Cybersecurity Tips for Nigerians: Protect Your Data, Accounts & Devices in 2026
Welcome to Daily Reality NG, where we break down real-life issues with honesty and clarity. Today, I'm sharing cybersecurity lessons I learned the hard way—so you don't have to.
I'm Samson Ese, founder of Daily Reality NG. I've been blogging and building online businesses in Nigeria since 2016, helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa. I've seen every scam, survived multiple hacking attempts, and learned cybersecurity through real Nigerian street experience.
August 2024. Around 3am for Ikeja. My phone wey dey beside me on the bed just light up. I no fit sleep that night because I been dey think about one business idea. So I just check the notification.
"Your GTBank account has been debited ₦47,500."
My heart stop. That money was for my rent. I jump up, hands shaking, trying to call GTBank customer care. The automated voice come dey tell me "all our lines are busy." At 3am? Bros, I nearly craze that night.
That's when I realized something: all the tech articles I been dey read about "firewalls" and "VPNs" no prepare me for Nigerian-style hacking. These guys no dey use fancy software. They use psychology. They use our own carelessness against us.
And the thing pain me pass? I'm supposed to be tech-savvy. I run websites. I know how internet work. But one small mistake—just one—cost me almost ₦50,000.
Table of Contents
- The Real Cybersecurity Threats Nigerians Face Daily
- Lock Down Your Phone Like Your Life Depends On It
- The Password Game That Saved My Accounts
- Banking Apps: Where Most Nigerians Lose Money
- WhatsApp & Telegram Security Nobody Talks About
- Public WiFi in Lagos: Why I Stopped Using It
- Social Media Mistakes That Expose You
- Nigerian Scam Tactics I've Seen First-Hand
- What to Do If You've Been Hacked
- Advanced Protection for Serious Users
The Real Cybersecurity Threats Nigerians Face Daily
Look, forget all those Hollywood movies where hackers dey type code for dark room. The people wey go steal your money for Nigeria? They're sitting in a beer parlor for Surulere, using a cheap Tecno phone, and their only "hacking tool" na social engineering.
Let me break down the actual threats we face here, not the ones wey CNN dey talk about.
Example 1: The "Bank Alert" Scam
My friend Chinedu for Port Harcourt nearly lost ₦180,000 this way. Someone sent him a fake bank alert. The message look exactly like GTBank format. Same font, same structure, everything. But when he check his app, the money never enter. By that time, he don already release the goods to the guy.
The Lesson: Never trust SMS alerts alone. Always confirm inside your banking app before you release anything.
Common Threats Currently Hitting Nigerians:
SIM Swap Fraud — This one choke me. Scammers go to MTN, GLO, or Airtel office with fake ID, claim say them lose their SIM, and get a replacement. Once they get your number on their new SIM, all your OTPs (One-Time Passwords) go dey enter their phone. Your bank accounts? Finished.
Ifeanyi from Enugu lost ₦420,000 this way last December. The guy just wake up one morning, see say him line no dey work. Before he fit go complain, scammers don clean him three bank accounts.
Fake Job/Investment Links — "Make ₦50,000 daily working from home!" You see this kind advert for Facebook, you click the link, download an app, and boom—malware don enter your phone. They fit see everything: your passwords, your messages, your banking app activities.
WhatsApp Account Hijacking — This one sweet them die. They go send you message say "I mistakenly sent you a code, please send it back." That code na your WhatsApp verification code. The moment you send am, your account don go.
According to Vanguard Newspapers Nigeria, cybercrime-related losses in Nigeria reached over ₦5 billion in 2024 alone. And that's just the reported cases.
"Your biggest security threat isn't some hacker in Russia. It's the person sitting next to you in that Lagos danfo who saw your password while you were typing."
— Samson Ese, Daily Reality NG
Lock Down Your Phone Like Your Life Depends On It (Because E Actually Depend)
Your phone na your bank. Your office. Your photo album. Your entire existence dey that small device. So why you go just dey use "1234" as your PIN?
Real talk: I go sound like your mama now, but e go pain me if you lose money because of simple carelessness.
