…Ogunsan: Cybersecurity Begins with You as Experts Lead Statewide Campaign Against Online Threats
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Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has intensified efforts to promote digital safety among residents as cybersecurity experts warned that an informed and vigilant public remains the strongest defence against the growing threat of cybercrime.
The warning was issued during the maiden edition of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV) Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, held virtually on Saturday, July 18, 2026, via YouTube.
The campaign, designed to strengthen digital resilience among Lagos residents, brought together security professionals, cybersecurity specialists and technology experts who educated participants on practical ways to safeguard their digital identities, prevent online fraud and navigate the internet safely.
With cybercrime becoming increasingly sophisticated and identity theft, phishing attacks and online financial scams on the rise, experts emphasised that cybersecurity is no longer solely a responsibility of technology systems but requires active participation from every individual.
Speaking during the programme, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, stressed that modern security must extend beyond physical protection to include safeguarding citizens in the digital space.
He noted that criminals now exploit cyberspace to cause financial and personal harm, making digital awareness a critical component of public safety.
“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. Every Lagos resident must become security conscious both offline and online. Cybersecurity begins with you; protect your digital identity before criminals get to you,” Ogunsan stated.
The LSSTF boss added that the Fund’s commitment to security goes beyond supporting law enforcement agencies with equipment and resources, noting that empowering citizens with knowledge remains a key strategy in preventing crime.
“Our investment in security is also about building informed communities. An educated citizen is far more difficult for criminals, whether on the streets or online, to exploit. Prevention will always remain the first victory against crime,” he said.
The State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, explained that the initiative was developed in response to the rising cases of cybercrime affecting individuals, businesses and institutions across Nigeria.
He said the campaign aims to equip residents with the skills required to identify cyber threats early and adopt safer online practices.
According to him, the increasing dependence on digital platforms has created new opportunities for criminals, making cybersecurity education essential for everyone.
Delivering the keynote presentation titled “Staying Safe in the Digital World,” cybersecurity consultant, Mrs. Oluwabamise Soile-Oyediran, urged young people and internet users to understand that activities carried out online have real-world consequences.
She explained that every online interaction contributes to an individual’s digital identity, warning that careless sharing of personal information can expose users to cyber threats.
“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 protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including phone numbers, email addresses, locations, financial details and social media profiles, while discouraging excessive sharing of personal information online.
Soile-Oyediran also encouraged users to adopt stronger cybersecurity habits, including the use of unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, careful review of application permissions, verification of websites before submitting information and caution when responding to unsolicited messages.
Another cybersecurity expert, Mr. Meshole Emmanuel, highlighted common fraud techniques used by cybercriminals, including fake bank alerts, phishing messages, WhatsApp hijacking, cloned social media accounts and fraudulent loan applications.
He warned that criminals often exploit trust, urgency and emotions to deceive victims, urging Nigerians to always verify information before taking action.
“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 cautioned.
Emmanuel advised participants to verify transactions directly through banking applications, avoid sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), scrutinise website links and be cautious of mobile applications requesting unnecessary access to personal information.
Participants at the virtual campaign commended the initiative, describing it as timely and practical, particularly amid the increasing sophistication of online scams targeting individuals and organisations.
Through the LSSTF-CACCOV Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, Lagos State continues to expand its security approach by combining traditional crime prevention measures with digital literacy, empowering residents to become active partners in creating a safer and more secure society.
