The federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is on the verge of introducing Internet and Phone Etiquette policies, stressing such policies will checkmate cyber-attack on Nigerians and to keep internet users in the country safe online.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta made this known at the 53rd Edition of Consumer Town Hall Meeting (CTM) held on Thursday in Ilaro, Oyo State.
Danbatta who was represented at the meeting by the Commission’s Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Alhaji Ismail Adedigba, also disclosed that the commission has reached a final stage in the process of instituting the Internet Code of Practice policy for the telecom industry.
The Internet Code Policy when eventually instituted will foster the safe and appropriate conduct on the internet and, will by extension keep mobile and enterprise internet users safe against cyber-attacks and the country at large.
“The Internet Code is a regulatory intervention expected to secure the country’s cyber space against imminent threats from cyber attackers as well as addressing issues such as online child protection, privacy and data protection among others,” he said.
He explained that since the liberalization of the telecoms industry, there has been an unprecedented increase in the usage of Internet-based solutions and services in Nigeria, stressing that it is necessary to institute an Internet Industry Code of Practice to guide the governance process and addressing attendant challenges of stakeholders.
Danbatta also argued that while the regulatory intervention and other initiatives are ongoing to sanitise and protect the country on the internet space, also believes that telecoms consumers really have a major role to play.
He therefore advised internet users to be cautious of the type of information they post online and urged them to imbibe responsible Internet and phone usage etiquette.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission said it has mapped out sensitisation programs against the waves of cybercrimes for telecommunication consumers nationwide.
“For national security and citizenry protection, consumers need to be aware not only on the danger and the implications of cybercrimes, but also about the role they are expected to play as telecoms consumers in a bid to reducing the impacts of Cybercrimes in the country,” he said.
Hacking of phones, data identity theft, and sim-card replacement methodology are some of the common hacking practices. These methods are capable of shutting down your phone and before you know they have swindled all your money.
Many Nigerians had lost their lives as a result of trauma caused them by ICT fraudsters, so consumers must protect their personal data from been stolen by them.
“These fraudsters attack consumers on social media, website where consumers carry out financial transactions by using credit/debit cards. Our mobile devices and computers are the targets of yahoo boys.
“Users must be aware that this fraud and attacks can emanate from any part of the world as long as the devices are connected to the global super highway known as the Internet.
“So, we must take precautions on our SIM cards by not using pre-registered cards. Follow guidelines on SIM replacement and when you lose your phone or SIM, quickly contact your bank and place ‘no debit’ instruction on your account,” Danbatta advised.
Present at the forum were retail and enterprise internet-data subscribers, telecommunication consumers, civil society groups, communication advocacy groups, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and senior staff members of the commission among other industry stakeholders.
Burning issues in the voice and data sector as it affects consumers and service providers’ top agenda of the one-day forum with the theme: “Mitigating Effects of Cybercrimes: The Roles of Telecom Consumers.