In a time of growing digital threats, ensuring the security of your devices is more crucial than ever.
According to a recent report by Kaspersky, Nigeria experienced the second-highest number of cyberattacks in Africa.
Secure Your Devices Against Cyberattacks
Globally positioned at 50th for online threats, Nigeria followed closely behind Kenya, which ranked 35th globally, with South Africa completing the top three at 82nd globally.
The data from the Kaspersky Security Network highlighted the increasing significance of these countries as central points for cyber threats.
Experts emphasize that criminal attacks primarily sought financial gains, showcasing the evolving tactics and tools employed by cyber threat actors to breach security measures.
With technological advancements, cybercriminals adapt, utilizing malicious software and sophisticated phishing schemes.
Guarding Against Cyber Threats: Insights from Cybersecurity Expert Faidat Abdullahi of Covenda AI
Cybersecurity Expert Faidat Abdullahi from Covenda AI explains that identity theft is another significant method cybercriminals use to exploit individuals. They steal personal information to impersonate people, access their accounts, or engage in fraudulent activities by assuming a completely false identity.
She mentioned, “They could also launch malware attacks directly on systems by employing malicious software to infiltrate systems, gain unauthorized access, steal data, or disrupt operations.
Given these evolving threats, it’s crucial for users to take proactive measures to safeguard their devices and personal information from ending up in the wrong hands.
Keeping your device’s software updated regularly is a straightforward yet potent defense against cyberattacks. Updates from operating systems and applications are released to patch vulnerabilities and improve security.
Failure to apply these updates can leave your device susceptible to potential threats. Whenever possible, enable automatic updates to ensure your defenses are consistently up to date.
An illustration of this commitment to customer protection is Apple’s recent release of a security update.
Apple adheres to a policy of refraining from disclosing, discussing, or confirming security issues until investigations are complete and patches or releases are generally available. This underscores their commitment to promptly addressing and resolving potential threats.
Use Strong Password Practices
Passwords serve as the initial defense against unauthorized access. Make sure your passwords are robust by using a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Refrain from using easily predictable information like birthdays or names, and think about adding an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication.
We must focus on vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Stay alert to cyber threats, avoiding susceptibility to scams and phishing.
Abdullahi highlighted the risk of weak passwords or insecure password management, stating that such practices make it easier for fraudsters to compromise accounts. Kaspersky reported a worrying 147% increase in Trojan-PSW detections in Nigeria during Q1 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.
