Nigeria activates DNSSEC to secure .ng domains against cyber threats

Nigeria has taken a major step to strengthen its internet security framework, with the Nigeria Internet Registration Association officially deploying Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) across the country’s .ng domain.

The rollout, unveiled during a media and capacity-building workshop in Lagos, introduces cryptographic protection designed to prevent cybercriminals from redirecting users to fake or malicious websites.

DNSSEC works by adding a layer of verification to the domain name system, the technology that translates website names into IP addresses. Without it, attackers can manipulate this process to quietly send users to fraudulent sites, often used in phishing and data theft schemes. With DNSSEC, such tampering can be detected and blocked before users are affected.

NiRA President Adesola Akinsanya said the move reflects growing urgency to secure Nigeria’s digital infrastructure as more services shift online.

“As more critical services move online, it is essential that we provide a secure and trusted digital environment for citizens, businesses, and government,” he said.

The association confirmed that the .ng domain zone has now been fully secured and is under monitoring to ensure stability before wider adoption by registrars and domain owners.

Banks, fintechs and government platforms expected to benefit

As implementation progresses, NiRA is encouraging organisations handling sensitive digital operations ,including banks, fintech firms, telecom providers and government agencies, to integrate DNSSEC into their systems.

Institutions regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission are expected to see improved protection against phishing, spoofing, and data interception attacks.

NiRA’s Chief Operating Officer, Seyi Onasanya, said the deployment followed extensive planning and collaboration across the ecosystem, with a focus now on driving adoption.

The move comes amid rising cybersecurity concerns in Nigeria, including reported breaches involving the Corporate Affairs Commission and ongoing investigations by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission into incidents affecting platforms like Remita and Sterling Bank.

NiRA said strengthening trust in the .ng domain space is critical to supporting innovation, attracting investment, and securing Nigeria’s growing digital economy, adding that cybersecurity must now be treated as a national priority rather than just a technical issue.

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