Many people underestimate the importance of protecting their digital information, yet cyberattacks continue to grow across Nigeria. A Surfshark report from July 2025 revealed that the country has suffered 23 million email breaches since 2004, 0.1% of the global total of 23 billion. This shows just how exposed many Nigerians are and how much smarter cybercriminals have become.

With guidance from cybersecurity specialist Mukaila Temitope Olajumoke, this article breaks down seven common online behaviours that endanger your data, and how to avoid falling into these traps.

1. Using Easily Guessable Passwords

Weak passwords remain one of the easiest ways hackers break into accounts. Many users choose convenience by relying on basic options such as:

• Phone numbers
• Birth dates
• One password for every account

Temitope explains that this makes users extremely vulnerable:

“Most people don’t understand how to protect their passwords online. Those individuals are the simplest for hackers to attack.”

How to protect yourself:
Create unique, complex passwords and use a password manager.

2. Falling for Phishing Links

Phishing scams, especially on WhatsApp and email, are increasingly widespread. Hackers build convincing copies of trusted websites and trick users into submitting their login details.

Temitope adds that scammers often send:

• Fake promo links
• Receipts for purchases you never made
• Messages urging you to “verify” an account

These links direct victims to fake pages designed to steal their information.

How to protect yourself:
Never click unfamiliar links. Confirm the website address and sender before entering personal data.

3. Sharing Too Much Personal Information Online

Oversharing on social media or unverified websites exposes you to identity theft. Information that should always remain private includes:

• NIN, BVN, ID cards
• Birth dates
• Home addresses
• Live location updates
• Sensitive photos

Temitope notes that hackers often gather this information from weak websites or through simple online searches.

How to protect yourself:
Keep private information offline unless absolutely necessary, especially ID documents.

4. Ignoring Update Notifications

Software updates often exist to fix major security vulnerabilities. Ignoring them leaves your device open to attacks.

Temitope warns:

“When your phone or app requests an update, it might be because someone is trying to break into your system.”

Outdated software makes devices easy targets for malware and unauthorised access.

How to protect yourself:
Install updates as soon as they appear.

5. Overlooking Multi-Factor Authentication Alerts

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds vital protection to your accounts. If you suddenly receive:

• Login alerts
• MFA prompts
• Unexpected logouts

…it may be a sign that someone is attempting to break into your account.

Apps like Gmail immediately notify users when suspicious login behaviour is detected.

How to protect yourself:
Enable MFA on all accounts and take every verification alert seriously.

6. Being Vulnerable to SIM Hijacking

SIM swapping occurs when hackers trick your mobile provider into transferring your number to their SIM card. Once they take over your number, they can:

• Reset banking passwords
• Access WhatsApp
• Break into email accounts
• Override security steps

This usually happens because hackers gather personal details that users share online, then use them to impersonate the victim.

How to protect yourself:
Reduce how much personal information you share publicly and secure your mobile number with extra verification steps.

7. Using Public Wi-Fi Networks

Public Wi-Fi is often unprotected, giving cybercriminals an easy chance to:

• Monitor your activity
• Steal passwords
• Inject malware
• Access sensitive files

Hackers can intercept the data flowing between your device and the internet without your knowledge.

How to protect yourself:
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. If you must use it, always connect through a VPN.

Conclusion

Cybercriminals rely on users’ bad habits to exploit them. By recognising risky behaviours, such as weak passwords, careless clicking, oversharing, ignoring updates, or using unsecured Wi-Fi, you significantly improve your chances of staying safe online. Strengthen these habits today to protect your personal and financial information from ever-evolving cyber threats.