The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a security advisory urging Nigerians to update their Google Chrome browsers immediately following the discovery of multiple critical vulnerabilities.
The advisory, shared via the Commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, warns that these flaws could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, gain unauthorized system access, and compromise sensitive personal data.
“Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Google Chrome. The most severe of these could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a user’s system,” the Commission stated.
Potential Impact of Chrome Vulnerabilities
If exploited, the vulnerabilities could allow cybercriminals to:
- Install malicious programs on a user’s system
- View, delete, or modify personal data
- Create new accounts with full administrative rights
These actions could result in data breaches, identity theft, loss of device control, and financial fraud.
NDPC’s Security Recommendations
The Commission urged Nigerians to take immediate preventive measures by following these best practices:
- Update Google Chrome to the latest version without delay.
- Operate with standard user rights instead of administrative rights to minimize potential damage.
- Be cautious when clicking on links, opening unsolicited email attachments, or visiting untrusted websites.
Nigeria’s Broader Data Protection Efforts
This advisory follows NDPC’s growing role in data protection enforcement. Last year, National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji disclosed that the Commission investigated 17 major data breach cases across finance, technology, education, consulting, government, logistics, and gaming sectors.
Key highlights include:
- 1,000+ complaints of data breaches received
- 50 verified complaints, with remedial actions generating ₦400 million in revenue
- Investigations involving major organizations such as Zenith Bank, GTB, Fidelity, Leadway Insurance, Babcock University, Opay, Meta, and DHL
The Commission has also recorded growth in compliance activity:
- Increase in Data Protection Compliance Organizations from 103 to 163
- Over 2,000 annual audit filings
- Sector revenue estimated at ₦6.2 billion
- Creation of 10,100+ jobs in Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem
Internationally, Nigeria has secured membership in the Global Privacy Assembly (with 130+ countries) and remains an active participant in the Network of African Data Protection Authorities.
Conclusion
With cybercriminals actively exploiting browser vulnerabilities, the NDPC’s advisory serves as a critical reminder for Nigerians to update Google Chrome immediately and strengthen their cyber hygiene practices.
As data protection efforts intensify, Nigeria continues to position itself as a leader in privacy rights and cybersecurity compliance across Africa.
