The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has issued a public advisory to its customers, urging them to be more vigilant and proactive in protecting themselves from the rising tide of cyber threats.
The company has recognized that as Nigerians rely more on online services for communication, transactions, and information, cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities for financial and personal gain.
In the statement released by EKEDC, signed by Babatunde Lasaki, the company’s General Manager for Corporate Communications, a range of common cyber threats was outlined, warning customers of the dangers they face. Among the most prevalent threats are phishing attacks, social engineering scams, ransomware, and identity theft, all of which can have devastating consequences for unsuspecting individuals. Fraudsters often use deceptive tactics, such as fake emails, phone calls, or text messages, to trick victims into disclosing sensitive personal information, like account details, passwords, or payment information. This manipulation often exploits human psychology, where attackers may impersonate EKEDC officials or even pose as distressed family members, making urgent requests for financial assistance.
Ransomware attacks, in which hackers lock users out of their devices or files and demand a ransom for access, are also on the rise. These attacks typically occur when users unknowingly download infected files or click on malicious links. Once the malware is installed, attackers hold the victim’s data hostage, demanding payment before restoring access to important files or systems.
Lasaki emphasized that another significant issue is the theft of personal information, such as National Identification Numbers, bank account details, or passwords, which cybercriminals can then use for fraudulent activities. He noted that many individuals unknowingly make themselves vulnerable by reusing weak passwords across multiple accounts, providing an open door for hackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and data.
In response to these growing threats, EKEDC urged its customers to adopt more secure online habits. One of the most crucial pieces of advice was to verify the authenticity of any communication that claims to be from the company. Whether it is an email, SMS, or phone call, customers should be wary of unsolicited requests for sensitive information. Official communications from EKEDC, the statement reminded, will never ask customers to share their passwords or PINs.
The company also stressed the importance of creating strong, unique passwords for online accounts. Customers were advised to avoid easily guessable passwords, such as names, birthdates, or simple numeric sequences. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) was recommended as an additional layer of protection, providing users with an extra step to verify their identity when logging into their accounts.
Regularly updating devices and applications to ensure they are equipped with the latest security patches was also highlighted as a fundamental practice. Lasaki further warned customers to avoid conducting online transactions over public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often unsecured and can leave sensitive information vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals. Secure, private networks are always the safer option.
In light of these evolving threats, EKEDC emphasized that it has implemented robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard its digital platforms. However, the company recognizes that protecting customers from cybercrime is a shared responsibility. As such, it encouraged customers to report any suspicious activity or potential scams related to its services immediately through official channels.
As more people turn to online services for convenience, EKEDC’s advisory serves as a timely reminder of the importance of digital security. With cybercriminals becoming increasingly adept at exploiting vulnerabilities, both individuals and organizations must remain proactive in safeguarding sensitive information. By following simple yet effective cybersecurity practices, Nigerians can protect themselves and their personal data from malicious attacks, ensuring that the convenience of the digital age does not come at the cost of their security.
