The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has recommended Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for WhatsApp users.

In a statement on Tuesday, NCC’s spokesperson, Reuben Muoka, said this was to avoid falling victim to account takeover by hackers.

Mr Muoka said NCC-CSIRT noted that WhatsApp, a meta-owned service, is increasingly becoming a prime target for hackers and scammers who are always looking for ways to gain unauthorised access to users’ accounts.

He quoted the advisory as saying setting up the 2FA requires a custom PIN upon logging into a new device to secure WhatsApp accounts.

“The team said 2FA gives businesses or people the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and networks.

“The 2FA is important because it prevents cybercriminals from stealing, destroying, or accessing your internal data records for their own use.”

Mr Mouka said the recommendation states that “WhatsApp provides two-factor authentication so you can further secure your account using a PIN.

“It is an optional feature that adds more security to your WhatsApp account, so it is recommended that everyone installs 2FA.”

He said that the CSIRT, the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC, focuses on incidents in the telecom sector and how they may affect telecom consumers and citizens.

He said CSIRT also works collaboratively with ngCERT, established by the federal government, to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks and problems or related events.

(NAN)