NITDA Raises Alarm Over Potential Cyber Attacks To Banks, Govt Agencies, Others

NITDA Warns Public Over Potential Cyber Attacks

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has raised an alarm over potential cyber attacks targeting banking, health and other systems, power and transportation systems, as well as other critical national infrastructure in the country. This was made known in a statement signed by the Director-General of NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and issued to journalists recently.

The DG disclosed that its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT), in conjunction with other industry stakeholders, while putting in efforts to ensure a safe and secure cyberspace, intercepted some signals that reeked of potential cyber-attacks.

He urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), government establishments, the private sector and the general public to remain vigilant and proactive in terms of security, adding the need for extra precautionary measures to guard against cyber-attacks cannot be overemphasized.

The statement read in part: “We, therefore, recommend the following precautionary measures, efforts should be intensified 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 WiFi 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; ensure 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 is working with all critical stakeholders to come up with effective ways of adequately protecting the Nigerian cyberspace.”

The agency further enjoined Nigerians to show support to the agency by ensuring utmost protection for themselves as well as the information and systems under their care.