The Eko Electricity Distribution Company has issued a public advisory, urging its customers to be more vigilant and proactive in safeguarding themselves against the rising wave of cyber threats.
In a statement issued by the company and signed by the EKEDC General Manager, Corporate Communications, Babatunde Lasaki, the company said with the increasing reliance on digital platforms for transactions and communications, cyber attackers have devised sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities, making cybersecurity awareness necessary for everyone.
Lasaki identified common threats that customers should be aware of and how to handle cases such as phishing attacks, social engineering scams, ransomware attacks, and identity theft, among others.
He warned that fraudsters often use deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as account details, passwords, or payment information.
He added that cybercriminals do exploit human psychology to manipulate victims into revealing confidential information by impersonating EKEDC officials or posing as family members in distress to extract financial details or payments.
Speaking on ransomware attacks, he explained that malicious software is used to lock users out of their devices or files, with attackers demanding a ransom to restore access, saying such attacks often occur when users unknowingly download infected files or click on malicious links.
He warned, “Attackers steal personal information, such as National Identification Numbers, bank account details, or passwords, to impersonate victims for fraudulent activities. Hackers exploit reused or weak passwords across multiple accounts to gain unauthorised access to systems and data.”
To avoid falling victim, the EKEDC encouraged customers to adopt the best practices to safeguard themselves online.
He urged them to always double-check the authenticity of emails, SMS, or calls claiming to be from EKEDC, adding that official communications from EKEDC will never request sensitive information like passwords or PINs.
Lasaki also charged them to use strong and unique passwords for online accounts by avoiding the use of passwords that can easily be guessed, such as names, birth dates, or sequential numbers.
“Enable multi-factor authentication. Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling MFA, which requires a second form of verification in addition to your password. Keep your devices and applications updated to ensure you have the latest security patches.
“Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions, as public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can expose sensitive information to attackers. Use secure, private networks for online transactions. Do not click on unknown links or download unsolicited attachments, as they may contain malware or phishing traps.
“As part of its commitment to customer safety, EKEDC has implemented robust cybersecurity measures to protect its digital platforms. Customers are encouraged to report suspicious activity or potential scams involving EKEDC services immediately through official channels,” the statement concluded.