Step 1: Change That Weak PIN Right Now
Don't use:
❌ 0000, 1234, 1111 (this one na free money for thieves)
❌ Your birthday or your girlfriend birthday
❌ Repeated numbers like 2222
❌ Simple patterns like 2580 (middle line on keypad)
Use instead:
✅ Six-digit PIN (not four)
✅ Random numbers with no personal meaning
✅ Fingerprint + PIN combination
✅ Different PINs for phone unlock and banking apps
Enable Biometric Security (But Know the Risks)
Fingerprint and face unlock dey sweet, I know. But here's wetin them no tell you: if police or anybody force your hand to the sensor, or point the phone at your face, e don open. PIN? You fit claim say you forget am.
My advice? Use both. Fingerprint for quick access, but make sure say important apps like banking still require PIN.
Example 2: The Phone Repair Shop Disaster
Ngozi from Abuja carry her phone go repair shop for Wuse Market. The guy say he need 30 minutes. When she come back collect the phone, everything look normal. Two days later, ₦95,000 comot from her Opay account.
Wetin happen? The repair guy don install app wey dey monitor her screen. He see her banking PIN when she type am.
Solution: Never leave your phone with anyone. If you must, remove the SIM card and completely sign out of ALL banking and financial apps first. Better yet, use only trusted, verified repair centers.
App Permissions: Stop Giving Random Apps Access to Everything
Why flashlight app need access to your contacts? Why game app wan see your SMS? Abeg, wake up.
Go to your phone settings right now. Check app permissions. You go shock the kind access wey you don give apps wey you no even remember installing.
Android Users: Settings → Apps → Permissions → Review each app
iPhone Users: Settings → Privacy → Review each category
Remove permissions for apps that don't need them. That "Free VPN" wey you download? E fit dey steal your data pass the thing wey you dey try hide.
"Security isn't about being paranoid. It's about being realistic. In Nigeria, your phone password is more valuable than your house key—because your phone holds access to your entire financial life."
— Samson Ese, Daily Reality NG
The Password Game That Saved My Accounts
You know wetin pain me? I see people wey dey use the same password for Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and their bank app. Bros, you dey help hackers do their job.
After that ₦47,500 wey I lose, I sit down, vex for myself, and completely restructure my password system. Let me show you wetin work for me.
Example 3: The Email-Password Leak
Ibrahim from Kano been dey use the same password—"Ibrahim2023"—for everything. One day, one random forum website wey him register for in 2019 got hacked. The hackers get list of emails and passwords.
They try the same password on his Gmail. E work. They try am on his Facebook. E work. They try am on his Kuda Bank app. E work.
In less than 2 hours, they don transfer ₦310,000 from all his accounts, post rubbish for him Facebook, and lock him out of his own email.
The guy just dey cry. No access to anything. All because of one password.
My Password System (Copy This)
Level 1: Throwaway Accounts
For random websites, newsletters, one-time registrations — simple passwords are okay here. But still, make am unique. I use variations like "DailyReality2026Site" where "Site" changes based on the website.
Level 2: Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok — stronger passwords. Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Example: "FbK!2026$Samson"
Level 3: Email Accounts
Your email na the master key to everything. If person get access to your email, them fit reset all your other passwords. So make this one very strong: minimum 16 characters, mix of everything, completely random.
Level 4: Financial Apps
Banking apps, Opay, Kuda, PalmPay, Paystack, Payoneer — these ones MUST get the strongest passwords. Different password for each one. Minimum 20 characters. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on ALL of them.
And bro, I'm serious. If you're still using "password123" for your GTBank app, you no serious at all.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Your Best Friend
This one na lifesaver. Even if somebody get your password, them still need the second verification code to enter your account.
But here's the thing: don't use SMS for 2FA if you get option for authenticator app. Remember that SIM swap fraud wey I talk about earlier? If them get your number for their phone, your SMS codes go dey reach them.
Best 2FA Apps:
→ Google Authenticator (free, simple)
→ Microsoft Authenticator (my personal favorite)
→ Authy (backs up across devices)
Enable 2FA for: Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, all banking apps, Paypal, Payoneer, Fiverr, Upwork — basically, everything wey get your money or personal info.
For more tips on protecting your online accounts while making money digitally, check out our guide on how to earn dollars from Nigeria safely.
