…As stakeholders combat e-fraud
From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
The Nigerian Communications commission (NCC) has stated that it is committed and passionate about driving Digital Economy in Nigeria even as stakeholders agree that collaboration is strategic in the fight against e-fraud in Nigeria.’’
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, made the disclosure at the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Q2 Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
The forum which was designed to discuss issues of e-fraud on Telecoms Platforms has the theme ‘Combating e-fraud on telecom platforms and building consumer confidence in the digital economy’.
In his Keynote Address, Danbatta, stated “The Commission is committed to fulfilling its mandate and passionate about driving Digital Economy in Nigeria, and therefore has continued to implement initiatives to Protect, Inform and Educate telecom consumers in this regard. Through its Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), 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.
To further protect telecom consumers, Danbatta said 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, adding that the 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. “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.”
Speaking further, Danbatta disclosed that 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. 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. Regular communication with customers, promptly addressing their concerns, and providing timely updates on security issues are vital in establishing trust. To build consumer confidence in the Digital Economy, we must emphasize transparency and accountability. Telecom operators should be transparent about their security measures, privacy policies, and incident response mechanisms. Collaboration with third-party security firms and independent audits can also help validate the integrity of telecom platforms.”
He also added that fostering innovation in security technologies is critical to staying ahead of e-fraudsters, saying 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 said collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions can drive innovation in cybersecurity and produce effective countermeasures against e-fraud.
In conclusion, Danbatta stated that combatting e-fraud on telecom platforms and building consumer confidence in the digital economy requires a collective effort. “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.”
In his Welcome Address, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Nigerian NCC, Alh. Alkasim Abubakar Umar, stated that e-fraud poses a significant threat to the society, as it undermines the trust and confidence in the digital platforms, hampers economic growth, and adversely impacts the lives of the citizens, adding that as a regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the telecommunications industry, the NCC recognized its duty to safeguard the interests of consumers and protect the integrity of the digital ecosystem.
He said the forum was therefore designed to provide an opportunity to come together as stakeholders, including telecom operators, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and concerned citizens, to collaborate and devise effective strategies to combat e-fraud.
He said “The NCC remains committed to its mandate of creating an enabling environment for the sustainable growth of the telecommunications 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 forum 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.”
Umar stressed that the Consumer is one of the major stakeholders in the telecoms industry. “It is our desire as a Commission to ensure that they enjoy primary focus. We believe that through adequate education, information sharing, and the provision of an array of channels for redress, we can safeguard telecom consumers, and innovatively promote the prospect for greater Consumer Experience in the Digital Economy.”
