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How Hackers Trick Their Way Into Your Digital Life

By TAIWO VICTORIA E. Cyberguard.buzz reporter As antivirus software, firewalls, and secure connections become more robust, security professionals warn that the biggest threat to cybersecurity is not a technical error—human error. Referred to as social engineering, attackers now are focusing on people instead of computers, employing psychological manipulations to trick victims into sharing confidential information. This trend-altering wake-up call is now especially fashionable in Nigeria, where fraudsters employ emotional lure, fictitious job offers, and impersonation as tools to swindle unsuspecting victims. From Facebook messages that claim to be from a once-lost friend, to the emails that can impersonate banks and school portals, cybercrooks are getting smart—and intimate. "Most people believe that hacking is all coding and cracking systems," says Lagos-based digital security analyst, Mr. Ikenna Osu. "But really, most of the attacks begin with a benign-looking message but one that has been crafted to deceive you." One of the best-known tricks is called phishing, when phishers send emails that impersonate trusted entities like banks, school officials, or even fellow classmates. They normally ask the user to "validate their account," "click a link," or "update their password." As soon as the user responds to the prompt, the perpetrator gains access to their personal details—often unknowingly to the victim. Pretexting is yet another method where the scammer creates a believable pretext for having a victim surrender information. An example is a scammer who phones and impersonates an approved network provider seeking a user's OTP or bank PIN "for verification purposes." The urgency and authoritative tone normally force victims to oblige without hesitation. Polytechnic students, who stay online for extensive periods of time for schoolwork and social use, are amongst the most sought after. Several have cited incidents where hackers successfully gained access into their social networking or email addresses by impersonating classmates or lecturers. Miss Adeoti Zainab, a Mass Communication student, shared her experience. "I got a WhatsApp message from someone who said he was my course representative. He said I had to fill out a Google form quickly so that I could enroll in a class. I did—and later realized it was a scam. My email had been hacked the same evening." Experts further opine that the lone defense for social engineering is awareness and caution. Users must be instructed to question suspicious messages, avoid providing confidential information through calls or DMs, and always verify the identity of the individual you are dealing with. "Technology can't protect you from what you voluntarily give," Mr. Osu explained. "That's why cybersecurity isn't just about strong passwords. It's about strong thinking." With AI-created messages and deepfake videos on the rise, the distinction between reality and artifice is becoming increasingly difficult to discern. Experts warn students and online users to remain informed, utilize two-factor authentication, and never give away confidential information unless absolutely certain of the originator.

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Staying One Step Ahead: A Review of Antivirus Software and Cybersecurity Tools

By ILESANMI SODIQ A. Cybersecurity Reporter As cyber threats are on the rise, Nigerian students are being told to tighten their online defenses—not just with common sense, but with strong antivirus software and computer protection tools as well. With smartphones, laptops, and tablets becoming central to campus life, cybersecurity experts are appealing to young users to take software security as seriously as they would physical security. "Antivirus software is no longer an option," says Mrs. Florence Dike, a cybersecurity teacher based in Abuja. "Most students give no regard to the threat until their devices have been hit, or until they lose important files, passwords, or money." One of the highest recommended antivirus software for students is Avast Mobile Security, which also has a free version for Android. It scans apps for malware, warns users of suspicious activity, and even helps locate lost phones. For most polytechnic students who use budget Android smartphones, Avast provides a decent mix of protection and performance. Kaspersky Security Cloud is another efficient tool that is becoming increasingly popular. Though it requires a subscription to use all the features, its free version also offers real-time protection and VPN browsing safely. It's especially useful for students who use public Wi-Fi frequently, such as in the school library or hostel common room. For PC users, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition remains a top recommendation. Quick, light, and effective, Bitdefender runs unobtrusively in the background while delivering good protection against viruses, phishing, and ransomware. "It's the kind of tool that does its work behind the scenes but efficiently," Mrs. Dike says. Meanwhile, Apple users are not totally safe either, as most would want to think. While iOS is less susceptible to viruses, iPhone users who are students are still vulnerable to phishing attacks and secure browsing. For this, cybersecurity apps like Lookout Security & Identity Protection are being recommended to iOS users who want to enjoy additional peace of mind. Along with antivirus software, students are also advised to use browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere, which forces websites to utilize encrypted connections, and Privacy Badger, which hinders online trackers. These extensions enhance privacy and prevent companies from collecting users' browser data without any consent. Despite the availability of such tools, the majority of the students are not ready to install them. A few cite limited phone memory or slow internet speed, but others are simply not aware. Cybersecurity experts believe that this lacuna can be addressed only through ongoing sensitization and digital literacy campaigns in universities. "As we do more online—taking classes, submitting assignments, and storing personal documents—it's so important that students stay protected," Mrs. Dike emphasizes. "It only takes one click to lose everything." With free and paid solutions available on the market, there's no excuse to leave devices exposed. On a budget or not, students can now use tools that guard against the growing threat of cybercrime—without needing to be technology experts.

