NITDA Raises Alarm over Threat of Cyber Attacks on Banks, Others

By Dele Ogbodo

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said raised the alarm that hackers will soon launch a cyber attack

on Nigerian banks, health institutions and other government agencies very soon.

While calling for precautionary measures by all stakeholders, the agency noted that it has become expedient to bring to the attention of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), other government establishments, the organised private sector and the general public of potential cyber-attacks likely to be experienced this year as well as the precautionary measures to be taken.

 The Director General of the agency, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, in a statement made available Sharpedgenews online in Abuja, Monday morning, said the agency’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT), in conjunction with other industry stakeholders have intercepted the plans by the hackers.

He said: “In their efforts at ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace, have intercepted some signals of potential cyber-attacks targeting banking, health and other systems, power and transportation systems, as well as other critical national infrastructure.”

In this regard, he said the need for all to be vigilant and proactive as far as security is concerned cannot be overemphasized, adding: “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 Wi-Fi 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.”

According to the DG, all security software should be adjusted to scan compressed or archived files, explaining that it is also important that appropriate guidelines are in place for connecting personal devices into the organisation’s network, use of credential vaults and multi-factor authentication instead of user passwords.