‘Nigeria to face increase in insider cyber-attacks in 2024’

The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), an umbrella body of all cyber security professionals in Nigeria has highlighted all the factors that will contribute to 2024 cyber security threats in the country. The forecast predicts that Nigeria will face an upsurge in insider threats in 2024 with an increase in the use of […]

The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), an umbrella body of all cyber security professionals in Nigeria has highlighted all the factors that will contribute to 2024 cyber security threats in the country.

The forecast predicts that Nigeria will face an upsurge in insider threats in 2024 with an increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for malicious purposes.

In an 11-page report titled ‘National Cyber Threat Forecast 2024’, CSEAN noted that the global landscape witnessed a substantial rise in cyber-attacks, with notable incidents involving ransomware, credential and information stealer malware, and website defacement.

It noted that Nigeria, like many other countries, faced its share of these challenges in 2023.

The report was co-authored by Oluwafemi Osho, John Odumesi, Hamzat Lateef, Olajumoke Oloyede and Jonathan Ayodele, who are members of the Directorate of Research and Development at the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria.

It drew insights from diverse sources, including cyber threat reports, and incident analyses, and equally collected and analysed data from various sources, including cybersecurity professionals in the country, 2022 and 2023 threat trends, to present the forecast of cyber threats for 2024.

“In anticipating the road ahead, the CSEAN National Cyber Threat Forecasts 2024 points to a continued surge in mis/disinformation, ransomware attacks, attacks against vulnerable government’s online assets, crypto scams, benefit and employment scams, information and credential theft, AI-enabled threats, impersonation scams, insider threats, cyber hacktivism, and web defacement.”

Commenting on the report, the President of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria, Mr. Ade Shoyinka, said the need for collaboration between public and private sectors, the adoption of updated computing resources, and a commitment to cybersecurity best practices are imperative.

“In essence, the evolving digital threats demand a united front. Organizations, irrespective of sector, must strengthen their defenses, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and prioritize education to mitigate vulnerabilities. As we navigate the uncertainties of 2024, a shared commitment to cybersecurity resilience will be the cornerstone of a secure and resilient digital future,” he stressed.

The report added that collaboration with law enforcement will be vital in addressing and legally pursuing these frauds.