Banking Apps: Where Most Nigerians Lose Money
Listen carefully. Your banking app na the most dangerous app for your phone. Not because the banks no try—they actually get good security. But because YOU no dey careful.
I don see people inside bus for Lagos, sitting next to complete strangers, typing their banking PIN with the phone facing up. Bro, the person beside you don see your PIN finish. You just give am free access.
Banking Security Rules I Live By:
1. Never save banking passwords on your phone or browser
I know say e dey stress to type password every time. But that small stress fit save your entire life savings. Chrome browser wey dey ask "Save password?" — always click NO for banking apps.
2. Set low transfer limits
Most Nigerian banks allow you set daily transfer limit. Set am to the maximum amount wey you fit need for emergency. If your daily spending na ₦50,000 maximum, no set limit as ₦500,000. E no make sense.
3. Enable transaction notifications
Every bank app get this option. Make sure say any time money comot or enter your account, you get instant alert. Both SMS and email. Both. No be one.
4. Don't click links from "your bank"
GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith, First Bank — NONE of them go ever send you link say make you click come update your account. If you see that kind message, delete am sharp sharp. Na scam.
Example 4: The "Update Your BVN" Scam
Funke from Ilorin receive message say "Your BVN has expired. Click this link to update it or your account will be blocked within 24 hours."
The message look official. E even get Central Bank of Nigeria logo. She panic, click the link, enter her details — account number, BVN, debit card number, CVV, expiry date, PIN — everything.
Within 30 minutes, ₦127,000 comot from her account. When she call her bank, them tell her say BVN no dey expire. The link na fake website wey scammers create.
Remember: BVN never expires. Any message wey tell you to "update" or "verify" your BVN through a link na 100% scam.
5. Use separate phone for banking (if possible)
This one na premium tip. If you fit afford am, get one small clean phone — no social media, no games, no random apps — just banking apps only. Keep am at home. Only use am when you wan do transactions.
I know say this one no dey realistic for everybody, but if you dey handle serious money (above ₦500,000 monthly), consider am.
6. Regularly check your transaction history
At least once a week, open your banking app and scroll through all your transactions. Look for anything wey you no recognize — even small amounts like ₦50 or ₦100. Scammers dey test with small money first before them go big.
"The money you're protecting isn't just numbers on a screen. It's your rent, your children's school fees, your business capital, your dreams. Protect it like you'd protect your own life—because in many ways, it is your life."
— Samson Ese, Daily Reality NG
WhatsApp & Telegram Security Nobody Talks About
You think say because WhatsApp get end-to-end encryption, your messages dey safe? You think say because Telegram get "secret chat," nobody fit hack you? My brother, my sister, wake up.
The apps themselves might get strong security. But YOU — the person wey dey use the app — na where the problem dey.
WhatsApp Security Mistakes Wey Everybody Dey Make:
Mistake #1: No enable two-step verification
WhatsApp get this feature but most people no dey use am. Go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification → Enable. Choose a 6-digit PIN wey only you know. This small thing fit save your account from hijackers.
Mistake #2: Trusting "forwarded many times" messages
You see that message wey don forward 47 times, with bad English and grammar, telling you say if you forward am to 10 people, Dangote go send you ₦100,000? Na lie. Delete am.
Or the one wey say "MTN is giving away 10GB to everyone who shares this message"? Also lie. These messages dey carry malware sometimes, or them just dey use am collect phone numbers.
Mistake #3: Clicking random links from unknown contacts
Someone wey you no save for your contact send you link say "see this video of you." You never send anybody any video, but your curiosity wan kill you. Don't click am. Na trap.
Those links fit install spyware for your phone. Them go see your screen, read your messages, access your photos — everything.
How to Lock Down Your WhatsApp Right Now:
✅ Enable two-step verification (Settings → Account)
✅ Turn on fingerprint/face lock for the app (Settings → Privacy)
✅ Disable "Last Seen" and "Read Receipts" (Settings → Privacy)
✅ Turn off automatic media download on mobile data
✅ Review who can add you to groups (Settings → Privacy → Groups)
✅ Never share your verification code with ANYONE
✅ Backup your chats to Google Drive/iCloud regularly
Telegram: Even More Dangerous If You No Careful
Telegram get plenty features wey WhatsApp no get. But those same features na im make am dangerous if you no sabi wetin you dey do.
