NIMC speaks of data breach allegations

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has refuted the claims of a data breach.

In a statement on Saturday, Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, clarified this.

Recall the rumours that went around claiming that some websites were offering to sell Nigerian people’s data.

The public was reassured by the Commission, though, that the data of Nigerians had not been compromised.

The Commission also cautioned Nigerians not to provide their personal information to unapproved phishing websites.

“The Commission, at this moment, assures the public that the data of Nigerians have not been compromised and the Commission has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) amongst all the identities stated in the report.

“The following websites: idfinder.com.ng; Verify. Ng/sign in, championtech.com.ng.
trustyonline.com and anyverify.com are data harvesters not authorized by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data. NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide.

“Consequently, the public should know that the Commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats- a secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place. The Commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict
compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.

“Furthermore, NIMC advises Nigerians to avoid giving their data to unauthorized and phishing sites. This poses the danger of data harvesting and comprises individual data.

“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations. Moreover, licensed partners or vendors are not authorized to scan or store NIN slips but to verify NINs through approved channels.

“The Commission is currently working closely with security operatives to apprehend these elements masquerading as online vendors, and they will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“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 reads.

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