Nigeria’s vulnerability to digital threats continued to intensify as 2024 drew to a close. The country reported a total of 2,721 cyber incidents in the first half of the year, with sectors such as telecommunications, computer services, data processing, hosting companies, and even local beauty salons facing significant attacks.
Experts have linked the surge in cyberattacks to Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and 5G communications. Despite acknowledging the risks posed by increased digitalization, government agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy have yet to implement localized cybersecurity strategies that could protect critical industries and institutions.
A second-half review by Positive Technologies, a cybersecurity analytics firm, shows Nigeria continuing to top the list of countries vulnerable to cyber threats. The report highlights a concerning rise in attacks on government sectors and financial institutions, with organized hacker groups and hacktivists often targeting these areas for financial gain or espionage. Although Nigeria is particularly susceptible, neighboring countries such as South Africa and Algeria have also experienced similar threats.
Positive Technologies’ analysis revealed that more than half of Africa’s databases are available for free on the dark web, with access to corporate networks being sold for an average price of $2,970. The report also noted that government and financial sectors in Africa account for a significant portion of successful cyberattacks, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. In Nigeria, 27% of successful attacks were on government institutions, followed by attacks on the financial sector, which rose from 18% to 22%.
Cybercriminals have grown more sophisticated, with some attacks involving as many as 23 different attack vectors in a single incident. This complexity highlights the increasing threat to critical sectors of the Nigerian economy. Security experts emphasize the importance of continuous cybersecurity strategies, timely updates to systems and applications, and regular risk assessments to mitigate these risks.
To bolster cybersecurity in Africa, experts recommend that countries like Nigeria conduct thorough risk analyses, identify and protect critical infrastructure, and enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors. International partnerships, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices are also crucial in strengthening defenses against evolving cyber threats.
As Nigeria moves into 2025, experts urge the country to adopt stronger, more proactive measures to safeguard its digital landscape, ensuring resilience against future cyberattacks.
