The Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently confirmed that its newly redesigned website was targeted in a cyberattack, causing a significant disruption to its online services. The agency issued a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, notifying the public about the breach and reassuring them that recovery efforts were underway. NBS emphasized the importance of disregarding any messages or reports posted on the site until it is fully restored.
The breach occurred just two weeks after the NBS unveiled its revamped website, highlighting growing concerns about the security of official data. As Nigeria’s primary agency responsible for collecting and disseminating crucial economic, governance, and development statistics, the NBS plays an essential role in the country’s functioning. The attack has raised alarms over the vulnerability of public institutions, which increasingly rely on digital platforms to carry out essential operations.
This attack on the NBS website is part of a broader trend of rising cyber threats facing Nigeria. A recent report by Check Point Software Technologies noted that Nigerian organizations experience an average of 3,759 cyberattacks every week. Government agencies, including critical institutions like the NBS, are particularly at risk, with ransomware and botnet activities being the primary threats. The attack on the NBS website underscores the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures across public sector institutions in the country.
In response to the breach, the NBS has called for public patience and vigilance while it works to restore the website and secure its operations. As Nigeria continues to face escalating cyber threats, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in safeguarding national infrastructure and the need for heightened awareness and preparedness in the face of evolving cyber risks.
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