Lagos, July 28, 2025 (NAN) An Information Technology expert, Mr. Jide Awe, has raised concerns about the increasing sophistication of AI-driven cybercrime.
Awe, who is an Innovation and Technology Policy Advisor and Founder of Jidaw.com, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, cautioned against evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven cyber threats as it becomes more integrated into daily life.
He said that individuals, companies, and governments should adopt proactive measures to safeguard against potential attacks.
The IT expert noted that while AI would not directly bypass security features like WhatsApp’s two-step verification, it was being used by attackers to create more convincing phishing scams, voice impersonations, and brute-force password attempts.
According to him, to combat these evolving threats, it is important to focus on fundamental cybersecurity practices.
‘’Online users should consistently use strong, unique passwords, which should ideally be managed by a password manager.
“Enabling robust two-factor authentication (2FA) for all critical accounts is also crucial.
‘’Keeping operating systems and applications up-to-date ensures that the latest security patches are in place.
“Cybersecurity is a constantly moving target, so you can’t afford to go to sleep,” Awe said.
The Jidaw.com founder also recommended installing reputable antivirus or security protection software on all devices and regularly backing up data as a general best practice.
He advised that caution should be exercised when clicking on suspicious links or downloading unverified applications.
Awe urged users to verify links before opening them and to carefully review app permissions on mobile devices, removing any unnecessary access.
‘’Protecting devices with strong PINs or biometric authentication is also essential,’’ he said.
Awe said that in this era of AI-generated voice scams, verifying requests for sensitive information received via voice calls or messages through alternative, offline methods had become a necessity.
“Staying informed about emerging security threats and being vigilant for warning signs such as urgent requests or unusual emotional appeals in messages are also vital steps in self-protection.
“I also encourage individuals to consider taking basic cybersecurity courses to enhance their awareness and knowledge,” he stressed.
The Jidaw.com founder recommended enabling device encryption and utilising “Find My Device” and remote wipe features.
According to him, when using public WiFi networks, employing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a prudent measure.
He said that urgent or desperate calls and messages should always be verified through physical or other reliable means before taking any action.
Awe said that downloads should be approached with caution, with users advised to check reviews, ratings, and requested permissions before installing any apps or files.
The expert said that sharing personal information online should be limited to what was strictly necessary and only on websites that prioritised data security.
He added that importantly, storing PINs or passwords in plain text notes on devices should be avoided.
According to him, while Nigeria currently lacks comprehensive legislation specifically regulating AI, the Draft National AI Strategy (April 2024) outlines plans for ethical and responsible AI use.
He said that the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) and the NDPC offered some data privacy and protection that could be applied to AI-related data handling.
Awe emphasised the timeliness of formulating and implementing robust policies to safeguard the use of AI, particularly Generative AI.
The expert outlined crucial roles for governments, companies, and individuals in combating increasingly sophisticated cybercrime.
He urged governments to enact specific AI and cybercrime laws, regulate responsible AI development, promote digital literacy, and leverage AI for cybersecurity threat detection.
Awe also urged companies to utilise AI-powered cybersecurity tools and train staff to identify and respond to AI-driven threats, prioritising data protection in their AI endeavors.
He stressed that individuals must invest in cybersecurity education, stay informed about evolving scams, use strong passwords with 2FA, keep devices updated, verify unusual requests, and share personal information cautiously.
“Your awareness and caution are your strongest defence in this AI-driven landscape,” Awe said. (NAN)
