Joy Agwunobi
As digital activities continue to surge across Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a new set of cybersecurity awareness tips to help citizens navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
The guidelines, published on the Commission’s official website, aim to equip Nigerians with practical steps to secure their digital lives, from password protection to cloud storage practices.
According to the NCC, adopting strong cybersecurity habits has become essential, especially as cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and frequency. The Commission highlighted five key areas in its advisory, offering actionable recommendations on how users can protect themselves from common online risks.
Smarter Password Practices
The NCC advises Nigerians to create passwords that are not only strong but unconventional. “If your letter combinations are not in the dictionary, your phrases are not in published literature, and none of it is grammatically correct, they will be harder to crack,” the Commission explained. This technique makes passwords less predictable and significantly more difficult for cybercriminals to breach using automated tools.
Staying Safe While Surfing the Web
In its general safety tip for online navigation, the Commission warned users to avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unsolicited messages, especially from unknown sources. It also advised Nigerians to download mobile applications exclusively from official app stores, and only after reviewing other users’ feedback. This, the NCC noted, minimises the chances of installing malware-infected apps or falling victim to phishing scams.
Securing Your Cloud Data
With many Nigerians increasingly relying on cloud services for storage and backup, the NCC underscored the importance of encrypting data before uploading it. “Back up specific files to the cloud and then sync them across multiple devices,” the advisory read. Encrypting data adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorised users.
Dealing with Cyberbullying
Addressing the growing concern of online harassment, especially among young users, the NCC recommended a calm and cautious approach to cyberbullying. “Do not respond if someone bullies you. Remember that your reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants; it gives them power over you,” the Commission stated. Victims are advised to save evidence of the abuse and report it to trusted adults or authorities, even if the incidents appear minor at first, as they may escalate.
Video Game Safety
The Commission also spotlighted the risks associated with online gaming, urging players, particularly young ones and their guardians to adopt two-factor authentication for extra security. It emphasised the need to understand and adjust privacy settings on gaming consoles and platforms. “Know which personal information is being stored, why, and with whom it can be shared,” the NCC cautioned.
The NCC’s advisory reflects a broader push to foster digital literacy and responsible technology use among Nigerians. As internet penetration deepens and more services move online, experts say that individual cyber hygiene will play a crucial role in protecting the digital ecosystem.
Citizens are encouraged to regularly update their knowledge on cyber threats and adopt best practices in digital safety. The NCC reiterated its commitment to promoting a safer and more secure cyber environment for all Nigerians.
