Threats of attacks on telecos, banking platforms growing – NSA

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, said Nigeria is being confronted by the growing threats of attacks on telecommunications systems, banking platforms, power and energy grids as well as military networks.

He also listed transportation systems, national databases, elections, digital systems and other critical assets that are experiencing such heightened threats, adding that it was time for all stakeholders to join hands and address it.

Ribadu stated these during a workshop organised for policymakers and sector regulators on critical national information infrastructure protection and resilience organised by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre in ONSA.

Speaking when declaring the workshop open, the NSA said the threats are coupled with other risks like defusing of government websites, breaches of sensitive personal data, and also compromise of confidential government communications.

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“Any failure or disruption to the operation of these critical assets can greatly impact our security, national public health and safety, as well as the social and economic well-being of Nigerians. Therefore, the protection of these assets is a major priority and vital national exigency for all of us.

“As our adoption of technology is increasing across the country, so is the increase in cyber threats and risk to our critical national information infrastructure.

“We are now confronted with heightened threats of attacks on our telecommunications systems, banking platforms, power and energy grids, military networks, transportation systems, national databases, elections, digital systems, and other critical assets.”

“We are also confronted with threats of online financial scams and fraud perpetuated by nefarious individuals and groups within and outside the country, which is persistently denting our economy and indeed our international image.

“These threats are coupled with other risks such as defusement of government websites, breaches of sensitive personal data, and also compromise of confidential government communications. We have also observed the persistent rise in the launch of online platforms by unscrupulous elements for illicit fundraising and disinformation to incite violence and cause apprehension,” he said.

Ribadu added that there is no way a country like Nigeria can exist if telecommunications, electricity, banking platforms, and other critical infrastructures are no longer functioning.