In a significant move to address Nigeria's growing digital security challenges, a local cybersecurity company has unveiled a new platform aimed squarely at the rampant issues of phone theft and device fraud.
Veriphye: A Digital Shield for Nigeria's Mobile Ecosystem
Hexaguard Limited, a Nigerian cybersecurity firm, announced its commitment to tackling cyber insecurity through its newly launched platform, Veriphye. The firm expressed deep concern over the high rate of insecurity in the country's cyberspace, pinpointing mobile device theft as a critical and widespread problem.
The company highlighted that thousands of mobile devices are stolen every year across Nigeria's major cities. This thriving black market for stolen phones exposes millions of users to serious risks, including financial loss, data breaches, and identity theft. A major contributing factor is the lack of proper documentation, with millions of devices changing hands monthly without any verified ownership checks, creating vast security gaps.
How the Veriphye Platform Works
Veriphye is designed as a data-backed digital verification and ownership protection system. It aims to serve as a critical layer of national digital safety infrastructure. The platform is built with bank-level security and integrates nationwide IMEI intelligence, encrypted ownership transfers, and an expanding verification registry.
Key features of the platform include:
- Instant IMEI validation to check a device's status.
- Time-stamped digital records of ownership history.
- Real-time alerts for stolen devices across the network.
- A secure ownership transfer system requiring authentication from both buyer and seller.
For businesses and merchants, Veriphye offers tools like bulk verification, inventory management, and analytics dashboards. The platform's founders—Azeez Rasaq, Ridhwan Oladejo, and Tunji Owoseni—envision it as the single source of truth for mobile device legitimacy in Nigeria. It complies with local data protection regulations and uses end-to-end encryption to safeguard user information.
Expansion Plans and Broader Impact
Looking beyond mobile phones, Hexaguard has disclosed plans to expand Veriphye's capabilities into other sectors. A Vehicle Verification Module is set to launch soon, which will allow users to verify vehicles using VINs, check theft status, and review ownership histories, mirroring the platform's approach for mobile devices.
Speaking on the platform's launch, co-founder Azeez Rasaq emphasized its importance for Nigeria's digital economy. He stated that for the first time, Nigerians can conduct device transactions with greater confidence, supported by verified identities and a robust digital infrastructure that tracks a device's entire lifecycle.
The ultimate goal of Veriphye is to restore trust and transparency in Nigeria's multi-billion-naira market for used devices, curb the circulation of stolen phones, and significantly reduce fraudulent transactions.
