Zenith Bank has confirmed that hackers gained unauthorised access into its database and exposed limited customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers, in what the bank described as part of a broader global cyberattack targeting organisations across multiple sectors.
The bank disclosed the breach in an email sent to customers on Tuesday, August 4, assuring them that its banking services and digital channels remained secure and fully operational despite the attack.
According to Zenith Bank, the attackers accessed a limited amount of customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers.
The bank, however, assured customers that no banking services were disrupted and that its digital platforms remain safe to use.
“The hackers accessed limited customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers, during a cyberattack that forms part of a broader global attack on organisations across different sectors,” the bank said.
Zenith Bank said it activated its cybersecurity and incident response procedures immediately after detecting the breach and has launched an investigation to determine the full extent of the incident.
The bank also urged customers to be alert to possible phishing attempts and reminded them never to disclose confidential banking information.
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“As a precaution, we encourage our customers to remain vigilant against phishing emails, text messages, or phone calls, and to never disclose their password, PIN, One-Time Password (OTP), or other security credentials to anyone,” the bank said.
The lender reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding customers’ information and thanked them for their continued confidence while investigations continue.
The incident adds to growing concerns over cyber threats targeting Nigeria’s banking sector.
First Daily recalls that in August 2024, Guaranty Trust Bank also disclosed that it experienced an attempted cyberattack involving its website domain. At the time, the bank said the incident did not compromise customers’ data.
The latest breach also comes months after the Central Bank of Nigeria warned Nigerians about increasing cyber fraud attempts aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
The apex bank said fraudsters were circulating fake emails and messages falsely claiming to originate from the CBN.
According to the regulator, the messages encouraged recipients to click suspicious links while spreading false claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities and policy decisions in an effort to deceive members of the public.