Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami has identified ways Nigerians can protect their Google accounts from hackers.
Pantami disclosed this via his X handle on Friday amid a discovery that hackers could access Google mails without having to use users’ passwords.
An analysis from a security firm found that a dangerous form of malware uses third-party cookies to gain unauthorised access to people’s private data.
However, Google said it is currently in the process of cracking down on third-party cookies.
“We routinely upgrade our defences against such techniques and to secure users who fall victim to malware. In this instance, Google has taken action to secure any compromised accounts detected,” it said.
Meanwhile, reacting to the development, Pantami stated that Google account users in Nigeria should be careful in accepting “cookies” unnecessarily.
He added that Nigerians should be cyber smart, noting that Google users can protect accounts by “signing out” on an affected or suspicious device.
“Hackers use the process of accepting cookies as displayed when you are browsing. Ordinarily, cookies are beneficial. However, be careful in accepting “cookies” unnecessarily;
“Google acknowledged the vulnerability and challenges associated with it and said it was cracking down on third-party cookies;
“Remember, Google Chrome is the world’s most popular web browser, with a market share of over 60 per cent last year. As a result, there is so much attention to it. Be cyber smart, please.
“You can also protect your accounts by ‘signing out’ on an affected or suspicious device.
“Users can continually remove any malware from their smart devices and enable ‘enhanced safe browsing’ in Chrome to protect against phishing and malware downloads, among others;
“Remember, we have over 1.8 billion Gmail users globally. Almost 24 per cent of the world population patronises it. It has many benefits, including the security control protocols, and your email is safely stored in the cloud;
“Finally, always remember that no system is 100 per cent secure in the world. Always be cyber smart”, he said.
How to protect Google accounts against hackers – Ex-minister, Pantami advises Nigerians
