Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has fallen victim to a cyberattack, disrupting operations and raising concerns over the security of sensitive national data.
The attack, revealed by the Bureau on Wednesday, December 18, through a post on social media platform X, has paralyzed its online systems. The NBS warned the public to disregard updates from its platforms until further notice, as efforts are underway to restore the website.
The breach has sparked fears that crucial economic reports, population statistics, and other vital data essential for national planning and policymaking could be compromised.
This incident is the latest in a string of cyberattacks targeting African institutions this year. In Kenya, the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) recently had sensitive government data sold on the dark web. Similarly, in June, Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) experienced a breach with data offered on Anyverify.
These attacks underscore the increasing focus of cybercriminals on Africa’s national institutions, highlighting vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure across the continent.
For Nigeria, this cyberattack is particularly troubling. The country is in the midst of an ambitious push for digital transformation across sectors, yet its cybersecurity measures lag behind. The breach casts a shadow over the government’s ability to protect critical digital assets and maintain public trust in its systems.
Earlier this month, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) issued warnings about Grandoreiro malware targeting financial institutions. The recent attack serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to accompany the country’s digitization efforts.