Cybersecurity: NCC Offers ‘A–Z Tips’ to Help Consumers Stay Safe Online

Cybersecurity: NCC Offers ‘A–Z Tips’ to Help Consumers Stay Safe Online

As Nigeria and the rest of the world become increasingly digital, daily life is now deeply connected through mobile phones, computers and the internet more than ever before. While this growing digital connectivity has brought convenience and innovation, it has also exposed consumers to rising cyber risks, including hacking, online scams, malware attacks and other cyberthreats often triggered by a single careless click.

In response, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged telecommunications consumers across the country to take personal responsibility for their safety online by adopting simple but effective cybersecurity practices.

ConsumerConnect reports that the NCC, as part of its ongoing consumer education and sensitisation initiatives, has released a set of practical ‘A–Z tips’ designed to help consumers significantly reduce the risk of cyberthreats and protect their online identities.

According to the Commission, cybersafety begins with individual responsibility within Nigeria’s broader digital ecosystem. Over the years, the NCC has consistently championed cybersecurity in the telecommunications sector through sustained awareness campaigns, the development of regulatory frameworks and the provision of minimum security standards for service providers. The Commission also operates a dedicated Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) for incident handling, collaborates with key industry stakeholders and provides resources to promote safer internet usage, all aimed at protecting consumers and the nation’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

The NCC noted that its mandate extends beyond regulation to include policy enforcement, consumer education and technical support, all geared towards building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem.

In a recent post on its corporate website, the telecoms regulator emphasised that every consumer has the power to protect themselves and their communities by maintaining good cyber hygiene. The Commission outlined the following ‘A–Z tips’ as essential practices for staying safe in cyberspace:

E – Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to online accounts.
F – Activate firewall protection on devices.
G – Guard personal information and be cautious when sharing details online.
H – Ensure websites use “https” to confirm secure connections.
I – Install updates regularly for operating systems, browsers and applications.
J – Just say no to suspicious emails, links or messages.
K – Keep antivirus software updated to guard against malware.
L – Lock devices using passwords, PINs or biometric features.
M – Monitor account activities frequently for unusual behaviour.
N – Use secure and private networks whenever possible.
O – Practice online shopping safety by using reputable websites and secure payment methods.
P – Consider using a password manager for stronger password protection.
Q – Question suspicious requests for sensitive or personal information.
R – Report scams and suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
S – Secure home Wi-Fi networks with strong passwords and WPA2 encryption.
T – Use two-factor authentication wherever it is available.
U – Update web browsers regularly to ensure the latest security patches.
V – Verify sender information before responding to emails or messages.
W – Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
X – X-out and delete suspicious emails without opening attachments.
Y – Take responsibility for personal online security.
Z – Adopt a zero-trust approach by remaining cautious of all online interactions.

The Commission stressed that adherence to these measures can greatly enhance consumer protection in the digital space. “By following these A–Z tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberthreats and protect your online identity,” the NCC stated.

ConsumerConnect (ISSN: 2536-5967) is Nigeria’s premier independent, consumer-centric, business-to-consumer (B2C) and citizen engagement-focused news publication based in Lagos. The platform is dedicated to empowering consumers with researched, factual and accurate information to promote responsible consumption, improved service delivery and a safer, fairer and more sustainable economic environment.

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