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Staying One Step Ahead: A Review of Antivirus Software and Cybersecurity Tools

By ILESANMI SODIQ A. Cybersecurity Reporter As cyber threats are on the rise, Nigerian students are being told to tighten their online defenses—not just with common sense, but with strong antivirus software and computer protection tools as well. With smartphones, laptops, and tablets becoming central to campus life, cybersecurity experts are appealing to young users to take software security as seriously as they would physical security. "Antivirus software is no longer an option," says Mrs. Florence Dike, a cybersecurity teacher based in Abuja. "Most students give no regard to the threat until their devices have been hit, or until they lose important files, passwords, or money." One of the highest recommended antivirus software for students is Avast Mobile Security, which also has a free version for Android. It scans apps for malware, warns users of suspicious activity, and even helps locate lost phones. For most polytechnic students who use budget Android smartphones, Avast provides a decent mix of protection and performance. Kaspersky Security Cloud is another efficient tool that is becoming increasingly popular. Though it requires a subscription to use all the features, its free version also offers real-time protection and VPN browsing safely. It's especially useful for students who use public Wi-Fi frequently, such as in the school library or hostel common room. For PC users, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition remains a top recommendation. Quick, light, and effective, Bitdefender runs unobtrusively in the background while delivering good protection against viruses, phishing, and ransomware. "It's the kind of tool that does its work behind the scenes but efficiently," Mrs. Dike says. Meanwhile, Apple users are not totally safe either, as most would want to think. While iOS is less susceptible to viruses, iPhone users who are students are still vulnerable to phishing attacks and secure browsing. For this, cybersecurity apps like Lookout Security & Identity Protection are being recommended to iOS users who want to enjoy additional peace of mind. Along with antivirus software, students are also advised to use browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere, which forces websites to utilize encrypted connections, and Privacy Badger, which hinders online trackers. These extensions enhance privacy and prevent companies from collecting users' browser data without any consent. Despite the availability of such tools, the majority of the students are not ready to install them. A few cite limited phone memory or slow internet speed, but others are simply not aware. Cybersecurity experts believe that this lacuna can be addressed only through ongoing sensitization and digital literacy campaigns in universities. "As we do more online—taking classes, submitting assignments, and storing personal documents—it's so important that students stay protected," Mrs. Dike emphasizes. "It only takes one click to lose everything." With free and paid solutions available on the market, there's no excuse to leave devices exposed. On a budget or not, students can now use tools that guard against the growing threat of cybercrime—without needing to be technology experts.

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Staying One Step Ahead: A Review of Antivirus Software and Cybersecurity Tools

