NCSAM 2021: NCC organises cybersecurity conference, requests public participation

*The Nigerian Communications Commission is organising a cybersecurity conference as a follow-up to the recent celebration of the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM 2021), which is an October annual event focusing on raising consumer awareness about cybersecurity through sensitisation campaigns across the country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Following the telecoms sector regulator’s joining other stakeholders in the global community in celebrating the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2021 recently, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has activated a registration portal for a cybersecurity conference in the West African country.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC as the 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 that is safe for the mobile network operators and consumers of communications services and infrastructure in Nigeria.

#BeCyberSmart” in cyberspace

This publication had also reported that October is set aside for the month-long commemoration of NCSAM 2021, while the Commission has highlighted the importance of cybersecurity to telecoms consumer protection and wellbeing on the Internet.

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

The NCC stated the event, which is observed annually and focuses on raising awareness about cybersecurity, offers consumers in the telecoms ecosystem with general knowledge and tools to help them in keeping safe when in cyberspace.

According to the Commission, this involves educating consumers on online safety, through awareness and sensitisation campaigns, and by empowering them in order to make them aware of both the positive and negative potential available online as well as the need to take measures to safeguard themselves.

In respect of the details the NCSAM 2021 celebration in Nigeria, the Commission had outlined the structures, projects, and activities being undertaken to secure the country’s cyberspace.

The Commission also noted that event is an avenue to encourage all Nigerian consumers to responsibly protect their sensitive data and improve their cybersecurity awareness.

Experts as well have opined that the line between consumers’ online and offline lives is indistinguishable.

This is because 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.

During the NCSAM 2021 celebration October in Nigeria, the NCC disclosed the telecoms consumers were educated on cybersecurity issues, such as cybercrime & cybersecurity, understanding the law on cybercrime (i.e. the cybercrime act), Child Online Protection (COP), as well as online security and safety tips.

For registration to participate in the forthcoming virtual cybersecurity conference, consumers are requested to visit: https://ncc.gov.ng/cyber-security/1088-cyber-security-conference-registration.