NBS Website Hacked: Nigeria Battles Rising Cyber Attacks

NBS Website Hacked: Nigeria Battles Rising Cyber Attacks

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website has been hacked, the latest in a series of cyber attacks targeting Nigerian government agencies and parastatals. The NBS announced the hack on its X handle, warning the public to disregard any messages or reports posted on the website until it is fully restored.

The hack was confirmed by checks on the NBS website, which displayed a largely blank page with the inscription "Page Hacked." This incident is not an isolated one, as several ministries and parastatals have suffered security breaches on their websites in recent times.

One notable incident occurred in March, when a private website, (link unavailable), had unauthorized access to the National Identification Numbers (NINs) and personal details of registered Nigerians. These incessant cyber threats have prompted the federal government to issue at least 33 cyberattack advisories in the past year.

According to Check Point Software Technologies, a cyber security platform provider, Nigeria ranked 19th in the global rankings for cyber attacks in July 2024. The platform also revealed that government agencies encounter 1,791 attacks every week. This surge in cyber attacks has significant implications for Nigeria's digital infrastructure and national security.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has also warned of attacks on critical national digital infrastructure. Through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team, NITDA detected activities of a hacktivist group targeting vital digital infrastructure in Nigeria .

The agency emphasized that the hacktivist group, known for its politically and religiously motivated cyber campaigns, poses a significant risk to critical information infrastructures. This warning highlights the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among government agencies, private sector organizations, and individual citizens to combat the rising threat of cyber attacks in Nigeria.

In response to these growing threats, the Nigerian government must prioritize cyber security and invest in robust measures to protect its digital infrastructure. This includes implementing advanced security protocols, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and providing training and awareness programs for government officials and citizens.

Ultimately, addressing the rising threat of cyber attacks in Nigeria requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. By working together, Nigeria can strengthen its cyber security posture and protect its digital infrastructure from the growing threat of cyber attacks.