NIMC Identifies Websites Harvesting Nigerians’ Data Illegally
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has flagged five websites accused of harvesting Nigerians’ data fraudulently.
This development follows a recent alert by Paradigm Initiative about websites allegedly selling sensitive data, including National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and International Passport information.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, urged the public to avoid engaging with these websites and to be cautious about sharing personal information.
“NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent. Data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide,” the statement read.
Contrary to claims by Paradigm Initiative, NIMC assured Nigerians that their sensitive data has not been compromised.
The Commission emphasized that it has implemented measures to further strengthen the NIN database.
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“At this moment, the Commission assures the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised. The Commission has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) or other identities stated in the report,” Adegoke added.
The Commission highlighted its commitment to safeguarding the national database against cyber threats, maintaining that its infrastructure complies with the ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard.
This compliance is reaffirmed through annual recertifications and adherence to the Nigerian Data Protection Law.
NIMC also advised Nigerians to be cautious of unauthorized and phishing sites, which pose significant risks of data harvesting and potential misuse.
The Commission reiterated its dedication to ethical data protection practices, in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations.
Further, NIMC is collaborating with security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals posing as online vendors involved in illegal activities.
“NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets,” the statement concluded.
The Commission reassured Nigerians of its continued efforts to ensure the security and integrity of their personal data, urging them to stay informed through official channels.
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