In order to help the nation successfully manage cybersecurity challenges, the World Bank has started building capacity for stakeholders in the digital economy sector in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
During the presidential and national assembly elections, Nigeria registered 12.9 million cyberthreats coming from both inside and outside the nation, and 3.8 million during the governorship/state assembly elections.
A focus on investing in cybersecurity and raising public knowledge of cyberthreats and their possible effects on enterprises, according to the government, is necessary in order to secure its infrastructure and citizens.
During the beginning of a two-day workshop in Abuja on strengthening cybersecurity competence, the communications minister, Isa Ali Pantami, stated that in the constantly evolving world of technology, cyber threats have evolved into a constant menace to businesses and organizations.
He observed that in Nigeria, the digital economy is growing rapidly, which calls for heightened cybersecurity measures and robust partnerships. He added that the World Bank would support Nigeria to develop digital cutting-edge skills.
He said: “Attempts that were recorded included Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), email and Internet Protocol Spoofing (IPS) attacks, SSH Login Attempts, brute force injection attempts, path traversal, detection evasion, and forceful browsing. These statistics are alarming and they highlight the need for urgent action to protect our infrastructure and digital economy.”
The Minister said the importance of having a robust cybersecurity strategy could not be overemphasized, adding that the workshop aligned with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which identifies cybersecurity as a priority area.
Pantami said the Ministry is partnering with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other institutions to ensure that cyberspace is secure.
Digital Development Specialist, World Bank HQ, Washington DC, Hyea Won Lee, said that the capacity building was to ensure that Nigeria secures its cyberspace.
