NITDA alerts MDAs, private sector, others to cyber security threats

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has alerted Nigerians, especially the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), other government establishments, and the organised private sector to the potential cyber-attacks likely to be experienced this year as well as the precautionary measures to be taken.

NITDA said it’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT), in conjunction with other industry stakeholders, in their efforts at ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace, have intercepted some signals of potential cyber-attacks targeting banking, health, power and transportation systems, as well as other critical national infrastructure.

In this regard, the agency noted that there was the need for all to be vigilant and proactive as far as security is concerned.As a form of preventive measures, NITDA recommended some precautionary measures, which include intensified efforts targeted at ensuring that any data is encrypted, particularly any sensitive or personal data; ensure that networks are fully secure through the use of wired network thereby protecting them from possible hackers’ attempt at using Wi-Fi security lapses to remotely break into computer systems; where Wi-Fi network is used, ensure that an up to date encryption standard is in use and turn off the service set identifier (SSID) broadcasting function on the wireless router if it is not needed; ensure that free Wi-Fi connections as well as other wireless connections such as Bluetooth or infrared ports are not used unless where necessary; ensure that operating systems and other software applications are regularly updated with the latest patches.

Others measures include ensuring that anti-malware protection is installed on all IT systems as this will help in protecting your organisation’s network from potential attacks through virus-laden software and email attachments. Also, all security software should be adjusted to scan compressed or archived files; ensure that appropriate guidelines are in place for connecting personal devices into the organisation’s network; ensure the use of credential vaults and multi-factor authentication instead of user passwords; ensure that the organisation’s data and critical files are regularly backed up; and ensure that there is an organisation-wide enlightenment campaign, awareness and measures put in place to deal with cyber security threats as well as the procedures they must always follow when using their workstations.

NITDA’s Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, disclosed that the agency was working with all critical stakeholders to come up with effective ways of adequately protecting the Nigerian cyberspace. “We therefore call on all Nigerians to support the Agency by doing their best at protecting themselves as well as the information and systems under their care,” Pantami stated.