Hackers have successfully taken over the website of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), highlighting the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks in Nigeria.
Rising Cyber Threats in Nigeria
According to Check Point Software Technologies, a leading cybersecurity provider, Nigerian industries are experiencing a sharp uptick in cyberattacks. In July, the country ranked 19th globally for the number of attacks, with government agencies facing an alarming average of 1,791 weekly incidents.
NBS Website Breached
A visit to the NBS website now shows a blank page with the message “Page Hacked.” Confirming the breach, the NBS tweeted on Thursday night, “This is to inform the public that the NBS website has been hacked, and we are working to recover it. Please disregard any message or report posted until the website is fully restored.”
Digital Expansion Increases Vulnerability
The growing digitisation of Nigeria’s economy has amplified the risk of cyber threats. The Federal Government issued at least 33 cyberattack advisories over the past year to address these escalating risks.
Lionel Dartnall, acting Country Manager for South Africa at Check Point Software Technologies, noted, “The rapid digitalisation of Africa’s key sectors has positioned the continent as a prime target for sophisticated cyber threats.”
Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, echoed this sentiment, stating, “As we digitise, we know that there is a big threat to our cybersecurity. There are a lot of criminal activities happening in cyberspace, so as we build, we need to build with security in mind.”
The Growing Threat of Ransomware
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Attacks on government agencies often escalate into ransomware incidents, where hackers demand payment to release hijacked data. In 2024, South Africa’s government entities reported a staggering 90 percent increase in ransomware attacks, facing 3,312 weekly breaches. This trend underlines the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures across Africa.
A Call for Action
The NBS hack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in rapid digitalisation. Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and fostering awareness will be critical for mitigating future risks and ensuring the resilience of Nigeria’s digital economy.