By ILESANMI SODIQ A. Cybersecurity Reporter As cyber threats are on the rise, Nigerian students are being told to tighten their online defenses—not just with common sense, but with strong antivirus software and computer protection tools as well. With smartphones, laptops, and tablets becoming central to campus life, cybersecurity experts are appealing to young users to take software security as seriously as they would physical security. "Antivirus software is no longer an option," says Mrs. Florence Dike, a cybersecurity teacher based in Abuja. "Most students give no regard to the threat until their devices have been hit, or until they lose important files, passwords, or money." One of the highest recommended antivirus software for students is Avast Mobile Security, which also has a free version for Android. It scans apps for malware, warns users of suspicious activity, and even helps locate lost phones. For most polytechnic students who use budget Android smartphones, Avast provides a decent mix of protection and performance. Kaspersky Security Cloud is another efficient tool that is becoming increasingly popular. Though it requires a subscription to use all the features, its free version also offers real-time protection and VPN browsing safely. It's especially useful for students who use public Wi-Fi frequently, such as in the school library or hostel common room. For PC users, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition remains a top recommendation. Quick, light, and effective, Bitdefender runs unobtrusively in the background while delivering good protection against viruses, phishing, and ransomware. "It's the kind of tool that does its work behind the scenes but efficiently," Mrs. Dike says. Meanwhile, Apple users are not totally safe either, as most would want to think. While iOS is less susceptible to viruses, iPhone users who are students are still vulnerable to phishing attacks and secure browsing. For this, cybersecurity apps like Lookout Security & Identity Protection are being recommended to iOS users who want to enjoy additional peace of mind. Along with antivirus software, students are also advised to use browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere, which forces websites to utilize encrypted connections, and Privacy Badger, which hinders online trackers. These extensions enhance privacy and prevent companies from collecting users' browser data without any consent. Despite the availability of such tools, the majority of the students are not ready to install them. A few cite limited phone memory or slow internet speed, but others are simply not aware. Cybersecurity experts believe that this lacuna can be addressed only through ongoing sensitization and digital literacy campaigns in universities. "As we do more online—taking classes, submitting assignments, and storing personal documents—it's so important that students stay protected," Mrs. Dike emphasizes. "It only takes one click to lose everything." With free and paid solutions available on the market, there's no excuse to leave devices exposed. On a budget or not, students can now use tools that guard against the growing threat of cybercrime—without needing to be technology experts.

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VPNS AND INTERNET PRIVACY: POTENT ALLY OR HIDDEN THREAT?

By JIMOH BARAKAT A. Cyberguard.buzz Reporter As internet surveillance, data theft, and internet blocking intensify, lots of Nigerians, especially students and young professionals, are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a way to stay safe on the web. But while VPNs have several benefits for access and privacy, cybersecurity professionals warn users to appreciate both the strengths and weaknesses of such technologies. A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, works by hiding a user's IP address and encrypting his/her internet. This makes it difficult for hackers, advertisers, or even the service providers to have any idea what the user is doing online. VPNs are employed by most students to access blocked sites, watch foreign content, or hide their location while they surf. Mr. Tunde Balogun, a lecturer in ICT at an Ogun State polytechnic, states that VPNs are extremely useful, especially in regions where websites are censored. "VPNs help people to access websites like Twitter when they are unavailable," he said. "They also give a level of protection when using public Wi-Fi, which is common in schools and cafes." However, experts warn that VPNs are not a magical solution to all online threats. One major concern is the use of free VPN services, which often come with hidden dangers. Some of these services log user activity and sell data to third parties—defeating the very purpose of using a VPN in the first place. “If you’re not paying for the VPN, chances are you’re the product,” Balogun added. In addition, VPNs have a tendency to slow down internet speed and interfere with certain apps and websites. Some financial websites and video streaming websites recognize VPN use and block it, making it disappointing for individuals who want to experience secure internet browsing. There's also the risk of overconfidence. Most people believe that when they fire up a VPN, they're completely anonymous online. However, cybersecurity experts caution that VPNs won't protect against phishing, malware, or scams that are based on what users do. "VPNs don't stop you from clicking a phishing link or entering your password on a fake site," Balogun said. While the concerns do exist, when used judiciously and with good online practice, VPNs can be hugely beneficial for digital privacy. The experts recommend choosing reputable paid VPN providers, carefully reading the privacy policies, and avoiding services that require inordinate permissions. As more students go online, learning about online tools such as VPNs in terms of security is the secret to ensuring safe online presence. Equipped with the knowledge, online users can take advantage of the possibility of online freedom—without being tricked into false security.

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ONLINE SCAM ALERT: HOW FRAUDSTERS USE INSTAGRAM AND WHATSAPP TO ROB NIGERIANS.