People dey join random channels and groups without thinking. Some of those channels dey distribute malware disguised as "free apps" or "hacked premium software."
My advice: only join Telegram channels from sources wey you trust. If random person add you to group wey dey promise "guaranteed daily income," leave immediately and block the person.
And please, enable the privacy settings. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security. Review every option. Don't let random people see your phone number, your last seen, or add you to groups without your permission.
If you're building an online business and need secure communication with clients, read our article on how to start freelancing in Nigeria for safer work practices.
"Cybersecurity isn't about expensive software or technical knowledge. It's about common sense, awareness, and refusing to be lazy with your digital safety."
— Samson Ese, Daily Reality NG
Public WiFi in Lagos: Why I Stopped Using It (And You Should Too)
You dey The Place, Ikeja City Mall, or Jazzhole. Free WiFi dey available. Your data don finish. You see the network, you connect, you dey browse happily.
Wetin you no know be say someone fit dey the same WiFi network, using simple app to see everything wey you dey do online. Your passwords, your banking details, your private messages — everything dey visible if the WiFi no get proper encryption.
Public WiFi Dangers:
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
This na when hacker position himself between you and the WiFi router. You think say you dey browse normally, but all your data dey pass through him first. E fit see your passwords, intercept your messages, even redirect you to fake websites.
Fake WiFi Networks
Scammers dey create WiFi hotspots with names like "Free_Mall_WiFi" or "Starbucks_Guest." You connect, thinking say na legit network. But na trap. The moment you connect, they get access to your device.
Example 5: The Coffee Shop Hacker
Bolaji from Lekki been dey work remotely from one coffee shop for VI every day. Free WiFi, nice environment, steady light — perfect workspace.
One day, him client for Upwork complain say someone don access their shared project files and delete everything. Bolaji never do am. But the hacker wey been dey monitor the coffee shop WiFi don collect Bolaji login details, enter the account, cause wahala.
Bolaji lose the ₦450,000 contract. The client block am. Him reputation spoil. All because of free WiFi.
Lesson: Never do sensitive work (banking, client projects, important emails) on public WiFi. Use your personal data instead.
If You MUST Use Public WiFi:
→ Don't access banking apps or financial websites
→ Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) — but make sure say na trusted VPN, not the free ones wey dey steal data
→ Turn off auto-connect to WiFi networks
→ Forget the network after you finish using it
→ Make sure the website you dey visit get "https://" (with the lock icon), not just "http://"
→ Better yet, just use your own data. E go cost small money, but e go save you big money long run
Me? I don stop using public WiFi completely since 2023. My MTN data subscription na ₦10,000 per month for 40GB. That ₦10,000 na my security insurance. E dey worth am.
"Privacy isn't about having something to hide. It's about having something worth protecting—your family, your peace of mind, your safety, your financial security."
— Samson Ese, Daily Reality NG
Nigerian Scam Tactics I've Seen First-Hand (So You Go Recognize Them)
Let me tell you something. I don see scam wey dey make me wonder if the people wey dey do am no suppose just use their brain go do legit business instead.
The level of creativity, planning, and psychological manipulation wey scammers dey use? If them channel am to legitimate hustle, them for don blow. But no, them choose the dark path.
Make I show you some tactics wey currently dey trend for Nigeria, so you go fit recognize them sharp sharp.
1. The "Your Package Is Waiting" Scam
You go receive email or SMS say "Your package from DHL/FedEx/UPS is awaiting customs clearance. Pay ₦8,500 to this account to release it."
You no order anything. But the message look official. E get tracking number, e get company logo, e even get "customer service" number wey you fit call.
If you pay that ₦8,500, them go ask for another "handling fee." Then "storage fee." Then "government tax." Before you know, you don pay ₦45,000 for package wey no exist.
How to Spot Am: If you no order anything, no package dey wait for you. Legit delivery companies go never ask you to pay through personal account or Bitcoin. Them get proper payment systems.
2. The "I Need Airtime Urgently" WhatsApp Hack
Your friend WhatsApp number send you message: "Bro, I need help urgently. My network don block me from buying airtime. Send me ₦5,000 airtime, I go pay you back tomorrow."
