Remember those fake FRSC fine messages that circulated recently? People received texts claiming they had unpaid traffic fines, complete with official-looking payment links. What made it particularly alarming was that even people who did not own cars received the messages.
But the real lesson goes beyond that particular scam. Two of the most common cyber threats were at play, and every Nigerian business needs to understand them.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative observed every year to help individuals and organisations understand cyber threats and take steps to stay protected. Started in 2004, it has grown into a worldwide effort backed by governments, businesses, and security professionals. This year’s theme centres on four core behaviours: using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, recognising phishing, and keeping software updated. At Casper Technologies, we are using this month to share the knowledge that keeps Nigerian businesses safer online.
Spoofing: The Disguise
Spoofing is how scammers pretend to be trusted sources. They imitate an organisation’s name, logo, email address, or website to make a fake message look completely genuine. In the FRSC example, the messages were designed to look like official government communications, right down to the language and branding.
Phishing: The Trap
Phishing is how they get you to take the bait. Once the disguise is in place, the next step is to pressure you into action. That might mean clicking a link, revealing sensitive information, or making a payment. The aim is to exploit your trust before you stop to question the request.
Together, spoofing and phishing form a two-step attack. One creates the illusion, the other exploits it.
This Happens at Work Too
It is easy to think of these scams as something that only affects individuals on social media. But these same tactics are used against businesses every day. Imagine receiving an email that looks like it came from your CEO, a trusted supplier, or Microsoft 365, asking you to approve a transfer, share login credentials, or click a link to update your account.
Would your team spot the warning signs before clicking? For many businesses, the honest answer is probably not. And that is not a reflection of intelligence. It is a reflection of how sophisticated these attacks have become.
Awareness training changes that. At Casper Technologies, we help employees recognise attack tactics, question unusual requests, and respond more safely.
The Rule to Remember
Before clicking a link, sharing information, or making a payment, ask yourself:
When in doubt, pick up the phone and confirm directly with the person or organisation.
Protect your business before it is too late.
We help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity through employee awareness training, the right security solutions, and ongoing support.