The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has unmasked some fake phishing websites in circulation misleading the public that the Federal Government has approved the disbursement of funds under a fictitious name called “Lockdown Funds”.
In a statement on its twitter handle on Monday, the agency noted that the phishers tried to direct unsuspecting Nigerians to the websites which would further direct them to fill in their details in order to benefit from the funds.
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Beware of Fake Websites Pledging @NigeriaGov Lockdown Funds, NITDA Alertshttps://t.co/ahKTYq5MrC pic.twitter.com/6FwIEv79qX
— NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) June 15, 2020
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is using all the necessary means and measures already in place to contain the spread of fake and malicious news in the country.
“The Agency is working round the clock to checkmate cybersecurity threats and possible data breach under Nigerian Data Protection Regulation” it read.
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NITDA unmasks fake website pledging to disburse FG lockdown funds to Nigerianshttps://t.co/ruMdTK33gF
— NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) June 15, 2020
The statement urged Nigerians to avoid and report such sites.
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To prevent data breaches and check cybersecurity threats, internet users are advised not to give out their personal information to anyone online; avoid clicking unknown links; and disregard offers to request for their bank details.
NITDA is the agency responsible for implementing the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as general IT development and regulation in the country. The agency works under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
Among other things, the agency seeks to fast-track internet and intranet penetration in Nigeria and promote sound internet Governance.