You wan help your guy, so you quick quick buy the airtime and send the code. But wait—your friend account don get hacked. The person wey dey message you na scammer. Your friend no even know say them dey use him account beg for airtime.
How to Spot Am: If friend request unusual favor through chat, call the person directly to confirm. Especially if the request involve money. Scammers no dey like voice calls—them go give excuse.
3. The "LinkedIn Job Offer" Trap
You get message for LinkedIn from "recruiter" for big company—Shell, MTN, Nestle, etc. Them say you don qualify for interview. The salary wey them offer sweet die: ₦450,000 per month for "remote data entry" or "virtual assistant."
First interview na through WhatsApp video call (red flag number 1). Them tell you say you don get the job, congratulations! But you need pay ₦25,000 for "background check" or "training materials" (red flag number 2).
You pay. Them block you. No job. No refund. Just pain.
How to Spot Am: Legit companies NEVER ask you to pay for employment. Background checks, training, uniforms—na company suppose pay for all of them, not you.
4. The "Investment Platform" Ponzi Scheme
Ah, this one sweet them well well. Them go create professional-looking website or app. "Invest ₦50,000, get ₦100,000 in 30 days!" Them go even show you testimonials (fake), withdrawal proofs (Photoshop), and "company registration documents" (also fake).
First few people wey invest go actually receive their returns (to build trust). Them go post for social media say "this thing dey work o!" More people go join. Then suddenly, the website go disappear. App go stop working. Admins go delete their WhatsApp accounts.
Billions of naira don disappear through this method. MMM, Twinkas, MBA Forex, Racksterli—the list long.
How to Spot Am: If the returns too good to be true, na scam. No legitimate business go double your money in 30 days. If them get such magic formula, why them need your money?
Universal Scam Detection Rules:
🚨 Them dey rush you to make decision ("offer expires in 2 hours!")
🚨 Them ask for payment through untraceable methods (Bitcoin, gift cards, mobile money to personal account)
🚨 Them no get physical office address wey you fit visit
🚨 Their website no get "Contact Us" page or the contact details fake
🚨 Them dey avoid direct phone calls or video meetings
🚨 The deal too good to be true
🚨 Them ask for personal information wey no make sense (why online store need your BVN?)
🚨 Their grammar and spelling terrible (even scammers dey try use AI now, but some still dey slip)
According to Punch Newspapers Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested over 3,000 suspected internet fraudsters in 2024. But that's just the ones wey dem catch. Thousands more still dey operate.
The best protection? Your common sense. If something no add up, e probably no add up. Trust your gut feeling. Learn more ways to protect yourself while building wealth in our article about how to build wealth slowly and sustainably.
"Every scammer was once a victim. Every victim can become wiser. The choice is yours—let this article be your turning point from vulnerability to vigilance."
— Samson Ese, Daily Reality NG
What to Do If You've Been Hacked (Emergency Response Plan)
Okay, so e don happen. Your account don get hacked. Your money don comot. Or your personal information don leak. You dey panic. Your hands dey shake. You no know wetin to do.
First thing: breathe. I know say e hard, but panicking go only make things worse. I've been there. I know the feeling.
