Massive cyber-attacks on banks imminent, NITDA predicts

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has raised concern over imminent cyber attacks on banks and some other key establishments in the country by hackers. NITDA said in a statement Monday that cyber criminals or hackers may launch a cyber attack on some Nigerian banks, health institutions and other government agencies very soon. The […]

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has raised concern over imminent cyber attacks on banks and some other key establishments in the country by hackers.

NITDA said in a statement Monday that cyber criminals or hackers may launch a cyber attack on some Nigerian banks, health institutions and other government agencies very soon.

The Director General of NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, said there was need for all stakeholders to take urgent and solid precautionary measures.

Dr Pantanmi said the agency’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT), in conjunction with other industry stakeholders had already intercepted the plans by the hackers.

He said: "In their efforts at ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace, CERRT, in conjunction with other industry stakeholders 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."

"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-fact