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Nigerian Hackers Break into Bank System, Steal N6Bn

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A group of criminals aided by an insider gained access to a bank’s computers, stealing a jaw-dropping sum. How did they do it?

According to Weekly Trust, Godswill Oyegwa Uyoyou worked in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department of a new generation bank but is currently on the run, as the fair-skinned 38-year-old is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a case of fraud involving N6.28billion.

 He allegedly conspired with others and hacked into the bank’s computers, disbursing the funds to various accounts as they pleased.

Oyoyou, who hails from Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, is said to have carried out the massive heist over a short period of time.

Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC spokesman, told Weekly Trust that the operation was carried out not only by Oyoyou, but an entire syndicate. 

“They most likely got through to [Uyoyou] because he’s an IT person in the bank, he said, adding that on one Saturday, he took the ‘cyber gang’ to the bank under the pretext that he was going to carry out some maintenance work, allowing them access to hardware, and they commenced to penetrate the bank’s database.

Ujwujaren said they then increased the balances of some accounts. Sources told us that no culprits have been arrested yet and the spokesman said “The matter is still under investigation.”

He added that he couldn’t talk about the specific location where the crime was carried out, because it will jeopardise the investigation.

But banking industry sources said  that it is an Abuja branch of a new generation bank. 

Uwujaren said the thieves have not withdrawn the entire sum stated. “It was in the process of withdrawing some of the money that they were caught,” he said, adding that some of the criminals are being tracked.

This is not the first time the EFCC – with a mechanism to check similar crimes – has been faced with such an issue. “There was a report from the bank,” Uwujaren said.

“It can happen to any establishment. It’s not a matter of new or old generation bank,” he added.

Weekly Trust probed further, to the last known address of suspect Uyoyou as advertised by the EFCC on newspapers announcing him wanted. At Balogun Akarutu Street, off Tijani Salako, Ile Epo, Ashamu Estate, Ejigbo, Lagos, where Uyoyou claimed to be living, there were two houses labelled as 7a and 7b.

The probe at No. 7a revealed that there was nobody by such a name living in any of the flats on the premises. Similarly, a shop-owner at No. 7b who also resides in the main house alleged that there was nobody known by such a name in any of the flats.

Another resident, a lady in 7a, also alleged that they did not have a banker for a neighbour.

Upon visiting the premises labelled 7a, Weekly Trust discovered that the house in question has about four rooms and parlour, best-described as studio flats and all seemed to be occupied.

It also housed a small uncompleted structure in front of these flats, fenced around with a big red gate. 

The heist by Uyoyou and Co. is just the latest in a string of major cyber-theft jobs. Figures released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) show that the nation’s banking sector has lost over N20 billion through internet fraud in 2013 alone. In September of the same year, undergraduates of a Nigerian federal university infamously defrauded Union Bank Plc to the tune of N2 billion.

On the legislative side of things, in 2011 Hon. Bassey Etim sponsored a Cyber Security Bill to safeguard banks and their clients’ funds.

A 15-member cybercrime committee with representation from both government and private sector, was set up with the task of designing solutions for Nigerian internet-based fraud and cybercrime. Upon their deliberations, a ‘Draft Cybercrime Act to the President’, with the committee forming the Nigerian Cybercrime Working Group (NCWG), in order to accelerate the implementation of its Cybercrime research efforts, and to assist the Nigerian National Assembly in the quick passage of a Cybercrime Bill. So far, this is yet to become law.

A 2011 annual report of the CBN revealed: “There were 2,527 reported cases of attempted fraud or forgery, involving N29.5 billion, as against 5,960 cases involving N19.7 billion and N3.1billion (US$19.2 million) in 2010.” The report said they were tech-driven crimes, or attempts.


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NAICOM Signs Agreement with NDPC on Data Protection in Insurance Sector

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The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has signed agreement with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) with the aim of enhancing data protection within the insurance sector.

According to NAICOM, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has as its objectives training and capacity building in the area of providing training to enhance awareness and skills in data protection, establishing privacy clinics by setting up specialised clinics to address data protection concerns and provide guidance.

NAICOM said other objectives of the agreement include conducting compliance activities, regularly monitoring and enforcing compliance with data protection regulations, promoting awareness in the area of educating insurance companies on the importance of data protection and the benefits of adhering to best practices.

Developing data protection guidelines through creation of specialized guidelines for insurance institutions to ensure they are equipped to handle data protection responsibilities effectively.

NAICOM said the collaboration marked a significant milestone in safeguarding the personal data of insurance policyholders and promoting trust in the insurance sector.

The commission said to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement, an implementation committee would be established. The committee, the commission said, would comprise of representatives from the two agencies, as well as other key industry associations, including the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

 


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5 Benefits of MTN Mobile Ads for your Business

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Businesses worldwide are increasingly embracing mobile advertising services, allowing them to connect with potential customers directly on their smartphones and engage with them more effectively.

This trend is rapidly gaining momentum, and companies in Nigeria are also taking part in this shift.

Every day, more Nigerian businesses are seeking the most efficient strategies to reach their target audiences and convert them into loyal customers.

MTN Nigeria is redefining digital advertisement with MTN Mobile Ads. With a rich customer base of 79.5 million subscribers in Nigeria, MTN Mobile Ads continues to help businesses reach millions of customers nationwide.

Here are five reasons you should use MTN Mobile Ads for your business advertisements:
Targeted marketing

MTN Mobile Ads uses first party data to enable specific targeting of audience based on behaviour, interests and demographic. This ensures that your marketing efforts are directed toward the most relevant audiences, thereby increasing engagement and conversion.

Data-Driven Insights:

Businesses can gain valuable insights from their advertising campaigns, allowing them to fine-tune their strategies for maximum impact. This data-driven approach helps in optimizing campaigns based on real user behaviour and preferences

Diverse advertising formats

This service supports several advertising formats including targeted SMS, marketplace listing on the MyMTN app, display banners, and Rich messaging services (RCS) across both mobile and web platforms. This versatility allows your business to customize your marketing strategy to suit different audience preferences and increase engagement opportunities.

Data-free solutions

MTN Mobile Advertising provides data-free solutions. That means users can view your Ads with or without data. This feature significantly increases engagement rate as it allows your business connect with customers who may have been avoiding ads to save their data.

Cost-effective

With MTN Mobile Ads, you can choose an advertising plan that suits your budget. This flexibility allows businesses to enjoy the benefits of advertising without overspending.

As competition in businesses increase, the need to make advertising a crucial part of your marketing strategy cannot be over-emphasized.

MTN’s Mobile advertising services are the most result-oriented strategy your business should engage in so you can have the same opportunities your competitors may have.


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Zuckerberg’s Mar-a-Lago Meeting with Trump: What It Means for Tech

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Billionaire Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg met Wednesday with incoming US president Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, the latest sign of the Meta chief’s warming up to the president-elect ahead of his second term.

“It’s an important time for the future of American Innovation. Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming Administration,” a Meta spokesperson told CNN.

Politico was first to report Zuckerberg was spotted at Mar-a-Lago. It was not immediately known what the two discussed.

Zuckerberg was in touch with Trump in the months leading up to the election, according to a New York Times report. After the assassination attempt on Trump’s life in July, Zuckerberg told Bloomberg that Trump standing back up and pumping his fist in the air was “one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen in my life.”

In a book released this summer, Trump accused the Meta chief of “plotting” against him and threatened Zuckerberg with “life in prison” if he did “anything illegal” during the election.

“We are watching him closely,” Trump wrote, “and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison — as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election.”

In an interview on Wednesday night on Fox News, Trump adviser Stephen Miller confirmed the meeting and said Zuckerberg “has been very clear about this desire to be a supporter of and a participant in this change that we’re seeing all around America all around the world, this reform movement Donald Trump is leading“


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