Here's exactly wetin you need do, step by step, in order of priority:
If Your Bank Account Got Hacked:
STEP 1 (Do this within 5 minutes):
→ Call your bank IMMEDIATELY. Use the number on the back of your debit card or the official number from their website (not from any message you received)
→ Tell them to block ALL transactions on your account
→ Request immediate investigation
→ Ask them to freeze the receiving account wey the money enter (if you see am for your transaction history)
STEP 2 (Within 30 minutes):
→ Change ALL your banking passwords and PINs
→ Disable all your debit cards
→ Remove all saved beneficiaries
→ Change your email password (in case them get access)
STEP 3 (Within 24 hours):
→ Visit your bank branch physically
→ File an official complaint and collect reference number
→ Request account statement showing the fraudulent transactions
→ Report to the police (some banks require police report for investigation)
→ Report to EFCC through their website or visit their office
STEP 4 (Ongoing):
→ Follow up with your bank every 3 days
→ Keep all documentation (emails, reference numbers, police report)
→ Be persistent—some banks go try delay or claim say na your fault
Banks You Can Report To (Save These Numbers):
GTBank: 0700 GTBANK (0700 482 265 5)
Access Bank: 01-271-2005-7
Zenith Bank: 01-278-7000
First Bank: 0708 062 5000
UBA: 0700 225 5822
Kuda: In-app support or Twitter @kudabank
Opay: 0700 888 8328
PalmPay: +234 1 888 8888
EFCC Cybercrime Reporting: Visit www.efcc.gov.ng or call 09-904-9264
If Your Email Got Hacked:
→ Try to login and change password immediately
→ If you can't login, use "Forgot Password" recovery option
→ Check recovery email and phone number—make sure them never change am
→ Enable 2FA immediately after you regain access
→ Check "Devices & Activity" to see where the hacker login from
→ Review email forwarding settings (hackers dey set forwarding to steal your future emails)
→ Notify all your important contacts say your email been compromise
If Your Social Media Got Hacked:
→ Use "Forgot Password" to try recover the account
→ Report to the platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter all get hacked account recovery process)
→ Warn your friends/followers through another platform say your account don compromise
→ Submit government ID for verification (Facebook and Instagram accept this)
→ Be patient—recovery fit take days or even weeks
If Your Phone Got Stolen:
→ Immediately use another phone to remotely lock or wipe your device (Find My iPhone for Apple, Find My Device for Android)
→ Call your network provider to block the SIM
→ Change ALL your passwords from another device
→ Log out of all sessions for your email, social media, banking apps
→ Report to police and get police report (you need am for insurance if you get)
→ Contact your bank to temporarily block your cards
I know say this list long. But trust me, following these steps fit be the difference between losing ₦50,000 and losing ₦500,000. Or even recovering your money sef.
Some Nigerian banks get insurance for unauthorized transactions. If you follow the proper reporting procedure and you no contribute to the breach (like giving out your PIN), you fit get refund. But na only if you report fast and follow proper channels.
"Getting hacked isn't the end of the world. But how you respond in the first hour determines whether you'll recover or lose everything. Speed and precision matter more than panic."
— Samson Ese, Daily Reality NG
Advanced Protection for Serious Users (If You Handle Big Money)
Everything wey I don talk so far na basics. If you just dey use phone casually, browse small, check WhatsApp, occasional banking—those tips enough for you.
But if you dey run business online, if you dey handle client money, if your account balance dey above ₦1 million regularly, or if you dey do international transactions—you need extra protection.
1. Use a Password Manager
Abi you fit remember 47 different strong passwords? Me I no fit. That's why I use password manager.
Password managers na apps wey dey generate and store complex passwords for you. You only need remember one master password. The app go handle the rest.
Best Password Managers for Nigerians:
→ Bitwarden (free version plenty for most people, open source)
→ 1Password (paid but very secure, $2.99/month)
→ LastPass (free for one device, paid for multiple devices)
→ Google Password Manager (free, built into Chrome, but not as secure as others)
I personally use Bitwarden. E free, e secure, and e work for both my phone and laptop. My passwords now na things like "Kx#9mP2$vL@4nQ7&wR1" — impossible to guess, impossible to crack.
2. Get a Hardware Security Key
This one na physical device wey you go plug into your phone or laptop before you fit access important accounts. Even if hacker get your password and your 2FA code, them still no fit enter without the physical key.
Recommended: YubiKey (you fit buy am from Jumia or Amazon, price around ₦25,000-₦40,000). Expensive, yes. But if you dey protect ₦10 million worth of assets, that ₦40,000 na small investment.
3. Separate Your Digital Life
Use different email addresses for different purposes:
→ One for banking and financial apps (never use this one for random website registrations)
→ One for work/business
→ One for social media
→ One "disposable" email for random signups and newsletters
This way, if one email get compromised, e no affect the others. My financial email? Only my banks, Paypal, Payoneer, and Wise get am. Nobody else.
4. Regular Security Audits
Every month, I dey spend one Saturday morning doing security check:
→ Review all devices logged into my accounts
→ Check for any unfamiliar login locations
→ Update all my software and apps
→ Change passwords for at least 3-5 critical accounts
→ Review app permissions on my phone
→ Back up important data to external hard drive
→ Check my credit report (if you get BVN, you fit request from credit bureaus)
E dey take me about 2 hours. But that 2 hours don save me money countless times by catching suspicious activities early.
