The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned Nigerians to refrain from fake websites claiming to offer lockdown funds.
NITDA has said that Nigerians using cyber space should disregard fake websites taking advantage of COVID-19 pandemic to defraud gullible citizens.
Speaking on this is Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head,Corporate Affairs and External Relations of the NITDA.
“In NITDA’s efforts at ensuring a safe and secure Nigerian cyberspace, the agency’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) identified a number of websites using various phishing tricks to attract internet users.
“One of such tricks is misinforming the public that Federal Government has approved the disbursement of funds under a fictitious vote called Lockdown Funds.
“This malicious site requires the user to complete an online form with their personal information including bank details for the payment to be effected,” she said.
Mrs Umar assured that NITDA was doing everything possible to inactivate the identified malicious websites and sanction the perpetrators. She warns the general public to disregard and report any such websites to the agency for necessary action.
“Also,in NITDA’s efforts to checkmate cyber security threats and possible data breach under Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), internet users are advised to avoid giving out their personal information to anyone online.
“It is advisable to avoid clicking unknown links, disregard offers requesting for their bank details and know what to do when they become victims of cybercrime,
“Adhere to guidelines by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant agencies involved in the management of the pandemic,” she said.
Geeky Nigeria reports that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, fake websites have been in circulation spreading fake news to social media, WhatsApp, being a hub. These websites offer no value other than to collect sensitive information from unsuspecting Nigerians.
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