Telecoms regulator celebrates National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Nigeria

*The Nigerian Communications Commission says National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is an annual event celebrated in October, and it is focused on raising consumer awareness about cybersecurity through sensitisation campaigns  

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the West African country’s foremost telecoms sector regulator, has joined the rest of the global community in celebrating the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2021.

ConsumerConnect reports this is an annual event that is celebrated in October of the year, and it is focused on raising consumer awareness about cybersecurity with structures, projects and activities towards securing Nigeria’s cyberspace.

According to the Commission, this is done through awareness and sensitisation campaigns, and providing the public with general knowledge and tools to help them keep safe when on the Internet.

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In the course of the celebration, the NCC said telecoms consumers are educated on cybersecurity issues during this month, such as Cybercrime & Cybersecurity, Understanding the Law on Cybercrime (i.e. the Cybercrime Act), Child Online Protection (COP), and Online Security & Safety Tips.

Why celebrating NCSAM worldwide?

ConsumerConnect reports economies around the world hold the month-long events every October, and celebrate the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by highlighting the importance of cybersecurity.

The overarching theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021 is, “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart”.

It is an avenue to encourage all Nigerian consumers to responsibly protect their sensitive data and improve their cybersecurity awareness.

Experts have also opined that the line between consumers’ online and offline lives is fast becoming indistinguishable.

This is because in these tech-fuelled times, homes, societal well-being, economic prosperity and country’s security are impacted by the Internet.

The theme, therefore, empowers individuals and organisations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace.

If everyone does their part – implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating vulnerable audiences or training employees – our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone.

Therefore, the NCC as the country’s premier communications regulatory agency under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is mandated to work with all stakeholders to ensure a secure cyberspace for the operators and consumers of communications services and infrastructure in Nigeria.

RELATED: Digital Technologies And Regulator’s Commitment To Child Online Safety In Nigeria

The Commission also educates consumers on online safety through awareness and sensitisation campaigns, by empowering to be aware of “both the positive and negative potential available online, and measures to take in safeguarding themselves on the Internet.

For more on the NCC’s projects and activities, cybersecurity resources, NCC-CSIRT as well as polls and surveys regarding NCSAM, visit: https://ncc.gov.ng/technical-regulation/cybersecurity.

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