Safer Internet Day was marked globally on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, an annual event, held every second Tuesday in February, focused on promoting safer and more responsible use of digital technology for children and adults.
In Nigeria, the message carries more weight because internet penetration has surged in recent years, with more than 103 million users recorded by late 2025.
With banking, shopping and social interaction moving online, cyber criminals are following at the same pace.
Data from Interpol show that phishing and online scams are the most common cyber threats across Africa. Nigeria ranks among the top three countries affected, largely due to rapid digital adoption that has overtaken security awareness.
Financial institutions regularly report heavy losses linked to online fraud. Today, attackers are no longer focusing only on corporate systems. They are targeting everyday devices, smartphones, laptops and even home Wi-Fi routers.
How Phones Are Being Targeted
Smartphones are prime targets because they store personal data, banking apps and social media accounts. For many Nigerians, the phone is the main gateway to the internet.
Mobile banking fraud accounts for a large share of reported cyber incidents. Fraud attempts have risen alongside the growth of digital payment platforms.
Criminals use fake apps, deceptive pop-ups and bogus software updates to trick users into installing malicious programs.
Some of these apps imitate trusted banking or shopping platforms. Once installed, they steal login details or secretly install malware.
Phishing messages remain widespread. Fraudsters send emails or text messages posing as banks, telecom providers or even friends. These messages often create panic or urgency, urging victims to click a link or share a one-time password.
SMS phishing, known as smishing, and SIM-swap fraud have become common in Nigeria. In many cases, victims lose access to their mobile lines, giving criminals a pathway into their bank accounts.
How Laptops Are Being Attacked
Laptops face similar risks, usually through email attachments or infected downloads. A single click on a compromised file can introduce ransomware or spyware into a system.
Email continues to be a key channel for phishing. Attackers disguise malicious attachments as invoices, job offers or official notices. Once opened, the malware can steal sensitive data or lock files until a ransom is paid.
Public Wi-Fi networks add another layer of risk. In cafes, airports and shared workspaces, unsecured connections can allow attackers to intercept data through what experts call “man-in-the-middle” attacks. Passwords, emails and financial information can be exposed without the user knowing.
Remote work and online learning are expanding across urban centres in Nigeria, and more people are connecting from outside secure home networks, increasing their vulnerability.
Why Wi-Fi Routers Are a Major Target
Wi-Fi routers are constantly overlooked, but they connect every device in a home or office. Once compromised, a router can give criminals access to all traffic passing through it.
Research by Broadband Genie indicates that about 86% of users do not change their router’s default administrator password. Default logins such as “admin” are widely known and easy to exploit.
Router breaches can be difficult to detect. Attackers may quietly monitor internet traffic, redirect users to fake websites or spread malware to connected devices. In some cases, compromised routers are added to botnets used for larger cyber attacks.
In Nigeria, where many households rely on basic router setups, a single weak password can expose phones, laptops and other smart devices on the same network.
Staying Safe Online
Cybersecurity experts say simple steps can reduce exposure to these threats.
For smartphones, users are advised to download apps only from official stores such as Google Play and the App Store. Avoid clicking unknown links, enable two-factor authentication and keep devices updated.
Laptop users should install reputable security software, avoid suspicious downloads and refrain from conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi without additional protection. Strong, unique passwords remain essential.
For routers, changing default login details is critical. Remote management features should be disabled if not needed, and firmware updates installed regularly.
Safer Internet Day reminds us that online safety is not only a government or corporate responsibility and everyday habits can make the difference between staying secure and becoming a victim.
