Some years back people gave in to the idea of a centralized banking system because of its security. They believed that as long as their assets were there, no one could temper with them. Before anyone can break into one's account, the person must have their PIN, password, and a few other things in some cases.
I remember the days of cheques, without the owner's signature, whatever was written on it is invalid. Gradually, technology kept improving and it got to a time of debit cards, mobile apps, and the like. banking became easy and fast but then the security became a problem.
Digital banking has a very good security but I consider it weak because most customers find it difficult to cope with it.
Just a little carelessness can jeopardize our assets within a split second.
Nothing seems to be 100% safe nowadays. Gone are the days when the word password freaks people. These days, people only need a clue to be able to get access to our digital world.
There have been dozens of reports about hacking recently. People's bank accounts have been broken into, people's social media accounts have been hijacked, and many other cases.
Almost all of us had either heard or had personal experiences with cyber security failure. One thing I dread so much about it is the fact that once your security is breached, you may remain helpless over whatever you were protecting throughout that moment until you get back your security.
A few years ago, my friend was about to go back to school. His father just transferred his school fees and house rent into his account, all making up to Eighty Thousand (80,000) Naira.
In the evening that same day, he received a call from someone who claimed to work for the United Bank of Africa (UBA).
The guy called his first name and his last name then asked him a few questions and my friend responded. The guy went ahead and described the exact problem my friend was having with his bank account.
He went further and told my friend that he was going to resolve the issue right away. He asked if my friend had his ATM card close by, and my friend said "Yes."
Then he called the numbers on the card exactly the way they were and asked if it were so, my friend foolishly answered him and because he called the numbers correctly, my friend became convinced that the guy was truly from the bank.
When the guy asked him to call the number again for confirmation, he did without a second thought. After that, he asked for the three digits behind the card and my friend gave him.
Not long after dropping the call, my friend received a debit alert of 80,000 Naira. He was surprised, he instantly called the guy and the guy confidently picked up and told him that he shouldn't worry, everything was under control, and it would be refunded.
My friend waited for hours but didn't receive any credit alert, so he decided to call back but unfortunately, the line was switched off. That was how he lost his school fees and house rent.
The strength of cyber security depends on the owner. How careful you are and how safe you keep your information and passwords matters.
From my friend's experience, if he had not given the person the last number, there is no way the person would have had access to his account to withdraw his Money.
We all have to be smart and watchful.
Don't respond to any call or text talking about your bank or social network, and don't click on any link you are not sure about, it could be a trap. If you have a problem visit the nearest bank or the official site for clarity. It hurts me that to date there are people who are still ignorant and naive and those wicked individuals will not spare them.
