NITDA Issues Urgent Warning on QR Code Scams … advise Nigerians A to Exercise Caution

By Iyojo Ameh

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has raised a red flag concerning QR code scams, urging Nigerians to be extra cautious when scanning QR codes due to a notable increase in fraudulent activities orchestrated by scammers.

In a recent advisory posted on its official channels, NITDA alerted the public to the escalating trend of scammers exploiting QR codes for various fraudulent schemes, ranging from phishing scams to payment fraud and identity theft.

QR codes, known for their convenience in storing URLs and other information accessible via smartphone cameras, have unfortunately become a breeding ground for cybercriminal activities.

NITDA’s advisory serves as a wake-up call for users to exercise heightened vigilance before scanning QR codes, stressing the importance of taking preemptive measures to mitigate the risks associated with cyber scams.

According to NITDA, scammers employ sophisticated tactics to execute their illicit activities through QR codes. These tactics include generating deceptive codes that lead unsuspecting users to malicious websites or applications, initiating unauthorized transactions, embedding malware or data-stealing scripts, and harvesting personal information for nefarious purposes.

To safeguard against these threats, NITDA recommends several proactive measures, including exercising caution when scanning QR codes from unfamiliar sources, verifying the legitimacy of codes and associated links before scanning, and using reputable QR code scanning apps equipped with robust security features.

Additionally, keeping devices updated with the latest antivirus software and security patches is crucial to fortify defenses against potential cyber threats.

With cybersecurity experts warning of an impending surge in insider threats driven by the malicious exploitation of artificial intelligence in 2024, NITDA underscores the urgent need to bolster cybersecurity infrastructure.

This entails investing in advanced security technologies and enhancing the skills of cybersecurity personnel to effectively combat evolving cyber threats and safeguard the digital ecosystem.