The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a comprehensive “A-Z Cyber Safety Tips” initiative aimed at safeguarding telecommunications consumers from the escalating threats in the digital realm.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the NCC’s ongoing commitment to consumer education and awareness, designed to combat the pervasive activities of cybercriminals.
These criminals engage in a variety of illicit actions, including hacking, sophisticated online scams, disruptive malware attacks, and other emerging cyber risks that endanger users’ online identities and data.
The detailed list of tips, presented in an easy-to-follow alphabetical format, provides actionable advice for consumers. For instance, under “E,” the NCC stresses the importance of “Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)” to add a crucial extra layer of security to accounts. “F” advises enabling “Firewall protection” on devices, while “G” urges consumers to “Guard your personal info” by being judicious about sharing sensitive data online.
Security on websites is highlighted with “H” recommending to “Look for ‘https’ in the URL” to ensure a secure connection.
Further down the alphabet, the NCC emphasizes proactive security measures. “I” prompts users to “Install updates” regularly for operating systems, browsers, and software, while “K” highlights the need to “Keep your antivirus software updated” to defend against malware. Users are also advised to “Lock your device” using passwords, PINs, or biometrics (“L”), and to “Monitor your accounts” for any unusual activity (“M”).
The importance of secure networks is underscored in “N” with “Network security,” and “O” focuses on “Online shopping safety,” recommending reputable websites and secure payment methods