5. Encrypt Your Devices
If thief steal your laptop or phone, encryption go make am impossible for them to access your data without your password.
For iPhone: Encryption dey automatic once you set passcode.
For Android: Settings → Security → Encrypt phone (newer Androids get am by default).
For Windows: Use BitLocker (built into Windows Pro).
For Mac: Use FileVault (built into macOS).
If you dey store sensitive client information, business documents, or financial records for your device, encryption no be optional—na necessity.
6. Use Secure Cloud Storage
Stop dey save important documents for WhatsApp "Saved Messages" or your phone gallery. Use proper encrypted cloud storage:
→ Google Drive (15GB free, but Google fit scan your files)
→ pCloud (10GB free, strong encryption option available)
→ Tresorit (most secure but expensive, for very sensitive data)
→ Mega (20GB free, end-to-end encryption)
My business contracts, tax documents, and important certificates? Them dey inside encrypted cloud storage with 2FA enabled. Even if my phone spoil today, I fit still access everything.
For entrepreneurs building digital assets, proper security is non-negotiable. Learn more in our guide on complete guide to freelancing in Nigeria.
"Security is not a one-time setup. It's a lifestyle. It's daily decisions. It's constant awareness. The moment you become complacent is the moment you become vulnerable."
— Samson Ese, Daily Reality NG
7 Encouraging Words from the Writer
Look, I know say this article long. I know say some of these tips dey like wahala. "Change password monthly?" "Use different emails?" "Buy hardware security key?" E fit dey overwhelming.
But let me encourage you with these truths:
1. You Don't Have to Do Everything at Once
Start small. This week, just enable 2FA for your email and banking app. Next week, change your weak passwords. The week after, review app permissions. Small steps, consistent action.
2. Every Step You Take Makes You Safer
You no need be cybersecurity expert. Even if you just follow 30% of wetin I talk for this article, you don already dey safer than 80% of Nigerians.
3. Your Efforts Will Pay Off
Trust me. The day your friend go tell you say them don hack am, you go realize say all this small wahala wey you do don save you from that same pain.
4. Knowledge Is Your Best Defense
The fact say you read this article to this point? You don already win. Most people no go even bother. You're different. You care about protecting wetin you work hard for.
5. It's Never Too Late to Start
Maybe you been careless before. Maybe you don experience hack before. E no matter. Today na new day. Start now. Your past mistakes na lesson, not life sentence.
6. Share This Knowledge
Send this article to your family members. Your parents wey dey use smartphone. Your siblings. Your friends. One person wey you go save from losing money—na mission accomplished.
7. You Are Stronger Than You Think
Cybersecurity no be for only tech people. Na for everybody wey get phone, email, or bank account. And you? You fit do am. I believe in you.
📌 Did You Know?
According to recent data, over 60% of Nigerians who lose money to cybercrime never report it because they feel ashamed or think nothing can be done. But reporting increases the chances of recovery and helps authorities track down criminals. If e happen to you, speak up. You're not alone, and you're not to blame for criminals' actions.
Key Takeaways: Your Cybersecurity Checklist
✅ Phone Security: Use strong PIN (6 digits minimum), enable biometric + PIN, review app permissions monthly, never leave phone with strangers.
✅ Password Protection: Different strong passwords for each account, use password manager, enable 2FA everywhere, never share passwords with anyone.
✅ Banking Safety: Never save banking passwords, set low transfer limits, enable all transaction notifications, don't click links from "your bank."
✅ WhatsApp/Telegram: Enable two-step verification, don't share verification codes, be suspicious of forwarded messages, verify unusual requests by calling.
✅ Public WiFi: Avoid it for banking or sensitive work, use your own data, if you must use WiFi use trusted VPN.
✅ Social Media: Turn off location services, review privacy settings regularly, don't overshare personal information, think before you post.
✅ Scam Awareness: If it's too good to be true it's a scam, verify before you pay, legit companies never ask you to pay for employment, trust your gut feeling.
