Data Privacy in Nigeria: How to Protect Your Personal Information Online

Data privacy in Nigeria has become a critical concern for everybody. With the surge in online transactions, social media engagement, and digital service adoption, knowing how to protect your personal information online is no longer optional but a necessity.

With how things are evolving in Nigeria, We are faced with both so much opportunities and significant risks. From phishing scams and identity theft to data breaches and unauthorized access, the threats to your personal information are constant and sophisticated.

Nigeria Data Privacy

The legal system around data privacy in Nigeria is seeing significant developments in recent years. The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), serves as the primary legislation governing the processing of personal data. This regulation aims to protect the rights of data subjects, ensuring that organizations collect, process, and store personal data responsibly and transparently.

The NDPR outlines key principles for data processing, including lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity, and confidentiality. It also grants individuals several rights, such as the right to access their data, the right to rectification, the right to erasure, and the right to restrict processing.

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lets see some threats you can face online

Threats to Your Personal Information Online

Phishing and Social Engineering:

Phishing cyberattacks are a form of  social engineering that uses fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls or websites to trick people into sharing sensitive data such as passwords, bank details, or credit card numbers, downloading malware, or otherwise exposing themselves to cybercrime. this attack remains one of the most prevalent threats as it  often mimic legitimate organizations, exploiting trust to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.

Malware and Ransomware:

Malware, short for malicious software, encompasses a range of harmful programmes designed to disrupt computer operations, gather sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to systems. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware. Ransomware is a particularly destructive type of malware that encrypts your files or locks your computer, demanding a ransom payment (usually in cryptocurrency) for their release. These threats can infect your devices through malicious downloads, compromised websites, or infected email attachments.

Data Breaches and Account Hacking:

Data breaches occur when sensitive, protected, or confidential data is accessed, copied, transmitted, stolen, or used by an individual unauthorized to do so. These breaches often affect large organizations, compromising the personal information of millions of users. Account hacking, on the other hand, involves unauthorized access to your individual online accounts, such as email, social media, or banking platforms. Weak passwords, recycled passwords, and a lack of two-factor authentication are common vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.

Public Wi-Fi Vulnerabilities:

Using public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, or hotels can expose your data to significant risks. These networks are often unsecured, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept your online traffic and capture sensitive information. Without proper protection, your browsing activity, login credentials, and personal communications can be vulnerable to eavesdropping.

Step on How to Protect Your Personal Information Online

Lets now see the steps on How to Protect Your Personal Information Online and enhance your data privacy in Nigeria.

Step 1: Secure Your Digital Devices

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: This is perhaps the most fundamental step. Create a strong passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common phrases. Use a unique password for each online account. If one account is compromised, the others remain secure. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords securely. 

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This could be a code sent to your mobile phone, a biometric scan (fingerprint or face ID), or a physical security key. Even if a hacker obtains your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor. Enable 2FA on all your accounts, including email, banking, and social media.

• Keep Your Software Updated: Software updates often include critical security patches that address vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals. Ensure your operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS), web browsers, and all applications are regularly updated. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you’re always running the latest, most secure versions.

• Install Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: A robust antivirus and anti-malware solution provides real-time protection against malicious software. These programmes can detect and remove threats before they cause damage. make sure to choose a reputable provider and ensure your software is kept up-to-date with the latest threat definitions. Regularly scan your devices for potential infections.

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Step 2: Practice Safe Browsing Habits

• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Always exercise caution when receiving unsolicited emails or messages, especially those requesting personal information or prompting you to click on links. Check the sender’s email address for legitimacy and hover over links (without clicking) to see the actual URL before proceeding. If in doubt, contact the organisation directly using their official contact details, not those provided in the suspicious message. 

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on Public Wi-Fi: When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, creating a secure tunnel for your data and masking your IP address. This makes it incredibly difficult for third parties to intercept your online activities. Choose a trusted VPN provider for optimal security.

• Review Website Security (HTTPS): Before submitting any personal information on a website, ensure the URL begins with “https://” and look for a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This indicates that the connection is encrypted, protecting your data during transmission. Avoid entering sensitive information on websites that only use “http://”.

• Be Mindful of What You Share Online: Every piece of information you share online, whether on social media, forums, or online forms, can potentially be used against you. Think twice before posting personal details, location information, or sensitive opinions. Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your posts and personal information.

Step 3: Manage Your Online Accounts and Data

• Regularly Review Privacy Settings: Most online services, from social media to email providers, offer extensive privacy settings. Take the time to review and configure these settings to your preference. Limit the information that is publicly visible and control how your data is used for advertising or sharing with third parties.

• Delete Unused Accounts: If you have old online accounts you no longer use, delete them. Each unused account represents a potential vulnerability and a repository of your personal information that could be compromised in a data breach. Removing these dormant accounts reduces your digital footprint and minimizes risk.

• Be Cautious with Third-Party App Permissions: When installing new apps on your smartphone or granting permissions to third-party applications on social media, carefully review the access they request. Many apps request unnecessary permissions (e.g., access to your contacts, camera, or microphone). Grant only the essential permissions required for the app to function.

• Understand Data Retention Policies: Familiarize yourself with the data retention policies of the services you use. The NDPR mandates that organisations should not retain personal data for longer than is necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. If you believe your data is being held unnecessarily, you have the right to request its erasure.

Step 4: Stay Informed

• Stay Updated on Data Privacy News and Trends: Regularly follow reputable cybersecurity news sources and blogs to stay informed about the latest threats, scams, and data breaches. Awareness of new attack vectors can help you proactively protect yourself.

• Understand Your Rights Under NDPR: Familiarize yourself with the full scope of your rights as a data subject under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation. Knowing your rights empowers you to challenge organisations about their data practices and demand accountability. The NDPR offers robust protections for data privacy in Nigeria.

• Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter a phishing attempt, experience a data breach, or suspect your personal information has been compromised, report it to the relevant authorities. In Nigeria, you can report cybercrime to the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit or the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

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Step 5: Backup Your Data

• Regular Data Backups: Regularly back up your important files and documents to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a secure network drive. Ensure these backups are encrypted and stored securely. This way, even if your primary device is compromised, you can restore your data without succumbing to ransomware demands or permanent loss.

Conclusion

Protecting your personal information online requires a proactive and informed approach. As stated above, your understanding of this these threats, implementing strong security measures, and staying vigilant, you can significantly enhance your data privacy in Nigeria. Do well to follow the 5 steps above and watch how happy you will be with your information protected.