Nigerian banks have assured customers that their deposits and digital banking services remain safe despite a sophisticated global cyber campaign targeting organisations across several countries and industries.
Industry sources said Nigerian lenders moved swiftly to contain the impact of the cyber threats by activating incident response protocols and working with regulators, law enforcement agencies and international cybersecurity partners to strengthen their defences.
According to the sources, the attacks are part of a wider global campaign and are not specific to Nigeria or the banking sector.
The cyber campaign has affected organisations in telecommunications, healthcare, government, energy, technology and corporate registries across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa, highlighting the growing cross-border nature of cybercrime.
Citing data from global cybersecurity firm Check Point, the sources noted that attacks on the global financial sector rose by 115 per cent last year, with organisations facing thousands of attempted intrusions every week. They added that the current campaign has been linked to threat actors that have targeted more than 35 organisations across several countries and sectors.
Despite the attacks, the banking industry maintained that services across Nigeria remain fully operational.
“Nigerian banks have moved swiftly to contain the effects of a sophisticated global cyber campaign sweeping across sectors and continents,” the sources said, adding that “the nation’s financial system remains strong, resilient and secure.”
They explained that Nigerian banks have invested heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure over the years to safeguard customer information and assets.
The sources stressed that no organisation is completely immune from cyberattacks but said the industry’s strength lies in its ability to respond quickly and effectively.
“Resilience in an era of global cyber warfare lies not in immunity from attack, which no organisation can claim, but in the speed and rigour of response, and on that measure the industry has acted decisively and in full compliance with regulatory requirements,” they said.
The banking industry also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters who may exploit the heightened awareness of cyber threats.
Customers were advised never to disclose sensitive banking information, including passwords, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), One-Time Passwords (OTPs), card details or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), over the telephone or through unsolicited messages.
They were also warned against opening suspicious emails, clicking unfamiliar links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.
The banks advised customers who notice unusual account activity to immediately contact their banks through official customer care lines, websites, mobile applications or branch offices.
“As governments and corporations worldwide race to shore up their digital defences, the message from the Nigerian banking industry is one of calm and confidence: the system is safe, deposits are secure, and the institutions entrusted with the nation’s savings remain watchful and prepared,” the sources added.
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