Hackers Intensify Attacks on Nigerian Government Websites, Hacking NBS Platform
The Nigerian government is facing a wave of intensified cyberattacks, with the recent compromise of the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website serving as the latest high-profile incident. This attack underscores a broader trend of escalating cyber threats targeting government ministries, financial institutions, and telecom companies across the country.
The NBS Website Hack and its Implications
The NBS, Nigeria’s official statistical agency, plays a crucial role in the nation’s development by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating vital economic, governance, and development data. The NBS website hack, confirmed in a tweet by the organization itself, temporarily disrupted access to this critical information.
The tweet stated: “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. Thank you.”
As of 8:27 AM on December 19th, 2024, the website remained offline.
A Growing Trend of Cybercrime in Nigeria and Africa
The NBS website hack is not an isolated incident. Cyberattacks in Nigeria have surged to alarming levels. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) regularly issue warnings about cybercriminals targeting individuals, government entities, banks, and telecom companies. This persistent threat underscores the need for proactive cybersecurity measures and collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
The financial implications of this cybercrime wave are substantial. INTERPOL estimates that cybercrime in Africa costs over $4 billion annually—approximately 10% of the continent’s GDP. This figure is further amplified by the rising cost of ransomware attacks, which increased by 13% in 2023, reaching an average of $5.13 million per incident, according to an IBM report.
Past Incidents and High-Profile Targets
Previous cyberattacks have targeted various key Nigerian institutions. In 2020, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported attempts to breach its website. Other notable victims include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the EFCC, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). During the #EndSARS protests, hackers even seized the X account (formerly Twitter) of the National Broadcasting Commission and used it to post anti-government messages. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) also suffered a data breach, with personal information being monetized on a website called “expressverify,” according to The Punch.
The attacks extend beyond government institutions to include top government officials and state governors who have had their mobile numbers compromised.
Cyberattacks Beyond Nigeria’s Borders
The problem extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. Recently, Namibia’s state-owned telecom company experienced a ransomware attack, resulting in the leak of sensitive customer data, including information on high-ranking government officials.
Telecom Namibia reportedly refused to negotiate with the hacker group, Hunters International, leading to the data release. Other African countries facing significant cyberattacks include South Africa (Porsche, TransUnion), Ghana (ECG), Zambia and South Sudan (central banks), and several institutions in Ethiopia, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.
The Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
The frequency and severity of these cyberattacks highlight the urgent need for improved cybersecurity infrastructure and practices across Nigeria and the African continent. This includes increased investment in cybersecurity technologies, enhanced employee training, and stronger collaboration between government agencies, private sector companies, and international organizations.
The NBS website hack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential consequences of inadequate cybersecurity defenses. The ongoing attacks necessitate a comprehensive and coordinated effort to combat cybercrime and protect vital national assets. Failure to address this growing threat could have severe economic and social consequences for the entire region.
