A man once asked if it is possible to have a society entirely free of crimes. But well! The answer to this would differ from persons to persons. We are sure you also have your opinion, whether it possible or not possible it all depends on actions we all take.

In Nigeria alone, there are more than 40 military and paramilitary bodies, all of them created solely for security, a quick example are the Nigeria Police Force, The Nigerian Army, The Customs, The Private Security guard and others, we are sure you can name some other state instituted security bodies. The job of these military and paramilitary bodies differ, their job functions are more collaborative than competitive.

In this article, we are going to be looking at some personal security challenges we face daily, with some of them beyond the ‘saving grace’ of any of the known security bodies.

Even if you have a battalion of the army to watch over you and your properties, there are several personal security challenges to you could be faced with. This and more is what we going to share with you.

Alright, let’s get started!

1. Social Media Account Hacking

The social media needs no further introduction, with 40 million active users in Nigeria alone. The young and old are all actively engaged in one or two social media platform. Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp Applications account for the most users in Nigeria.

Due to the massive user database, internet fraudsters look to exploit some vulnerability of these Apps to defraud or impersonate users for their nefarious acts. Through social media, a lot of small companies have become big and profitable; some unknown individuals have also become celebrities and influencers.

So, before you think of deactivating your social media account, think about how you can get the best for your brand or business from social media.

How to prevent impersonation or hacking of social media account.

Below is a step by step process to secure your WhatsApp

Go to Settings on your WhatsApp – Click on Account – Click on Two-step verification – Enter pin – Input your email address, then Save, that’s all. If someone wants to change it, WhatsApp will ask for the Two-step verification and without it, the account won’t open.

Facebook.com; choose a strong password; combining letters, numbers and characters is safer and difficult to guess.

Below is a step by step process for securing your Facebook account
Go to settings – Click on Security and login – Locate Use two-factor authentication – click Select a preferred security method.

If you choose ‘use text messages’ enter your mobile number, enter verification code and confirm.

If you choose the ‘use authentication app’ you will be prompted to set up a third-party authentication app. this app will generate code for your login.

They are quite easy to set up and are even recommended by Facebook.

If there is an attempted login from an unknown device or browser Facebook will ask for your password and verification code.

For other social media account, go to settings and exploit the account verification options, the steps are not so different from the ones we have explained here.

2. ATM Card Theft

Cyber fraudsters have found a way to transfer and withdraw money even without knowing your pin! This is not to say your ATM pin is not enough to keep your cards secure. Banks put daily withdrawal limits on debit just in case it’s been compromised.

Card issuing institutions usually warn users to report missing card within 24hours. With the bank mobile app you can now block stolen ATM card minutes after its being stolen, otherwise visit the closest issuer office.

A delay in reporting a loss of card to the card issuer could have a detrimental effect. Issuers cannot be liable for unauthorized transfers that occur after that time.
Asides reporting a card theft/loss, your ATM card pin should be kept private, avoid using your year of birth as a pin, use random numbers that cannot be easily guessed, as a measure of security, the ATM is configured to seize cards after several failed attempt of your pin.

Your bank will never call you to ask for your card details, not even your account officer!
Be guided.

3. Forgery

Forgery is the imitation of a document, though punishable under the Law, is still a common personal security challenge we are faced with. Signatures, keys, banknotes, documents or a work of art are just a few things that could be forged.

Thanks to advances in technology such as personal computers, scanners and colour photocopiers. Criminals today can defraud you and your financial institution quite easily with a blank check taken from your cheque book, a cancelled cheque found in your garbage, or a cheque you mailed to pay a bill.

Therefore, it is important to follow a common-sense, logical approach with the way you use and keep your cheque. Ensure your cheques are endorsed by your financial institution and incorporate security features that help combat counterfeiting and alteration.

Keep your cheques, withdrawal slips, and bank statements and cancelled cheques in a secure and locked location. Never leave your chequebook in your vehicle.

Reconcile your bank statement within 30 days of receipt to detect any irregularities. Otherwise, you may become liable for any losses due to check fraud.

4. Burglary

Burglary also called breaking and sometimes housebreaking is an unlawful entry into a building or other location to commit an offence.

If not for criminals there won’t need to keep home and offices under locks and keys. Unfortunately, this cannot be helped, so long as you have more unemployed in the society houses and shops can be broken and the valuables carted away.
Our job as a private security company is to prevent loss of properties. You must have eyes on your properties 24/7, which is why you need a security guard. We worry about your security while you focus on getting the best for yourself and business.

Action Point

Security is everyone’s business, though, of different level, you shouldn’t leave your security to your security guard or the police, you have a part to play. In this article we were able to touch on 4 personal everyday security risks, we urge you to take actions on the recommendations.

A quick summary, we shared tips on how you can secure your social media account, we suggested that you activate the two-step verification option, furthermore; we gave tips on what you can do manage ATM card loss or theft and forgery. Finally, we advised that you get a private security guard for a 24/7 protection and surveillance of your properties to prevent burglary.

Thank you for trusting Sheriff Deputies over the years, we remain motivated to meet all your security needs.

Do you have questions relating to what you have just read or there is a pressing need for a security guard?

Call us today to schedule a free security risk assessment.