Stay vigilant as cybercriminals utilize AI in attacks, NITDA warns Nigerians
By Kingsley Odii
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning to Nigerians, urging caution while conducting activities on the internet due to an increase in phishing attacks, now enhanced with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
According to NITDA, cybercriminals are utilizing AI to conduct thorough research on their targets, allowing them to create personalized messages that deceive individuals into releasing their confidential information.
Phishing attacks involve various tactics such as coercing individuals into opening infected email attachments, clicking on malicious links, or compromising sensitive data like usernames, passwords, or bank information. These attacks can be in the form of phishing emails, phone calls, or text messages aimed at manipulating people for exploitation.
The NITDA emphasized that user account credentials are highly sought-after by cybercriminals as they can provide access to personal and organizational networks. It further states that email-based phishing attacks have become the most common method for cyber attackers to obtain such credentials.
The use of AI in phishing attacks has propelled them to new levels of sophistication, as confirmed by the NITDA advisory. The agency states, “Lately, these bad actors have taken things up a notch by leveraging Al to improve the sophistication of their attack approaches. This involves using Al to conduct thorough research on potential victims and creating personalized messages to effectively deceive them into divulging sensitive information. This advanced approach shows how phishing attacks are getting more sophisticated and finding new ways to catch people off guard.”
To protect themselves and their organizations against these threats, NITDA advises Nigerians to exercise caution when opening emails or clicking on links. They should avoid entering personal information on untrusted websites. Additionally, individuals and organizations should stay informed about potential phishing threats through continuous education and report any suspected incidents to relevant authorities.
The rise in phishing attacks is evident in a recent report by Vade Secure, which revealed a 173% increase in phishing attacks during the third quarter of 2023. The report also highlighted a 110% rise in malware threats. In August, hackers were particularly active, sending over 207.3 million phishing emails – almost double the amount from July. September followed as the second most active month for phishing with 172.6 million emails, trailed by July with 113.4 million emails. The report noted that Facebook and Microsoft remained the most frequently impersonated brands in the third quarter of 2023.
As cybercriminals continue to evolve their techniques, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and employ preventive measures to safeguard their sensitive information and networks.
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