The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expanded its cyber awareness campaign with direct short message services (SMS) to telecom consumers through telecom service providers.
The campaign is in furtherance of the Commission’s stance against fraudulent activities of online criminals, and NCC’s multifaceted approach, encompassing regulatory frameworks, awareness campaigns, and compliance enforcement.
Some of the messages sent intermittently through the 9mobile network state: “The NCC wants you to hang up on any call requesting your details such as PIN, BVN, NIN, etc. Contact the organization directy to confirm. Be Cyber Aware.”
It also creates awareness on false information: “The NCC wants you to be aware that not all news you receive or view online is authentic. Always very news before sharing. Be Cyber Aware.”
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida had earlier underscored the need to safeguard the integrity of mobile numbers. He emphasised the importance of creating awareness about the potential risks associated with the recycling of mobile numbers, which could expose individuals to fraud.
Dr. Maida had, at a forum in Lagos earlier in the year, revealed the Commission’s plans to formulate a regulation criminalising the use of mobile networks for fraudulent activities. He emphasised the absence of consequences for individuals engaged in fraud through mobile lines, allowing the unlawful acts to persist without deterrents.
Maida disclosed that the forthcoming regulation, expected later this year, aims to establish consequences for those involved in fraudulent activities through the misuse of mobile lines. Expressing concern over the misuse of others’ lines for fraudulent purposes, he highlighted the necessity for Nigerian banks to consistently validate the ownership of numbers linked to bank accounts. This proactive measure becomes crucial as telecom operators are prone to recycle and resell mobile lines that remain unused for a certain period.
Maida affirmed the Commission’s commitment to enforcing compliance among licensees, stressing the regulatory authority’s role in ensuring obligations are met. He emphasized the industry’s transition from a developmental phase to a maturity phase, where compliance becomes a focal point. Maida stated that licensees must adhere to the standards set by the Commission and fulfill their contractual agreements.
The NCC’s move to introduce regulations criminalising the misuse of mobile lines for fraudulent activities aligns with broader efforts to enhance cybersecurity and protect consumers. The increasing prevalence of fraud through mobile platforms has raised concerns about the security of personal information and financial transactions. By establishing legal consequences, the NCC aims to create a deterrent for potential fraudsters and reinforce the importance of responsible use of telecommunications services.
The Commission established the Computer Security Incident Response Team (C-SIRT), a group of experts in the Commission to handles security incidents that can affect the operations of organisations and individuals; incorporated biometric authentication in the use of telecom services and financial transactions on telecom carriers. The C-SIRT also issues consumer advisory on security.
In addition to the need for public education and understanding of internet safety, Maida emphasised the need for increased collaboration and international cooperation to effectively tackle financial crime. “Also, continued investment in ICT solutions, as well as a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder strategy, combining technology specialists, legal professionals, and legislators, as a critical approach in keeping up with emerging criminal methods,” he said.
A critical aspect of the NCC’s regulatory focus is the awareness campaign regarding the recycling of mobile numbers. Educating the public about the risks associated with unused numbers being allocated to new users can contribute significantly to reducing instances of fraud. This awareness initiative involves collaborations with telecom operators, banks, and other stakeholders to disseminate information effectively.
