Moses Buba, a software expert, has advised Nigerians to switch to using passphrases instead of traditional passwords for better online security. He warned that conventional passwords are no longer robust enough to protect internet users from rising cyber threats.
A passphrase, unlike a standard password, consists of a sequence of multiple words or even a sentence. It is generally longer, easier to recall, and significantly more difficult for hackers or automated bots to crack.
Buba, who runs Adobex Hub, a firm that provides internet security training, made this statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He noted the increasing number of social media and banking accounts being compromised, highlighting that many users still rely on weak, easily hackable passwords.
“Passwords are easy to crack and not strong enough to provide comprehensive internet security,” Buba explained.
He stressed that adopting longer and more secure passphrases is essential not only to protect users’ data but also to safeguard their passwords from being stolen or compromised. “However, passphrases safeguard everything, including the passwords themselves from hackers,” he added.
Buba also expressed concern over the growing number of Nigerians falling victim to cybercrime, largely due to poor password practices. “Stories of people’s accounts being hacked are becoming more common because many internet users have their social media security compromised,” he said. “To avoid these hacks, we need stronger passwords like passphrases that could secure us from all the threats.”
He further emphasised that all digital activities, including online banking, e-commerce, and social media, require secure authentication, urging users to take their online security more seriously. “All dealings on phone need a password; online banking, social media productivity tools, and e-commerce websites,” he said.
Despite the misconception that passphrases are hard to remember, Buba assured that they are, in fact, easy to recall. “Avoiding a single-word password for a stronger, more complex passphrase is one of the best internet security habits to adopt,” he said. He also provided examples of strong passphrases such as “MyVillagePeopleCantCatchMe2025” and “TrafficOnThirdMainlandIsReal.”
Recent reports indicate that Nigeria is among the top African countries facing frequent cyber-attacks, with organisations experiencing an average of 3,759 attacks weekly. The 2024 African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report by Check Point Software Technologies reveals this figure is significantly higher than the global average of 1,876 attacks per week. The financial sector is the most targeted, with 4,718 cyber incidents reported weekly, largely due to weak multi-factor authentication and outdated banking infrastructure. The government and education sectors also face considerable threats, with government institutions experiencing 1,791 attacks weekly and the education sector suffering 1,682 attacks, primarily from phishing schemes and malware.
