By Chinenye Anuforo
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As Nigeria progresses in its digital transformation journey, the twin blights of identity theft and data breaches remain formidable challenges.
These cyber threats, estimated to cost the nation a whopping $500 million annually, according to the Nigerian Senate, have prompted the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to ramp up its efforts to safeguard the nation’s digital identity and brighten the chances of enjoying a fruitful digital future.
The Commission, as the nation’s data protection watchdog, is implementing stringent data security regulations and raising awareness about cybersecurity best practices.
The ultimate goal is to fortify Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and protect its citizens from the perils of identity theft perpetrated by daring online criminals who patrol cyberspace.
At the 2024 Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum and the 12th Africa Digital Awards IT Forum held recently, the Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, reassured Nigerians of potent solutions and strategies being pooled by the Commission to bolster its defenses against identity theft and data breaches.
For context, identity management refers to the processes and technologies used to manage digital identities. This includes everything from creating and verifying user accounts to granting and revoking access privileges. Identity management plays a critical role in ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data and systems.
Olatunji emphasised that identity management is not just a technological solution, but a strategic imperative. It serves as the bedrock of data security, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access sensitive information and organisational resources.
He stated that the NDPC was taking a multi-pronged approach to address the issue, focusing on both technological solutions and individual awareness.
Key strategies include: robust identity management, zero-trust security model, data privacy and fairness, collaboration with law enforcement amongst others.
He outlined several key areas where identity management plays a pivotal role: access control, minimizing insider threats, compliance with regulations, zero-trust Implementation, reducing attack surface, protecting against credential-based attacks and integrating with other security technologies.
Olatunji also stressed the importance of data privacy and fairness, emphasizing that data subjects have the right to know why their data is being collected and how it will be used. He encouraged individuals to be mindful of the information they share and to question the necessity of specific personal details.
“Data subjects have the right to know why their data is being collected and how it will be used. Individuals should be mindful of the information they share online and question the necessity of specific personal details”, he stated
Individuals play a crucial role in safeguarding their digital identities. “By following best practices, such as using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of phishing attacks, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to identity and data theft.”
He argued that by prioritizing identity management and data security, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information and build trust with their customers. “As Nigeria continues to embrace digital innovation, it is imperative to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity and data protection”, Olatunji stated.