By Stella Odueme
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, predicting high attacks to the country’s cyberspace.
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, 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, emphasized 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. Organisations,
irrespective of sector, must strengthen their defences, 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.
Additionally, the report says collaboration with law enforcement will be
vital in addressing and legally pursuing these frauds.
“Amid these economic
hardships, cybercrime has become an increasingly attractive option, offering substantial illegal
earnings. Businesses and organisations must adopt various measures to combat this growing
threat.
“These include increasing employee pay to better align with the cost of living, offering
financial incentives for loyalty, conducting ethics training emphasizing cybersecurity
responsibilities, monitoring employee behaviour, and implementing robust cybersecurity
protocols like multifactor authentication.
“In light of the events of 2023, where Nigeria witnessed the disruptive force of cyber hacktivism
following the coup d’état in Niger, it is highly likely that 2024 will see an in-crease in similar
activities. To mitigate this escalating threat of cyber hacktivism in 2024, Nigeria must adopt a
multi-faceted approach. Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure is paramount. This involves
investing in advanced security technologies and enhancing the capability of cybersecurity
personnel.”
Looking ahead to 2024, the forecast suggests an escalation in the severity and frequency of web
defacement incidents, affecting a diverse range of industries.
” The high incidence of attacks on
academic institutions highlights the urgent need for all sectors, especially education, to reassess
and bolster their cybersecurity measures.
” Attackers will
leverage the capabilities of AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their cyber-criminal
activities. This will manifest in more personalized phishing attacks, personalised malware,
automated large-scale attacks, and sophisticated social engineering attacks.
“To mitigate AI
exploitation for cybercrimes, individuals should stay informed and practice cybersecurity
hygiene. Organisations must invest in AI-driven security solutions and staff training.
Governments should enforce robust cyber laws, support research in AI security, and foster
public-private partnerships for sharing intelligence and best practices in cybersecurity.
In 2024, Nigeria is poised to continue facing the challenge of impersonation scams. These scams
involve creating fake websites and social media profiles, using the names and images of well-
known figures to deceive the public. Public awareness campaigns and educating people on
ing and reporting such scams are crucial to combating impersonation scams. Social
media platforms and web-sites must enforce stricter verification processes for profiles claiming
organisational or individual identities.”
According to the report, in 2024, Nigeria can be expected to witness a surge in employment and benefit scams, a trend
that has been prevalent in 2023.
” These scams often lure victims with promises of financial
inducements and part-time job offers, primarily disseminated through various digital platforms.
” The anticipated increase in these scams in 2024 can be attributed to Nigeria’s challenging
economic situation, which may drive more individuals to seek financial opportunities online.
” Several measures are crucial to counter this rising threat. These include public awareness
campaigns, improved monitoring and vetting by digital platforms, law enforcement collaboration
for reporting and prosecution, and promoting safe job search practices with thorough recruiter
verification and caution against sharing personal details or making payments.”