By AKINPELU NAFISAT A., Cyberguard.buzz Reporter Online scams keep increasing, and social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp are quickly becoming instruments used by fraudsters. Across Nigeria, many unsuspecting users—especially students and youths—have fallen victim to elaborately camouflaged scams designed by cybercriminals who impersonate known contacts or businesses. In one of the recent cases explained by one of a student of a polytechnic in Lagos, a fraudster had hijacked her best friend's WhatsApp account and was making frantic appeals for money. "It sounded exactly like her," explained the victim. "She told me she was stranded and that she needed to pay N10,000 to clear a crisis. I never suspected her account was being taken over.". This technique, more commonly referred to as **social engineering**, is the most common approach that fraudsters employ. Once they have gained access to someone's WhatsApp, they take advantage of the victim's contact list by pretending to be the account owner. In most cases, they claim to need money urgently or create fictitious business deals. On Instagram, the scammers have gotten even more creative. The majority of them set up fake business accounts that appear genuine, selling everything from low-cost phones and computers to shoes and clothing. The accounts are saturated with photos, fake customer reviews, and even fake receipts that appear genuine. Once a buyer pays, the scammer disappears—blocking the victim and deleting the account shortly afterward. Digital scam specialist Mr. Ajayi explained social media users are at risk due to their state of mind. "Scammers know that humans make snap decisions on the web. They use bogus urgency, like 'limited offers' or 'emergency situations,' to compel people to make a choice without verifying." Neither WhatsApp groups are spared. The scammers tend to send phishing links informing the users that they have won competitions, scholarships, or jobs. The user is asked to provide their details or even their bank credentials after opening the link, which is then exploited for theft or identity theft. Nigeria Police and security specialists keep warning users not to be so naive while dealing with people online even if they seem like a friend or trusted companies. They also suggest using two-step verification for WhatsApp since it offers an added layer of security to prevent unwanted access. Online scam victims are urged to report the crime to the police and warn others of the risks of dealing with strangers or unknown sellers on the internet. With cybercrime increasing as technology advances, being aware and vigilant is the best defense against becoming the next victim.

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PROTECT YOUR PHONE AGAINST HACKING.

By ADEYANJU FOLASHADE O., Cyberguard.buzz Reporter... As smartphones are becoming more integral to everyday life, students are being advised by experts to be more careful about data theft and phone hacking. Since most young people use their phones for banking, academics, communication, and entertainment, cybercriminals are coming up with new ways of hacking into phones and stealing valuable information. A primary issue is poor phone security. A number of students continue to utilize easy passwords such as "1234" or "0000," which allows intruders to easily unlock their phones. Cybersecurity professionals suggest employing complicated passwords or enabling biometric functions such as fingerprint or facial recognition to improve device security. Another threat is from suspicious links shared on social media and through emails. Hackers typically disguise malicious websites as free gift or scholarship offers. The moment a user clicks on the link, malware can be secretly installed, and hackers can get access to photos, passwords, and even bank apps. Students are advised to be extremely cautious and not click on unfamiliar links or pop-up messages. The practice of downloading apps from external official sources has also promoted phone hacking. Although some students use third-party websites or messaging apps to download applications, experts strongly advise downloading from trusted sources like Google Play Store or Apple's App Store. Most unverified apps are filled with spyware that can secretly monitor user activity. Keeping the phones updated is another important but neglected measure. Regularly updating the software patches security loopholes exploited by hackers. Missing updates leaves your phone vulnerable to new types of cyber-attacks. Public Wi-Fi, which is common in educational institutions and cafes, is also a doorway for hackers. While free internet may be attractive, using unsecured networks compromises individuals to having their data stolen. Cybersecurity specialists advise against opening sensitive information, such as online banking or online purchases, while on public Wi-Fi. Using the internet via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also provide a further layer of protection. Antivirus software, which is easily overlooked, plays a significant role in mobile security. The programs can scan the phones for malware files and alert users to threats in real-time. Popular ones like Avast, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender are available for free download and offer great protection against malware. Lastly, students are encouraged to be careful about who they allow to handle their phones. Allowing strangers or even friends to use personal devices can lead to the downloading of unauthorized applications or the disclosure of personal details. With the growth of cybercrime, especially among young people who are very active online, online security is more important than ever. Students are encouraged to act early to secure their phones and protect their online lives.

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PROTECT YOUR PHONE AGAINST HACKING.

