategies to protect what matters most – our families. Let’s go there!
1. Vishing:
For those who are not sure what “Vishing” is, it is a short form for “Voice Phishing. It is a type of phishing where cyber bandits use fraudulent phone calls to trick victims into providing sensitive information, like login credentials, credit card numbers, or bank details.
Their format is to call or text you pretending to be from your bank, government agency, or even a delivery company. They’ll try to pressure you into giving out personal information or clicking on suspicious links.
How to Protect Yourself and Family Against Vishing Syndicates:
Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Never be pressured to authenticate or send back OTP (One Time Password) to any body if you did not initiate the transaction. Verify phone numbers by calling the official contact information listed on the organization’s website. Remember, legitimate institutions will never ask for sensitive information via phone or text.
2. Smishing:
The term “smishing” is a combination of “SMS”—or “short message service,” the technology behind text messages—and “phishing.” Just like fishing, smishing is a social engineering attack that uses fake mobile text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals.
How to Protect Yourself and Family Against Smishing Syndicates:
Do not reply to unsolicited SMS you received on your phone. Enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature in your phone settings.
3. SIM Swap Rogues:
This sneaky tactic involves cybercriminals taking control of your phone number by tricking your service provider. Once they have your SIM, they can access verification codes and potentially steal your online accounts.
How to Protect Yourself and Family Against SIM Swap Rogues:
Never use a Pre-registered SIM Card, no matter the urgency. Be cautious about sharing personal information over the phone, especially if you receive a call claiming to be from your service providers, like MTN, AIRTEL, GLO, or 9MOBILE. Consider enabling two-factor authentication on your online accounts for added security.
4. Fake Giveaways:
We all love a good giveaway, but some online promotions, especially, Social Media, are too good to be true. Cybercriminals might create fake social media accounts or run scam giveaways to steal your personal details or even money. They will give you an easy task before earning the “giveaway”. My dear friends, the bait is in the “easy task”.
How to Protect Yourself and Family Against Fake Giveaways:
Double-check the legitimacy of accounts and promotions. Look for verified badges and check if the contest is advertised on the official company page. When in doubt, leave it out!
5. Ransomware: The Digital Kidnapping:
Welcome to the world of ransomware, I prefer to call it “digital kidnapping”, where cybercriminals hold your data hostage until you pay up. Ransomware is a type of malware that locks you out of your own system or file and demands payment for its return. Imagine this: You wake up one morning to find all your files locked behind a digital fortress and the only key lies in the hands of cyber extortionists.
How to Protect Yourself and Family Against Ransomware:
Protect yourself by regularly backing up your data, using reputable antivirus software, and exercising caution when opening email attachments or downloading files from unfamiliar sources.
6. Social Media Snare:
Our social media feeds may be brimming with cat videos and memes, but lurking in the shadows are cyber predators waiting to pounce. From fake profiles to social engineering tactics, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit our trust and steal our personal information.
How to Protect Yourself and Family Against Social Media Snare:
Keep your guard up by reviewing privacy settings, avoiding oversharing, and being cautious of friend requests from strangers. Remember, not everyone is who they claim to be in the digital world.
7. Mobile Phones & IoT Maladies:
With smartphones becoming our constant companions, it’s no surprise that they’ve become prime targets for cybercriminals. From malware-infected apps to SMS scams, mobile devices are under siege like never before. IoT (Internet of Things, such as smart TV, Printers, Wrist Watches, etc) devices are not left out. Cybercriminals are finding innovative ways to infiltrate our digital domains.
How to Protect Yourself and Family Against Mobile Phones & IoT Maladies:
Stay vigilant by only downloading apps from trusted sources, keeping your device’s software up to date, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments. Secure your smart devices with strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, and regularly update firmware to patch vulnerabilities.
Remember, Family Joy Fam, knowledge is power! By staying informed and talking openly with your family about cyber safety, you can create a strong defense against online threats. If you ever feel unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to Family Joy International. We have a wealth of resources and training programs to keep your family safe and empowered in the digital world.
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