Hackers Breach Zenith Bank Database, Compromise Customers’ Information

Hackers have breached the database of Zenith Bank, compromising limited customer information in what the lender described as part of a broader global cyberattack targeting organisations across multiple sectors.

The bank disclosed the incident in an email to customers on Tuesday, saying the attackers gained access to limited customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers.

Zenith Bank, however, assured customers that no sensitive banking information was compromised, stressing that its banking services, digital channels and core systems remain secure and fully operational.

According to the bank, the cyberattack prompted the immediate activation of its incident response protocols and other cybersecurity measures, while investigations into the breach are ongoing.

“As a precaution, we encourage our customers to remain vigilant against phishing emails, text messages or phone calls, and to never disclose their password, PIN, One-Time Password (OTP), or other security credentials to anyone,” the bank said.

The lender reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding customers’ information and thanked customers for their continued trust, adding that it is working to determine the full scope of the incident.

The breach is the latest cyber incident involving a Nigerian financial institution.

The latest incident also comes months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) warned Nigerians about increasing cyberattack attempts by fraudsters seeking to gain access to personal and financial information.

The apex bank said cybercriminals were circulating fraudulent emails and messages falsely claiming to originate from the CBN in an attempt to deceive members of the public.

According to the regulator, the fake communications typically urge recipients to click malicious links while spreading false information about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities and policy decisions to steal personal information.

The Zenith Bank breach underscores the growing cybersecurity threats facing Nigeria’s financial sector, as banks continue to strengthen their digital defences against increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals while urging customers to remain vigilant against phishing and other online scams.