Cybersecurity Gaps: How Sensitive Data Of Nigerians Are Sold Online For N100

• Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has raised concerns over how sensitive data of Nigerians, including National Identity Numbers (NIN), are sold online for N100, highlighting major data privacy breaches and cybersecurity gaps.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Paradigm Initiative (PIN), an organization that connects underserved young Africans with digital opportunities, has raised the alarm over a data breach by several unauthorized websites. These websites claim to hold and provide access to sensitive personal and financial data of Nigerian citizens for as little as N100.

EDITOR’S PICK

• NiMet Forecasts Weekly Thunderstorms: Check Affected Areas
• FG Initiates Verification of Private Jet Imports, Summons 80 Operators To Abuja
• Fubara Directs HLGAs To Lead 23 Council Areas After Tenure Expiration

During a briefing in Lagos yesterday, the firm revealed that the original National Identity Number (NIN) of both high-profile and ordinary citizens could be obtained for just N100.

Executive Director of PIN, Gbenga Sesan, highlighted that this alarming development constitutes a major breach of fundamental privacy rights and data privacy laws, posing significant risks to individuals and the national economy. He emphasized that this situation underscores data impunity and abuse in the country.

Sesan expressed concern over the existence of these websites, pointing out significant gaps in data protection and cybersecurity measures within Nigeria.

He lamented that the dissemination of such information poses a big challenge on NIN and Bank Verification Number, BVN linking.

FURTHER READING

• Akpabio Addresses 2027 Presidential Ambitions With El-Rufai Amid Posters
• June 12: Sail Away From The Turbulent Waters Of Protests – DSS Warns Nigerians
• Court Gives Date to Rule on LP’s Candidacy Tussle

He called on government to urgently take action to address the issue by conducting a thorough investigation to identify these ilegal activities, enhance cybersecurity measures to prevent further data breaches, implement Nigeria data protection Act. strengthen the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, among others.

Click below to watch our video of the week: