LSSTF Launches Statewide Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, Urges Lagos Residents to Protect Digital Identity
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), through its Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (CACCOV), has launched a statewide cybersecurity awareness campaign, urging residents to take greater responsibility for protecting their digital identities amid the growing threat of cybercrime, online fraud and identity theft.
As cybercriminals deploy increasingly sophisticated tactics to target individuals, businesses and public institutions, cybersecurity experts have emphasised that the most effective defence against digital threats is an informed and vigilant public.
This was the central message at the maiden edition of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV) Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, held virtually via YouTube on Saturday.
The awareness programme forms part of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund's broader public security enlightenment initiatives aimed at strengthening digital resilience and promoting safe online practices among residents, particularly young people.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said the evolving nature of crime requires governments to safeguard citizens not only in physical spaces but also in cyberspace.
"Security has evolved beyond protecting physical spaces. Today, safeguarding our digital identities is equally important because criminals no longer need to confront their victims physically before causing devastating harm," Ogunsan said.
He stressed that every Lagos resident must become security-conscious both offline and online.
"Cybersecurity begins with you. Protect your digital identity before a criminal gets to you," he added.
According to Ogunsan, the Trust Fund's commitment extends beyond providing equipment for security agencies to empowering citizens with knowledge that can prevent crime.
"Our investment in security goes beyond supporting law enforcement agencies. We are equally committed to building informed communities because an educated citizen is far more difficult for criminals, whether on the streets or on the internet, to exploit. Prevention will always remain the first victory against crime," he said.
The State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, said the campaign was conceived in response to the rising cases of cybercrime across Nigeria.
He cited data indicating that more than 119,000 data breaches were recorded in 2025, with billions of naira lost to cyber fraud and identity theft.
"The internet has created tremendous opportunities, but it has also created new avenues for criminals. This programme is designed to ensure that Lagos residents can identify cyber fraud, protect their identities and navigate the digital space safely," Oladimeji said.
Delivering the keynote address titled "Staying Safe in the Digital World," cybersecurity consultant Mrs. Oluwabamise Soile-Oyediran challenged the misconception that online activities are separate from real life.
She explained that every online action contributes to an individual's digital identity and warned against the careless exposure of personal information.
"The internet is real life in a digital environment. Everything you share online becomes part of your digital identity, and that identity can be exploited if you fail to protect it," she said.
She advised participants to safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including names, phone numbers, email addresses, biometrics, bank details and location data, while urging them to avoid oversharing on social media.
Soile-Oyediran also encouraged internet users to review application permissions regularly, disable unnecessary access to cameras, microphones and location services, use strong and unique passwords, activate multi-factor authentication and verify website security before submitting sensitive information.
Cybersecurity educator Mr. Meshole Emmanuel also highlighted common online fraud tactics, including phishing emails, fake bank alerts, WhatsApp hijacking, cloned social media accounts and fraudulent loan applications.
He warned that cybercriminals often exploit urgency and trust to manipulate victims.
"If an attacker has your phone number, account details or personal information, the first question you should ask yourself is: what can they do with it? That simple question can save you from becoming a victim," he said.
Emmanuel advised Nigerians to verify transactions directly through their banking applications rather than relying on screenshots or SMS notifications.
"Artificial intelligence can generate convincing payment receipts within seconds, but it cannot create money inside your bank account," he cautioned.
He further urged the public never to disclose one-time passwords (OTPs), ignore unsolicited requests for verification codes, carefully examine website addresses before clicking links and avoid downloading applications that request excessive access to personal data.
Speakers also underscored the importance of digital discipline, urging parents to protect their children's online privacy, limit the amount of personal information shared on social media and educate family members on emerging cyber threats.
Participants described the interactive campaign as timely and practical, noting that it provided valuable guidance for navigating an increasingly complex digital environment.
The initiative reflects the Lagos State Government's broader strategy of complementing conventional policing with public education, equipping residents with the knowledge needed to protect themselves against cyber threats in an increasingly connected world.
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