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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned the public about cyber attacks targeting Nigerian digital systems. These politically and religiously motivated cyber campaigns pose a significant risk to critical information infrastructure, including government digital services. NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team has detected hacking activities and urges the reinforcement of cyber defenses to secure critical information and infrastructure. NITDA also plans to establish a cybersecurity laboratory in 2024 to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in the digital space. However, ordinary Nigerians must also be vigilant and take precautions to protect against cyber threats.
The public has been alerted to be cautious of ongoing cyber attacks that are specifically targeting Nigerian digital systems.
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has issued an advisory through its Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs Hadiza Umar, stating that these cyber campaigns have political and religious motives.
NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team has detected hacking activities aimed at government digital services, emphasizing that these cyber attacks are not a distant threat.
The agency mentioned, “The National Information Technology Development Agency, through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team, has identified the activities of a hacktivist group that is targeting our essential digital infrastructure.
“This hacktivist group, known for politically and religiously motivated cyber campaigns, poses a significant risk to our critical information infrastructure. They employ various attack types, particularly DDoS attacks, and have a history of successful attacks in different countries.”
The agency acknowledges the urgent need to strengthen cyber defenses to protect against these malicious intrusions and secure critical information and infrastructure.
NITDA’s warning comes at a time of Nigeria’s critical economic crisis and the continual devaluation of the Naira, allegedly due to the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Additionally, NITDA has announced plans to establish a cyber security laboratory in 2024, as revealed by the Agency’s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs Hadiza Umar. This laboratory aims to enhance the agency’s capabilities and contribute to Nigeria’s presence in the digital space.
In a recent meeting with Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak, the President of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigator of Nigeria, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized the importance of collaboration to promote digital forensics, strengthen the tech ecosystem, and combat cybercrimes.
Inuwa highlighted the negative impact of cybercrime on the economy, organizations, and individuals, stressing the need to build capacity for protection against such activities.
Cybercrime is a significant problem in Nigeria, involving hate speech, fake news, and financial fraud. To help safeguard the country’s digital space, NITDA’s efforts should be complemented by awareness and proactive measures taken by ordinary Nigerians.
Awareness of potential digital threats and adopting strategies to avoid them is an essential way to contribute to the security of Nigeria’s digital landscape.