By ADEYANJU FOLASHADE O., Cyberguard.buzz Reporter... As smartphones are becoming more integral to everyday life, students are being advised by experts to be more careful about data theft and phone hacking. Since most young people use their phones for banking, academics, communication, and entertainment, cybercriminals are coming up with new ways of hacking into phones and stealing valuable information. A primary issue is poor phone security. A number of students continue to utilize easy passwords such as "1234" or "0000," which allows intruders to easily unlock their phones. Cybersecurity professionals suggest employing complicated passwords or enabling biometric functions such as fingerprint or facial recognition to improve device security. Another threat is from suspicious links shared on social media and through emails. Hackers typically disguise malicious websites as free gift or scholarship offers. The moment a user clicks on the link, malware can be secretly installed, and hackers can get access to photos, passwords, and even bank apps. Students are advised to be extremely cautious and not click on unfamiliar links or pop-up messages. The practice of downloading apps from external official sources has also promoted phone hacking. Although some students use third-party websites or messaging apps to download applications, experts strongly advise downloading from trusted sources like Google Play Store or Apple's App Store. Most unverified apps are filled with spyware that can secretly monitor user activity. Keeping the phones updated is another important but neglected measure. Regularly updating the software patches security loopholes exploited by hackers. Missing updates leaves your phone vulnerable to new types of cyber-attacks. Public Wi-Fi, which is common in educational institutions and cafes, is also a doorway for hackers. While free internet may be attractive, using unsecured networks compromises individuals to having their data stolen. Cybersecurity specialists advise against opening sensitive information, such as online banking or online purchases, while on public Wi-Fi. Using the internet via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also provide a further layer of protection. Antivirus software, which is easily overlooked, plays a significant role in mobile security. The programs can scan the phones for malware files and alert users to threats in real-time. Popular ones like Avast, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender are available for free download and offer great protection against malware. Lastly, students are encouraged to be careful about who they allow to handle their phones. Allowing strangers or even friends to use personal devices can lead to the downloading of unauthorized applications or the disclosure of personal details. With the growth of cybercrime, especially among young people who are very active online, online security is more important than ever. Students are encouraged to act early to secure their phones and protect their online lives.

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Protect Your Phone Against Hacking

Protect Your Phone Against Hacking: Students Advised to Take Digital Security Seriously By ADEYANJU FOLASHADE O., Cyberguard.buzz Reporter As smartphones are becoming more integral to everyday life, students are being advised by experts to be more careful about data theft and phone hacking. Since most young people use their phones for banking, academics, communication, and entertainment, cybercriminals are coming up with new ways of hacking into phones and stealing valuable information. A primary issue is poor phone security. A number of students continue to utilize easy passwords such as "1234" or "0000," which allows intruders to easily unlock their phones. Cybersecurity professionals suggest employing complicated passwords or enabling biometric functions such as fingerprint or facial recognition to improve device security. Another threat is from suspicious links shared on social media and through emails. Hackers typically disguise malicious websites as free gift or scholarship offers. The moment a user clicks on the link, malware can be secretly installed, and hackers can get access to photos, passwords, and even bank apps. Students are advised to be extremely cautious and not click on unfamiliar links or pop-up messages. The practice of downloading apps from external official sources has also promoted phone hacking. Although some students use third-party websites or messaging apps to download applications, experts strongly advise downloading from trusted sources like Google Play Store or Apple's App Store. Most unverified apps are filled with spyware that can secretly monitor user activity. Keeping the phones updated is another important but neglected measure. Regularly updating the software patches security loopholes exploited by hackers. Missing updates leaves your phone vulnerable to new types of cyber-attacks. Public Wi-Fi, which is common in educational institutions and cafes, is also a doorway for hackers. While free internet may be attractive, using unsecured networks compromises individuals to having their data stolen. Cybersecurity specialists advise against opening sensitive information, such as online banking or online purchases, while on public Wi-Fi. Using the internet via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also provide a further layer of protection. Antivirus software, which is easily overlooked, plays a significant role in mobile security. The programs can scan the phones for malware files and alert users to threats in real-time. Popular ones like Avast, Kaspersky, and Bitdefender are available for free download and offer great protection against malware. Lastly, students are encouraged to be careful about who they allow to handle their phones. Allowing strangers or even friends to use personal devices can lead to the downloading of unauthorized applications or the disclosure of personal details. With the growth of cybercrime, especially among young people who are very active online, online security is more important than ever. Students are encouraged to act early to secure their phones and protect their online lives.