NITDA releases fresh guidelines on combating cyber security threats in Nigeria

The leadership of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has come up with tipoff on how to be safe against instances of cyber attacks this year.

NITDA has issued a warning to all 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.

Already, NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT), in conjunction with other industry stakeholders, 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, the need for all to be vigilant and proactive as far as security is concerned cannot be overemphasized.

In a statement signed by the Director General/CEO, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, NITDA recommended a number of measures to remain safe in a digitally volatile world this year.

The agency said 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; and ensure that free Wi-Fi connections as well as other wireless connections such as Bluetooth or infrared ports are not used unless where necessary.

Others are to 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. Also, all security software should be adjusted to scan compressed or archived files;   ensure that appropriate guidelines are in place for connecting personal devices into the organisation’s network;

NITDA also called on computer and allied devices users to always ensure the use of credential vaults and multi-factor authentication instead of user passwords; ensure that the organisation’s data and critical files are regularly backed up; and, ensure that there is an organisation-wide enlightenment campaign, awareness and measures put in place to deal with cyber security threats as well as the procedures they must always follow when using their workstations.

Dr. Pantami averred that “NITDA is working with all critical stakeholders to come up with effective ways of adequately protecting the Nigerian cyberspace. We therefore call on all Nigerians to support the Agency by doing their best at protecting themselves as well as the information and systems under their care.