Nigerian banks have moved to reassure customers that their deposits and digital banking services remain secure following a sophisticated global cyber campaign that targeted organisations across multiple countries and industries. The attacks, which struck more than 35 organisations worldwide, were not specifically aimed at Nigeria or its banking sector, according to industry sources.
Incident Response Activated
Lenders swiftly activated incident response protocols and collaborated with regulators, law enforcement agencies, and international cybersecurity partners to strengthen their defences. The sources confirmed that the attacks formed part of a broader worldwide campaign, not a targeted assault on Nigeria's financial institutions.
The campaign has affected sectors including telecommunications, healthcare, government, energy, technology, and corporate registries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Industry sources, citing data from cybersecurity firm Check Point, revealed that cyber-attacks on the global financial sector surged by 115% last year, with financial institutions facing thousands of attempted intrusions weekly.
Banking System Remains Resilient
Despite the wave of attacks, Nigerian banks reported that all services continued to operate without disruption. The sources stated: "The nation's financial system remains strong, resilient and secure. The system is safe, deposits are secure, and the institutions entrusted with the nation's savings remain watchful and prepared."
They added that lenders had invested heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure over the years to protect customer data, digital platforms, and financial assets. While acknowledging that no organisation can guarantee complete immunity from cyber-attacks, the sources emphasised that the industry's strength lies in its rapid and effective response capabilities.
Customer Vigilance Urged
The banking industry called for calm but urged customers to remain vigilant, warning that fraudsters may exploit fears surrounding the cyber threats. Banks advised customers not to share sensitive information such as passwords, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), One-Time Passwords (OTPs), card details, or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) over the phone or through unsolicited messages.
Customers were also cautioned against opening suspicious emails, clicking unfamiliar links, or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Anyone noticing unusual account activity should report it immediately via official customer care channels, mobile apps, websites, or branch offices.
Zenith Bank Confirms Cyberattack
Earlier, Zenith Bank confirmed that hackers gained unauthorised access to part of its database, exposing limited customer information in a cyberattack linked to the wider global campaign. The lender reassured customers that their money remains safe, stressing that its banking systems, digital channels, and financial services were not compromised.
In an email sent to customers on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Zenith Bank disclosed that attackers accessed limited customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers. The bank urged customers to remain alert and follow security guidelines to protect their accounts.
