CSEAN Decries Increasing Cyber-Attack Threats in Nigeria

Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) has warned that the country is currently vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Remi Afon, CSEAN President stated in Abuja that corporate organisations and government establishments have refused to realise and prepare for imminent dangers of cyber threats.

He stated that cyber-attacks were becoming more dynamic and sophisticated, thus need to build a resilient cyber defence system for the country.

According to a statement, issued on Tuesday by the association, a report recently released by Kaspersky revealed that some banks are targeted by North Korean hacking operation group in 18 countries including Nigeria.

The statement reads: “A recent report by Kaspersky showed that North Korean hacking operation linked to Lazarus group targeted banks in 18 countries of which Nigeria was among the targets. Clearly, this has shown that Nigeria is not immune to cyber threats. The vast scope of Cyber threats we face today makes a compelling case for legislation that will compel organisations to have minimum cyber security controls in place and also mandate them to make full disclosure once they are breached. This will assist the nation in understanding attack vectors we face and aid security experts in the implementation of adequate security controls.”

Afon added that “the global cost of cybercrime will reach $6 trillion by 2021, a threefold increase from the 2015 estimate of $3 trillion according to Cybersecurity Ventures. Unfortunately, over 80 per cent of organisations and government agencies in Nigeria believe that since they have not suffered a major cyber-attack, there is no need for security to be implemented in their business plan.

“Cyber threats and attacks are becoming commonplace, sophisticated and damaging. Governments, organisations and individuals are faced with an evolving complex threat landscape. State and non-state actors are capitalising on vulnerabilities to launch attacks. Through workshops, plenary and breakout sessions, Cyber Secure Nigeria 2017 will prepare participants to defend their networks and operations against growing sophistication of cyber-attacks by Building Resilient Cyber Defence.”

However, Afon said the 2017 cyber security conference tagged “Cyber Secure Nigeria 2017,” scheduled to hold in Abuja on May 16-18, would provide the platform for cyber security gatherings.

Stakeholders expected in the conference included industry giants, government, academia, information security professionals from the country and international community.