✅ If Hacked: Act within 5 minutes for banking issues, report immediately to all relevant authorities, follow up persistently, keep all documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do immediately if I notice unauthorized transactions on my bank account?
Call your bank customer service immediately to block all transactions. Then visit the bank branch within 24 hours to file an official complaint. Change all your banking passwords and PINs, disable all debit cards temporarily, and report the incident to the police and EFCC. Speed is crucial—the faster you act, the higher your chances of recovering your money or preventing further losses.
Is it safe to use mobile banking apps on Android phones in Nigeria?
Yes, mobile banking apps are generally safe if you follow proper security practices. Use only official apps from Google Play Store, enable 2FA, set strong PINs, never save passwords, keep your phone software updated, and avoid installing apps from unknown sources. The main security risk comes from user carelessness, not the apps themselves. Most Nigerian banks have strong security features—you just need to use them properly.
How can I protect myself from SIM swap fraud in Nigeria?
Register your SIM card with valid ID and keep your network provider updated if you change address or phone. Set up a SIM PIN so your SIM cannot be used even if someone steals your phone. Use authenticator apps instead of SMS for 2FA when possible. If your line suddenly stops working, contact your network provider immediately—it might be a sign of SIM swap attempt. Also, enable transaction notifications through email in addition to SMS.
Are free VPNs safe to use for protecting my data in Nigeria?
Most free VPNs are not safe and can actually steal your data instead of protecting it. Free VPNs often make money by selling your browsing data, injecting ads, or installing malware. If you need a VPN, invest in a reputable paid service like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark. These cost around ₦2,000 to ₦4,000 per month but provide real protection. For most Nigerians, using your personal data instead of public WiFi is safer than using free VPNs.
Final Thoughts: Cybersecurity Na Marathon, No Be Sprint
We don reach the end of this article, but your cybersecurity journey just dey start. I no go lie to you say e go easy. Some days you go feel like the extra steps too much. Some days you go wan just use simple password because strong one dey stress you.
But remember wetin dey at stake: your money, your identity, your peace of mind, your business, your future. Every small step wey you take today na investment for your digital safety tomorrow.
That ₦47,500 wey I lose in 2024? E teach me lessons wey no amount of tech articles fit teach. E make me humble. E make me realize say I no know everything. And most importantly, e make me serious with my digital security.
Today, my digital life dey locked down like Fort Knox. Different passwords for everything. 2FA everywhere. Regular security audits. And you know wetin? I dey sleep better at night. No more fear of waking up to empty bank account.
You fit have this same peace. E no hard. E just require small discipline and consistency.
If this article help you, even if na just one tip wey you learn, I don do my job. Share am with people wey you care about. Your parents wey dey use smartphone for the first time. Your siblings wey just open bank account. Your friends wey dey do online business.
Together, we fit make Nigerian cyberspace safer. One person at a time. One password at a time. One 2FA activation at a time.
Stay safe out there. And remember: the best time to protect your digital life was yesterday. The second best time na right now.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. While I've shared cybersecurity practices that work for me based on personal experience and research, I'm not a certified cybersecurity professional. The tips provided should not be taken as professional security advice. For enterprise-level security or if you've experienced serious cyber attacks, please consult with licensed cybersecurity experts. Always verify information with official sources like your bank, EFCC, or certified security professionals. Stay informed, stay protected.
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About the Author
I'm Samson Ese, the founder of Daily Reality NG. I was born in 1993 in Nigeria, and I've been writing for as long as I can remember—long before I took my work online. Over the years, I've developed my craft through personal writing, reflective storytelling, and practical commentary shaped by my real-life experiences and observations.
In October 2025, I launched Daily Reality NG as a digital platform dedicated to clear, relatable, and people-focused content. I write about a range of topics, including money, business, technology, education, lifestyle, relationships, and real-life experiences. My goal is always clarity, usefulness, and relevance to everyday life.
I approach my work with accuracy, simplicity, and honesty. I don't chase trends—I focus on creating content that informs, educates, and helps my readers think better, make wiser decisions, and understand the realities of modern life and digital opportunities. Through consistent publishing and maintaining editorial independence, I'm building Daily Reality NG into a growing space for practical knowledge and shared human experience.
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