Professor Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that the telecom operators have a responsibility to ensure the security and integrity of their networks and to prevent it from being used in, or in relation to, the any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria.
Danbatta, in his keynote address to the stakeholders on the Theme: “COMBATING E-FRAUD ON TELECOM PLATFORMS AND BUILDING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY” said with the increasing uptake of digital financial services and the advent of disruptive technologies, the issue of cybersecurity has become increasingly important, he added.
Telecom operators, he maintained must therefore invest in robust infrastructure, employ state-of-the-art security measures, and conduct regular audits to identify vulnerabilities and address them promptly.
He further
added that operators should implement stringent authentication protocols, two-factor authentication, and encryption mechanisms to safeguard customer data and prevent unauthorized access.
“There is also the concern about how personal data is collected, stored, shared and exploited. Fortunately, NDEPS 2020-2030 adequately addresses the protection of telecom consumers against the threats of cybercrime, encouraging them to embrace digital finance and supporting them to contribute to the Digital Economy.
Danbatta said Pillar #6 of the NDEPS, which deals with soft infrastructure, has proven to be proactive adding that the soft infrastructure pillar focuses on strengthening public confidence in the use of digital technologies and participation in the Digital Economy. He continues that the pillar will address the importance of cybersecurity and other standards, frameworks, and guidelines that encourage citizens to embrace a digital culture. Data privacy and the deployment of technologies like the public key infrastructure are addressed in this pillar.
Recently, prof stressed that the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 was signed into law to provide a legal framework for the protection of personal information and the regulation of how personal information is processed, among other things. The NCC is also in the process of developing more elaborate Data Protection Regulations to ensure the protection and privacy of data in the Nigerian communications sector, he added.
It is important to mention that the Commission has issued the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2007 which among other things, provides for the protection of consumer information.
“Law Enforcement Agencies must also collaborate closely with telecom operators and regulatory bodies to investigate and prosecute e-fraud perpetrators. Enhanced coordination, information sharing, and dedicated cybercrime units can go a long way in deterring criminals and bringing them to justice. Strengthening international cooperation in combating cross- border e-fraud is also imperative, as cybercriminals often exploit jurisdictional limitations, EVC stressed.
The Commission, he continues committed to fulfilling its mandate and passionate about driving Digital Economy in Nigeria, has continued to implement initiatives to Protect, Inform and Educate telecom consumers in this regard.
Through its Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), he revealed that the Commission undertakes constant Consumer Education with a significant part of this effort dedicated to providing information that equips the Consumer to thrive in a world that has embraced digital finance.
Dambatta remind the stakeholders that the information dissemination materials on how to safeguard themselves while using telecom platforms to access digital financial products are available on the NCC consumer portal whilst hardcopies are distributed at consumer outreach events.
To further protect telecom consumers, he stated that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) periodically notifies telecom consumers of the latest cybersecurity threats and how to avoid falling victim to them. 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 telecom consumers from cyber threats, he stated.
“The provision of timely advisories has helped to protect consumers from being unfairly targeted by cyber-attacks, which goes a long way in ensuring that they can access digital services without suffering unwarranted losses. We strongly believe that by fostering a culture of vigilance and knowledge, we can collectively reduce the success rate of e-fraud attempts.
However, Prof said combatting e-fraud is not just the responsibility of industry stakeholders and authorities. Consumers too, must be active participants in this battle against e-fraud.
“Building consumer awareness and promoting digital literacy is crucial to empowering individuals to protect themselves”.
EVC said 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. According to him, regular communication with customers, promptly addressing their concerns, and providing timely updates on security issues are vital in establishing trust. According to EVC to build consumer confidence in the Digital Economy, we must emphasize transparency and accountability, all telecom operators should be transparent about their security measures, privacy policies, and incident response mechanisms, he added.
“Collaboration with third-party security firms and independent audits can also help validate the integrity of telecom platforms.
Furthermore, he noted that fostering innovation in security technologies is critical to staying ahead of e-fraudsters adding that advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics can enable the detection of anomalous behaviors, identify potential threats, and respond swiftly to emerging fraud trends. He reminds the stakeholders that collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions can drive innovation in cybersecurity and produce effective countermeasures against e-fraud.
Dambatta in conclusion, stated that combatting e-fraud on telecom platforms and building consumer confidence in the digital economy requires a collective effort, therefore, all telecom operators, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and consumers must collaborate, each fulfilling their respective responsibilities by investing in robust security infrastructure, implementing stringent protocols, promoting awareness, and fostering innovation, we can create a safer digital ecosystem that inspires trust and enables the full potential of the digital economy, he stressed.
“Together, let us rise to the challenge and build a future where the telecom platform is not only a gateway to the digital world but also a fortress against e-fraud.
