Nigeria and Looming Cyberwarfare

Cyberwarfare is no longer an abstract threat to countries—it is happening. It is a clear and present danger.

The recent systematic crash of the computer systems of banks and broadcast media in South Korea — reportedly the result of an attack that was widely speculated to have been launched by North Korea — points to vulnerability of nations to the new and unexplored area of cyberwarfare.

Today, advances in technology that connect utilities, industries and information in real time have changed the nature of the threats facing nations.

 Digital networks could be used as a conduit to gas lines, power grids and transportation systems to silently deliver devastating cyberattacks to countries.

Case in point, a computer worm was discovered in June 2010 that is called Stuxnet.

The malware is spread via Microsoft Windows, and targets Siemens industrial software and equipment.

The Siemens industrial software and equipment infected is literally the equipment that runs the world as we know it.

 These industrial systems run everything imaginable, traffic light systems, subway systems, power generating systems (including the grid and nuclear plants), food processing plants, warehouses, emergency alert systems, every form of manufacturing, hospitals, police and fire departments, and even the air traffic control systems.

The danger from this worm is that it preys specifically on industrial systems and has a very complex programmable logic controller (PLC) rootkit.

 That means it can be programmed to target a specific operating system and take over the running of the program unbeknownst to even the most observant operator.

Terrorists are increasingly using online technology, including Google Earth and Street View, for attack planning."

Concerns about potential damages that could be caused by cyber terrorism, have prompted official responses from responsible governments around the world.

In Nigeria either by ignorance or lack of knowledge or both; the federal government has been unable to secure its official websites thus raising questions over claims by the government of efforts to reduce the growing threat of violation of its digital presence.

 Any cyber attack on Nigeria’s critical infrastructure will shut down the country because she lacks any form of protection,

Terrorists are increasingly using online technology to plan and disguise attacks and there will be more cyber-terrorism in the future.

The country’s security managers must understand that tackling these new and emerging threats requires that the country’s technology must constantly evolve and adapt.

The federal government must heed the warnings of experts who have called for building of “high technical skill” including the setting up of “ethical hackers” to protect networks by hacking and stealing vital information and later returning them to show their vulnerability.

Nigeria must also learn lessons from attacks that have happened elsewhere and prepare for the possibility that they could be replicated here.

Additionally, legislation that encourages participation by streamlining processes and reducing legal uncertainty for industry is necessary to help the public and private sectors be more responsive and accountable. In the process, care must be taken to protect privacy and civil liberties.