NCC embarks on cyber awareness campaign, outlines ways cybercriminals hack your accounts

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has embarked on cyber awareness campaign, outlining several ways cyber criminals steal important data from users of telecommunication services.

 In  text messages dispatched to  millions of Nigerians, the telecommunications regulator led by Professor Umar Garba Danbatta warned Nigerians  not to carry out transactions or any activity they consider sensitive on public Wifi, stressing that data could easily be stolen if the advice goes unheeded.

The telecoms regulator further warned Nigerians against clicking links offering free credit, data, gifts and lottery wins. “If something seems too good to be true, it usually is”, the commission warned.

Besides, the NCC cautioned Nigerians against responding to any call or message that says you will get a bonus after making a number of financial transactions. “It is a SCAM”, the regulator assured.

The commission also told Nigerians not to clink on links in messages,  stressing that such links are potentially harmful since they expose you to fraudulent persons who will steal your information and hijack your account”.

We replicate some of the messages NCC dispatched to Nigerians.

 “Do not carry out financial transactions or any activity you consider sensitive on public wifi. Your data can be easily stolen #BeCyberAware

“Do not click on links offering  free credit, data, gifts, lottery wins, etc. If  something seems too good to be true, it usually is. #BeCyberAware

“Do not respond to any call/message that says you get a bonus after making a number of financial transactions. It is a SCAM.#BeCyberAware

“Do not click on links in your messages.  It exposes you to fraudulent persons who steal your information and  hijack your account. #BeCyberAware”, the NCC has said.