An information technology expert, Jide Awe, has raised concerns about the increasing sophistication of AI-driven cybercrime.

Mr Awe, an innovation and technology policy advisor, cautioned against the evolution of artificial intelligence-driven cyber threats in an interview on Monday, as they become more integrated into daily life.

He said that individuals, companies, and governments should adopt proactive measures to safeguard against potential attacks.

The IT expert noted that while AI would not directly bypass security features like WhatsApp’s two-step verification, it was being used by attackers to create more convincing phishing scams, voice impersonations, and brute-force password attempts.

According to him, to combat these evolving threats, it is important to focus on fundamental cybersecurity practices.

‘’Online users should consistently use strong, unique passwords, which should ideally be managed by a password manager. Enabling robust two-factor authentication (2FA) for all critical accounts is also crucial.

‘’Keeping operating systems and applications up-to-date ensures that the latest security patches are in place. Cybersecurity is a constantly moving target, so you can’t afford to go to sleep,” Mr Awe said.

He also recommended installing reputable antivirus or security protection software on all devices and regularly backing up data as a general best practice.

Mr Awe advised exercising caution when clicking on suspicious links or downloading unverified applications. He urged users to verify links before opening them and to carefully review app permissions on mobile devices, removing any unnecessary access.

‘’Protecting devices with strong PINs or biometric authentication is also essential,’’ he said.

Mr Awe said that in this era of AI-generated voice scams, verifying requests for sensitive information received via voice calls or messages through alternative, offline methods had become a necessity.

“Staying informed about emerging security threats and being vigilant for warning signs such as urgent requests or unusual emotional appeals in messages are also vital steps in self-protection. I also encourage individuals to consider taking basic cybersecurity courses to enhance their awareness and knowledge,” Mr Awe stressed.

Mr Awe recommended enabling device encryption and utilising ‘Find My Device’ and remote wipe features. According to him, when using public WiFi networks, employing a virtual private network is a prudent measure.

He said that urgent or desperate calls and messages should always be verified through physical or other reliable means before taking any action. He also advised that downloads should be approached with caution, recommending that users check reviews, ratings, and requested permissions before installing any apps or files.

The expert said that sharing personal information online should be limited to what was strictly necessary and only on websites that prioritised data security.

He added that, importantly, storing PINs or passwords in plain text notes on devices should be avoided.

According to him, while Nigeria currently lacks comprehensive legislation specifically regulating AI, the Draft National AI Strategy (April 2024) outlines plans for the ethical and responsible use of AI.

(NAN)