NITDA raises security concerns over free Wi-Fi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned Nigerians on the use of free Wi-Fi, noting that such could expose them to cyber attacks and lead to monetary losses.

There are currently several initiatives in the country to provide free Wi-Fi access in public places. However, the government agency regulating ICT warned that by accessing the service, users would be sharing their personal data, which could be used inappropriately.

The Director General of NITDA, Dr Isa Pantami, in a statement, noted that where the service providers are unable to provide adequate security for use of the services, malicious software and other applications could be introduced to harm members of the public or to incur significant economic loss.

He said the agency, in line with its mandate to promote and regulate the information technology sector in Nigeria had set mechanisms in place to enforce compliance with the recently issued Public Internet Access (PIA) Regulation. According to him, all public internet access service providers such as IT companies, restaurants, hotels, event centres are directed to comply with the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation of NITDA, 2019, issued pursuant to Section 6 of the NITDA Act, 2007.

“The general public is therefore advised to always enquire if providers of free internet access services are duly registered with NITDA and therefore met all minimum requirements to offer free public internet access securely in Nigeria. The public is further advised to ensure personal information such as personnel identities, residential addresses, banking details, etc. are not shared over public networks,” he said.

He also advised members of the public to use up-to-date antivirus software on their laptops and other computing devices before use of such free and public internet access services. “To further enhance users’ safety on public internet access, they are advised to always verify Wi-Fi access point before connection as the possibility exists for criminals to create a fake Wi-Fi-name to lure the public into connecting to it, thereby intercepting all activities on the network.

They should always reconfirm when in doubt, the legitimacy of a Wi-Fi name before connecting their devices, and  they should not connect to an unknown or unrecognised wireless access point.

They should “always confirm that a website is secure before carrying out transactions. Website addresses starting with https:// provide secure and encrypted transmission of users’ data. Users are advised to always ensure that websites display “https:” and/or a locked padlock symbol on their browsers before entering personal or financial details while using public internet access points”.

“Try Using Virtual Private Network (VPN) enabled browsers.VPN prevents cybercriminals from reading your data by encrypting it as it passes through the network. Where possible, users are advised to download and use VPN software on their web browsers when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network” NITDA advised.

The agency also urged Nigerians to avoid using special services sites on public internet access services. “Some special services that request for users’ identity, passwords or personal information such as social networking sites, online banking services or websites that store your credit card information should be avoided while connected to public internet access points,” it added.