NCC Issues A–Z Cyber Safety Guide to Protect Telecom Users Against Rising Online Threats

In a move to bolster digital safety, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has published a comprehensive A–Z guide on cyber hygiene, urging telecommunications consumers to adopt these practices to defend their personal data against escalating online risks.

The advisory, part of the NCC’s sustained consumer education efforts, responds to increasing incidents of online fraud, hacking, identity theft, and malware targeting mobile and internet users nationwide.

While acknowledging that digital technologies enhance connectivity and convenience, the NCC warned they also expand vulnerabilities, as cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in platforms used for communication, banking, shopping, and social interaction.

Emphasizing that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, the NCC stated that individual consumers play a vital role in protecting themselves, complementing the work of regulators and service providers.

The Commission highlighted its longstanding commitment to strengthening cybersecurity in Nigeria’s telecom sector through awareness campaigns, regulatory frameworks, and security standards for operators. It also noted the role of its Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) in managing cyber incidents and helping safeguard Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure.

The newly released A–Z tips promote simple, daily actions to improve cyber hygiene, reduce attack risks, and enhance personal digital safety. Consistent application of these measures, the NCC stated, will significantly lower exposure to cybercrime and help create a more secure national digital environment.

Key tips from the guide include:

· E – Enable two-factor authentication
· F – Use firewall protection
· G – Guard personal information online
· H – Check for HTTPS on websites
· I – Install system and app updates
· J – Just say no to suspicious messages
· K – Keep antivirus software updated
· L – Lock devices with passwords or biometrics
· M – Monitor account activity
· N – Ensure network security
· O – Use trusted platforms for online shopping
· P – Employ password managers
· Q – Question requests for sensitive data
· R – Report scams and suspicious activities
· S – Secure Wi-Fi with strong encryption
· T – Turn on two-factor authentication
· U – Update browsers regularly
· V – Verify sender information
· W – Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks
· X – Exit suspicious emails without opening attachments
· Y – You are responsible for your online safety
· Z – Zero trust: treat all online interactions cautiously

The NCC reaffirmed its dedication to consumer protection and encouraged Nigerians to stay vigilant and proactive in all online activities.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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