NCC urges Nigerians to take charge of online safety, releases comprehensive A–Z cybersecurity tips

As Nigeria and the rest of the world continue to embrace digital transformation, daily activities are now more interconnected than ever through mobile phones, computers and the internet.

While this growing digital dependence has enhanced convenience, communication and innovation, it has also heightened exposure to cyber risks such as hacking, online scams, malware attacks and other cyberthreats—many of which can be triggered by a single careless click.

In response to these rising threats, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on telecommunications consumers nationwide to take greater personal responsibility for their safety in cyberspace by adopting simple but effective cybersecurity practices.

The Commission, as part of its ongoing consumer education and sensitisation drive, has released a set of practical “A–Z tips” aimed at significantly reducing the risk of cyberattacks and helping consumers safeguard their online identities.

The initiative forms part of the NCC’s broader efforts to strengthen cybersafety within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.

According to the regulator, cybersecurity begins with individual responsibility. Over the years, the NCC has consistently prioritised cybersecurity in the telecommunications sector through sustained public awareness campaigns, the development of regulatory frameworks and the establishment of minimum-security standards for service providers.

Beyond regulation, the Commission operates a dedicated Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) to handle cyber incidents, collaborates with key industry stakeholders and provides resources to promote safer internet usage.

These efforts are designed to protect consumers as well as Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

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

In a recent post on its corporate website, the telecoms regulator emphasised that every consumer has the capacity to protect themselves—and by extension their communities—by maintaining good cyber hygiene. It therefore outlined the following “A–Z tips” as essential practices for staying safe online:

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 consistent 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.

Meanwhile, (ISSN: 2536-5967), Nigeria’s premier independent, consumer-centric, business-to-consumer (B2C) and citizen engagement-focused news publication based in Lagos, continues to play a key role in empowering consumers with researched, factual and accurate information.

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