Cybersecurity: NCC offers ‘A-Z Tips’ on how consumers can stay safe online

*The Nigerian Communications Commission, as part of its consumer education and sensitisation initiatives and programmes, urges telecoms consumers to apply the following ‘A-Z tips’, to ‘significantly reduce the risk of cyberthreats and protect your online identity’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As the global world becomes increasingly digital, consumers’ daily life is now connected through phones, computers, and the Internet every day more than ever before.

However, this increasing digital connection in cyberspace comes with growing risks, including hackers, scams, malware attack, and cyberthreats waiting for just a careless click.

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ConsumerConnect reports the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as part of its consumer education and sensitisation initiatives and programmes again, reminds telecoms consumers, that cybersafety begins with individual responsibility in the country’s entire digital ecosystem.

Over the years, the NCC has championed cybersecurity in the country’s telecom sector through awareness campaigns, developing regulatory frameworks, including provision of minimum security standards for providers, running a dedicated Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) for incident handling, collaborating with industry stakeholders, and providing resources for safer Internet use to protect consumers and National Critical Information Infrastructure (CNII).

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The Commision’s mandate also embraces policy enforcement, education, and technical support towards ensuring a resilient digital ecosystem.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission, in a recent post on its corporate Web site, as well stressed that each consumer has the power to protect self, and his/her community by adopting simple but effective cyber hygiene practices.

The NCC stated that such effective cyber hygiene practices to remain safe in cyberspace should include the following tips:

E- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

F- Firewall Protection: Enable firewall protection on your device.

G- Guard your Personal Info: Be cautious when sharing personal info online.

H- HTTPS: Look for “https” in the URL to ensure a secure connection.

I-  Install Updates: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and software.

J-  Just Say NO: Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages.

K- Keep your Antivirus Software Updated: Protect your device from malware.

L- Lock your Device: Use a password, PIN, or fingerprint to lock your device.

M- Monitor your Accounts: Regularly check your account activity.

N- Network Security: Use a secure and private network.

O- Online Shopping Safety: Use reputable websites and secure payment methods.

P-  Password Manager: Consider using a password manager.

Q- Question Suspicious Requests: Be cautious of requests for sensitive information.

R- Report Scams: Report suspicious activity to relevant authorities.

S-  Secure your Wi-Fi: Use a strong password and WPA2 encryption.

T- Two-Factor Authentication: Use 2FA whenever possible.

U- Update your Browser: Regularly update your browser to ensure security patches.

V- Verify Sender Information: Be cautious of emails or messages from unknown senders.

W- Wi-Fi Safety: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

X- X-out Suspicious Emails: Delete suspicious emails without opening attachments.

Y- You are Responsible: Take ownership of your online security.

Z- Zero Trust: Be cautious of all online interactions.

The Commission added: “By following these A-Z tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberthreats and protect your online identity.”

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