CBN Alerts Public To Cyber Security Hack Attempts

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a public alert over the spread of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications falsely bearing the identity of the apex bank, warning that the fake materials are designed to hack personal accounts and mislead Nigerians on matters of bank leadership, licensing, and policy.

In a notice signed by Hakama Sidi-Ali (Mrs.), Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the CBN said the fraudulent communications are already in circulation and are prompting recipients to click embedded links — the primary mechanism through which the attackers seek to gain unauthorised access to private accounts and personal data.

The bank laid out three clear directives for members of the public. First, Nigerians are advised to refrain from clicking links or providing personal information on any website they cannot confirm as legitimate.

Second, the it stated that all communications purporting to come from the CBN must be verified through the bank’s sole official website — www.cbn.gov.ng — or through recognised media organisations. Third, anyone who encounters a suspected fraudulent site, email, or message is urged to report it to law enforcement authorities without delay.

“The CBN remains fully committed to safeguarding the Nigerian financial system and continues to strengthen its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect the public against digital fraud.”

The statement did not name any suspects or specify the platforms carrying the fraudulent messages.

The CBN reiterated that www.cbn.gov.ng remains its only official web address, and urged Nigerians to treat any communication from an alternative source with suspicion until independently verified.