By Gabriel Akinremi, PhD
January 2025
As Nigerian government institutions embrace digital transformation, the need for cyber hygiene has never been more critical.
Ministries and agencies are increasingly reliant on digital platforms to deliver public services, yet many remain vulnerable to cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. The consequences of these vulnerabilities extend beyond operational disruptions they pose serious risks to national security and public trust.
This feature explores the state of cyber hygiene in Nigerian ministries, shedding light on notable cyber incidents, best practices from proactive ministries, and the road ahead for strengthening cybersecurity in government institutions
The Cybersecurity Challenge: A Digital Landscape Under Siege
In 2024, Nigerian ministries faced escalating cyber threats. One of the most significant attacks occurred in December when the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) suffered a security breach that disrupted its online services.
Cybercriminals potentially gained access to sensitive economic and demographic data, raising concerns over data manipulation and national security.
Similarly, reports from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) highlighted a spike in Remote Access Trojan (RAT) attacks on government institutions. These stealthy malware programs enable hackers to control infected systems remotely, compromising sensitive information. Additionally, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have frequently targeted ministries, overwhelming their networks and rendering crucial public services inaccessible.
These cases reveal the alarming reality: Nigeria’s public sector is under digital siege, and inadequate cyber hygiene practices are exposing ministries to potentially devastating attacks.
Case Studies: Ministries That Are Getting It Right
While the threat landscape is daunting, some Nigerian ministries have made commendable strides in enhancing cyber hygiene.
- Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy
This ministry has been at the forefront of cybersecurity advocacy, actively promoting cyber hygiene across government institutions. Through its partnership with NITDA, the ministry launched mandatory cybersecurity training for civil servants, ensuring that government employees can identify and respond to phishing attempts, malware, and other cyber threats.
- Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
As the custodian of sensitive taxpayer information, FIRS has prioritized cybersecurity by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for its online tax filing platforms. Additionally, the agency has adopted strict endpoint security measures, requiring employees to use encrypted devices and virtual private networks (VPNs) when accessing government databases remotely.
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
CBN has enforced robust cybersecurity policies to protect Nigeria’s financial infrastructure. The bank regularly conducts penetration testing simulated cyberattacks designed to uncover vulnerabilities in its digital systems. Moreover, it has mandated regular security audits across all financial institutions under its supervision, reinforcing a culture of proactive cybersecurity.
These ministries exemplify how strategic investments in cyber hygiene can significantly reduce exposure to cyber threats.
However, a broader commitment across all government institutions is needed to achieve nationwide digital resilience.
Obstacles to Effective Cyber Hygiene in Nigerian Ministries
Despite clear benefits, many government institutions struggle to implement strong cybersecurity measures. Key challenges include:
Limited Awareness and Training: Many civil servants lack basic cybersecurity knowledge, increasing the likelihood of falling victim to cyberattacks.
Inconsistent Policy Enforcement: While Nigeria has established cybersecurity policies, enforcement across ministries remains uneven.
Budget Constraints: Funding for cybersecurity infrastructure is often inadequate, leaving ministries reliant on outdated and vulnerable systems.
Weak Endpoint and Network Security: Many government agencies do not have strong firewalls, intrusion detection systems, or data encryption protocols, making them easy targets for hackers.
Without addressing these fundamental challenges, Nigerian ministries will continue to struggle against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Nigeria’s Cyber Hygiene
To secure Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, government institutions must adopt a multi-pronged approach to cyber hygiene:
- Nationwide Cybersecurity Training for Civil Servants
Government workers should receive regular cybersecurity education to recognize phishing attempts, secure sensitive data, and follow best practices for digital security.
- Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Across Ministries
Every government digital service should require MFA to prevent unauthorized access, reducing the risk of password-related breaches.
- Enhanced Network and Endpoint Security
Ministries should invest in firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and end-to-end encryption to protect sensitive government communications.
- Regular Cybersecurity Audits and Compliance Checks
Institutions should undergo routine security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and the National Cybersecurity Policy.
- Establishment of Dedicated Cybersecurity Units in Ministries
Each ministry should have a cybersecurity team responsible for monitoring threats, responding to incidents, and enforcing cyber hygiene best practices.
Conclusion: Building a Cyber-Resilient Government
As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, cyber hygiene must become a priority for all government institutions. The rise in cyberattacks targeting ministries highlights the urgent need for proactive security measures. By investing in training, enforcing strong authentication methods, and securing digital infrastructures, Nigerian ministries can safeguard sensitive data and maintain public trust in government services.
Cyber threats will continue to evolve, but with the right strategies, Nigeria’s public sector can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring a safer digital future for all.
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