EKEDC warns customers against cyber threats

 EKEDC Warns Customers Against Rising Cyber Threats

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has issued a public advisory urging customers to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect themselves against the growing wave of cyber threats.

In a statement signed by its General Manager of Corporate Communications, Babatunde Lasaki, EKEDC emphasized that with the increasing reliance on digital platforms for transactions and communication, cybercriminals have developed more sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities, making cybersecurity awareness essential.

Lasaki outlined common cyber threats that customers should be aware of, including phishing scams, social engineering fraud, ransomware attacks, and identity theft.

He warned that cybercriminals often use deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as account details, passwords, or payment information by impersonating EKEDC officials.

Social engineering tactics, he explained, involve fraudsters manipulating victims into disclosing confidential data by pretending to be trusted sources, such as company representatives or distressed family members.

On ransomware attacks, Lasaki noted that cybercriminals use malicious software to lock users out of their devices or files and then demand a ransom to restore access. He advised customers to avoid downloading unknown files or clicking on suspicious links to prevent such attacks.

He also cautioned against identity theft, where attackers steal personal details such as National Identification Numbers and bank information to impersonate victims for fraudulent activities. He stressed that weak or reused passwords across multiple accounts could allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

To help customers protect themselves from cyber threats, EKEDC advised adopting best practices, including verifying the authenticity of emails, SMS, or calls claiming to be from the company. Lasaki reiterated that EKEDC would never request sensitive information like passwords or PINs via these channels.

He urged customers to use strong, unique passwords and avoid easily guessed credentials such as names, birth dates, or sequential numbers. Additionally, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security was strongly recommended.

Other safety measures suggested include:

• Keeping devices and applications updated to ensure they have the latest security patches.

• Avoiding public Wi-Fi networks for online transactions, as they are often unsecured and vulnerable to cyberattacks.

• Refraining from clicking on unknown links or downloading unsolicited attachments, which could contain malware or phishing traps.

EKEDC’s Commitment to Cybersecurity

As part of its commitment to customer safety, EKEDC assured that it has implemented robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard its digital platforms. Customers are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or potential scams involving EKEDC services through official channels.

The company reiterated its dedication to ensuring the security of its customers’ data and urged them to remain cautious in their online interactions to prevent falling victim to cybercriminals.