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| Danbatta |
By Williams Ago
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has called for more collaboration between stakeholders to combat the increasing crimes perpetuated in the cyber space platforms.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, made the call during the Commission's second quarter 2023 Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) meeting held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Professor Danbatta said that following the recent signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 into law, which provides a legal framework for the protection of personal information and the regulation of how personal information is processed, law enforcement agencies are under obligation to closely collaborate with telecom operators and regulating bodies to investigate and prosecute e-fraud perpetrators.
He explained that to further protect telecom consumers, the NCC's Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) periodically notifies consumers of the latest cyber security threats and how to avoid falling victims to them.
According to him, "NCC-CSIRT in collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCERT) at the office of the National Security Adviser has been at the forefront of protecting the Telecom consumers from cyber threats.”
He stated however that combatting cybercrimes is not just the responsibility of industry stakeholders and authorities, stressing that, "consumers must be active participants in the battle against e-fraud.”
He added further that, "building consumer awareness and promoting digital literacy is crucial to empowering individuals to protect themselves. Telecom operators should educate their customers about potential risks, provide guidance on secure online practices and offer user friendly tools to monitor and manage their accounts.”
Earlier, ICAF chairman, Mazi Akpa E Emeka noted that fraud had escalated just as digital adoption had increased. He said, "the situation requires that organizations simultaneously combat fraud and provide customers with a seamless digital experience.”
He said, ICAF had been part of NCC's strategy to achieve it's mandate for protection and promotion of the interest of consumers against unfair practices on matters relating to tariffs and charges for the availability of quality communication services, equipment and facilities.
NCC's Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Alhaji Alkasim Abubakar Umar revealed that cybercrime poses a significant threat to our society, undermining the trust and confidence in our digital platforms, hampers economic growth and adversely impacts the lives of the citizens.
He said, it is for this reason that the NCC recognizes it's duty to safeguard the interest of consumers and protect the integrity of the digital ecosystem in the country.
"The NCC remains committed to it's mandate of creating the enabling environment for the sustainable growth of the Telecom sector. To this end, we have already implemented several initiatives aimed at mitigating e-fraud risks.
"However, we understand that the battle against e-fraud requires constant adaptation and continuous improvement, hence this platform serves as a platform to share best practices, exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions to stay ahead of the ever evolving tactics employed by fraudsters," he stressed.
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