Cybercrime: Don't Share Link From Unknown Source To Other Users Without Verifying Its Source

As part of his unwavering commitment to informing and educating the public about the lasting solution to cyber crimes, the publisher of Internet Safety Magazine, Rotimi Onadipe, has cautioned users not to post or share any link sent to them without verifying its source

Onadipe issued the warning statement on Saturday during the 119th edition of his weekly broadcast on internet security, which took place at the headquarters of Internet Safety Magazine, Ibadan in Oyo State.

According to him, "Many internet users ignorantly contribute to the increase in cyber crimes because they post and share malicious link to other users with verifying its source, making them to fall victim to different kinds of cyber crimes.

Onadipe noted that in many cases, it's not that the users intentionally send malicious link to other internet users, but they don't border to find out if the link is from genuine source or from cyber criminals that are searching for vulnerable users.

The online safety advocate emphasised the importance of educating all internet users about the tricks of cyber criminals and how to avoid them. He stressed that users should always take the time to find out the source of any link sent to them before posting it on social media or sending it to others through direct message.

He said: "Cyber criminals send thousands of malicious links every hour in order to get as many victims as possible. I have also received the link through my email, text message and social media accounts on several occasions but I never clicked on it or sent it to anyone so as not to put myself or anyone in trouble.

"Many internet users are yet to be informed that cyber criminals have created several Apps and links purposely to steal money, personal and sensitive information belonging to unsuspecting users.

"Posting or sharing unknown or unverified link with others without verifying its source will surely increase their vulnerability to identify theft, computer virus attacks, email hacking, password hacking, social media account hijacking, internet fraud and other online dangers.

"Cybercrime prevention is not the work of only anti-cybercrime organisations and security agencies. Cybercrime is a global challenge that involves everyone regardless of age, sex, status, tribe or location. To win the war against cybercrime, all hands must be on deck. We must be prepared to protect ourselves online at all cost.

"I am aware there are some internet users that have volunteered themselves to be promoting online safety education by sharing online safety tips to others through internet and different social media platforms. This is a very good development and I want to encourage you to keep doing it. Please I want you to also encourage others to do so because one of the sure ways by which we can prevent cyber crimes is to increase people's awareness about online safety tips," Onadipe added.

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