The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued an urgent security advisory, warning Nigerians of critical vulnerabilities in Google Chrome that could expose users to severe cyber threats.
The alert, posted on the Commission’s official X handle, underscores the risks of these flaws and calls for immediate action to safeguard personal devices and data.
According to the NDPC, the vulnerabilities could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user’s system, potentially granting unauthorised access to computers. This could enable cybercriminals to install malicious programs, view, alter, or delete sensitive data, and even create new user accounts with full administrative rights. Such breaches could disrupt device functionality, compromise personal information, and lead to significant loss of control over affected systems.
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“Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Chrome. The most severe of these could allow an attacker to take over a user’s system,” the NDPC stated, emphasising the urgency of addressing the issue.
To mitigate these risks, the Commission has advised Chrome users to apply the latest browser updates immediately. It also recommends operating devices with standard user rights instead of administrative privileges to limit potential damage. Additionally, the NDPC urged Nigerians to exercise caution by avoiding suspicious links, unsolicited attachments, and untrusted websites.
The advisory comes as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen data protection. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner of the NDPC, has been at the forefront of these initiatives. Last year, he revealed that the Commission was investigating 17 major data breach cases across sectors like finance, technology, and education, with over 1,000 complaints received.
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These efforts have resulted in over N400 million in revenue from remedial actions and the creation of approximately 10,100 jobs through the growth of Data Protection Compliance Organisations, now numbering 163.
Nigeria’s commitment to data security has also earned it international recognition, with membership in the Global Privacy Assembly and active participation in the Network of African Data Protection Authorities.
The NDPC’s warning serves as a critical reminder for Nigerians to stay vigilant and prioritize cybersecurity. By promptly updating Google Chrome and adopting safe browsing practices, users can protect their devices and personal information from potential exploitation.
