DataSlid Software's Mission for World Cybersecurity Awareness Month
In October 2025, as part of World Cybersecurity Awareness Month, DataSlid Software visited Great Generation Cambridge School in Osogbo, Osun State, to conduct a free cybersecurity awareness session focused on phishing scams and information theft through "free" online offers.
The Growing Threat: Free Baits and Phishing in Nigeria
Nigerian students are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals using "free" offers as bait. These scams promise free data, airtime, streaming subscriptions, or prizes to steal personal information, passwords, and money.
During our session at Great Generation Cambridge School, we addressed the most common threats students face daily.
Common Scams We Covered
Free Data and Airtime Scams
Messages claiming to offer free data packages from MTN, Airtel, or Glo are widespread on WhatsApp and Facebook. When students click these links and enter their phone numbers, criminals harvest their contact lists, install malware, or drain mobile money accounts.
Fake School Portals
Phishing emails that mimic official school communications trick students into entering their login credentials on fake websites. These stolen passwords give criminals access to student accounts and personal information.
Social Media Account Theft
Scammers create fake pages offering free followers, verification badges, or likes. Students who enter their Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook credentials lose their accounts, which are then used to scam their friends and family.
Fake Scholarship and Grant Websites
Websites claiming to offer scholarships, government grants, or JAMB materials require payment of "processing fees" or request sensitive documents like BVN and bank details. These are designed to steal both money and identity information.
What We Taught: Five Essential Rules
Rule 1: Question Every "Free" Offer
If something valuable is offered for free online, there's always a hidden cost. That cost is usually your personal information, account access, or money.
Rule 2: Never Click Links in Unexpected Messages
Legitimate companies don't send unsolicited links requesting personal information. Always navigate to official websites directly by typing the URL yourself.
Rule 3: Protect Your Passwords
Never share passwords or enter them on websites reached through random links. Use different passwords for different accounts and enable two-factor authentication.
Rule 4: Recognize Warning Signs
Phishing attempts often contain poor grammar, create false urgency, request unnecessary information, or come from suspicious addresses.
Rule 5: Verify Before Acting
When in doubt, contact the organization directly through official channels before clicking any link or providing information.
Real Impact in Osogbo
Students at DAYSTAR PRIVATE SCHOOLS shared their experiences with cybercrimes. Many had clicked on fake links, lost money, or had their accounts compromised. Our awareness session equipped them with the knowledge to identify and avoid these threats.
Why This Matters for Nigerian Schools
Nigeria loses billions of naira annually to cybercrime. Much of this crime succeeds because of a lack of awareness. Students are particularly vulnerable because they're active online but often lack the knowledge to identify sophisticated scams.
Cybercriminals exploit our desire for free opportunities and our trust in official-looking communications. Education is the most effective defense against these attacks.
DataSlid Software's Commitment
At DataSlid Software, we build secure digital solutions for Nigerian businesses. We see the damage cyberattacks cause daily. This is why we're committed to preventing these attacks through education.
Our visit to Great Generation Cambridge School in Osogbo is part of our larger mission to provide free cybersecurity awareness training to schools across Nigeria. We believe every Nigerian student deserves to navigate the digital world safely.
Partner With Us
DataSlid Software offers free cybersecurity awareness training to schools across Nigeria. If your school is interested in protecting students from online threats, contact us to schedule a session.
Together, we can create a generation of digitally aware Nigerians who know how to protect themselves online.
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