Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission warns of serious Google Chrome flaws that could let hackers seize control of devices.
It urges users to update immediately and practice strict online safety to protect data.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a security alert to Nigerians, warning of multiple high-risk vulnerabilities recently discovered in Google Chrome.
In an advisory shared on its official X handle, the Commission cautioned that the flaws, if exploited, could allow cyber attackers to execute arbitrary code on users’ devices, giving them unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
According to the NDPC, successful exploitation could allow attackers to:
- Install programs on a user’s device
- View, delete, or alter data
- Create new user accounts with full administrative rights
Such breaches could compromise personal data, disrupt system functionality, and cause victims to lose control over their devices.
The Commission advised Nigerians to act immediately by:
- Updating Google Chrome to the latest version
- Operating with standard user rights instead of administrative rights to reduce potential damage
- Exercising caution when clicking links, opening unsolicited attachments, or visiting untrusted websites
The NDPC, led by National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has been intensifying data protection enforcement across Nigeria.
In 2024, the agency investigated 17 major data breach cases across sectors, including finance, education, technology, consulting, logistics, and gaming. Over 1,000 complaints were received, with remedial actions in verified cases generating ₦400 million in government revenue.
The number of Data Protection Compliance Organizations has also grown from 103 to 163, leading to over 2,000 annual audit filings, estimated ₦6.2 billion sector revenue, and the creation of more than 10,000 jobs.
Nigeria has further strengthened its global standing by joining the Global Privacy Assembly (with 130 member countries) and remaining active in the Network of African Data Protection Authorities.
The NDPC stressed that protecting user data is a national priority and urged the public to take cyber hygiene seriously.
