NCC Warns of AI Cybercrime Threats to Telecoms and Banking

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a warning regarding the significant threats posed by the increasing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals to Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, banking system, and national security. Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, raised these concerns on Tuesday at the second International Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja.

He stated that AI-powered attacks are becoming more sophisticated, capable of compromising digital networks and financial transactions. Represented by Sunday Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Maida detailed various AI-driven threats, including tailored phishing, automated credential attacks, and self-rewriting malware.

He emphasized that attacks on telecom operators could disrupt critical sectors such as finance and governance. Maida noted that the NCC has established a Computer Security Incident Response Team and a Cyber Resilience Framework to enhance security standards among telecommunications operators.

Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, added that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting human vulnerabilities.