FG committed to safeguarding digital economy from cybercrime – NCC

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that it will continue to ensure cyber security and safeguard the digital economy from cybercrime.

This was stated on Wednesday by the executive vice-chairman of the commission, Umar Danbatta at the 2021 annual cybersecurity conference in Abuja.

Danbatta was represented by Adeleke Adewolu, executive commissioner, stakeholders management at NCC. 

The conference was organised in partnership with the office of national security adviser (ONSA) for strategic stakeholders to discuss cybersecurity issues.

Speaking during the event with the theme ‘Building trust in the digital economy through cybersecurity and sensitisation on the Implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021’, Danbatta said the event is a tribute to the federal government’s drive to promote cyber security and fostering trust.

“The technological advancements brought about by cyberspace and the increase in cybercrimes, identity theft, social media and fake news campaigns, have introduced fresh dimensions that affect the notion of trust in the digital era,” he said.

According to him, trust and confidentiality will promote a healthy digital environment to guarantee the privacy and integrity of digital data.

“The NCC is at the forefront of ensuring a sound cyber security culture that is built on people, processes, and technology. Launching the Nigeria communications sectoral cyber security response team (CERT) is a testament of our resolve to promote a healthy digital environment,” he added.

“Our various cybersecurity awareness initiatives and campaigns are helping the public understand the risks in the digital space and how to reduce the vulnerability opportunities that adversaries can benefit from.

“Our collective resolve is to continuously boost trust and confidence in our digital economy by ensuring adherence to sound cybersecurity culture and hygiene, internally and with external partners, as well as other stakeholders.”

Babagana Monguno, the national security adviser, represented by Samar Akesode, director of communications at the office of the National security adviser, told participants that the NSA was building stronger collaboration with major actors in the security sector to guide the digital economy in Nigeria and beyond.

Akesode said that several workshops being organised were in line with the vision of the present administration to ensure that the issue of security was taken more seriously at all levels.