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The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Vincent Olatunji, has revealed that the commission's service portal was targeted by more than 2,000 cyberattacks within a single week. Olatunji disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a Technical and Organisational Drill on Data Protection Measures for Information Technology administrators across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), organised by the NDPC. Commission Raises Alarm Over Growing Cyber Threats Speaking at the event, Olatunji said the volume of attacks recorded within such a short period highlights the growing threat posed by cybercriminals to government institutions and critical digital infrastructure. According to him, the commission experienced over 2,000 attempts by hackers to breach its service portal within one week, underscoring the need for stronger cybersecurity measures across the public sector. He stressed that government agencies must prioritise the protection of sensitive information and strengthen their digital defence systems as public services become increasingly technology-driven. The NDPC chief noted that cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, making it essential for institutions to continuously improve their security frameworks. Also Read: Paystack to absorb Brass as business banking startup winds down independent operations Government Agencies Increasingly Targeted Olatunji explained that cyberattacks are often driven by different motives, including financial extortion, disruption of services, theft of sensitive information, and attempts to embarrass government institutions. He warned that public sector organisations have become attractive targets for cybercriminals because of the large volumes of data they manage and the increasing digitisation of government operations. According to him, although Nigeria has not yet recorded any major economic disruption or large-scale compromise of citizens' data arising from such attacks, authorities must not wait for a serious incident before taking proactive measures. He said government institutions need to adopt preventive strategies rather than reactive responses to cybersecurity threats. Digitalisation Drive Brings New Security Challenges The NDPC boss disclosed that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to digitise public services across ministries and agencies. He revealed that a major government initiative announced last week aims to fully digitalise 35 ministries within the coming weeks. According to him, some ministries have already completed the transition, while more than 100 government agencies are currently participating in the broader digital transformation programme. Olatunji noted that while digitalisation improves efficiency, service delivery, and accessibility, it also increases exposure to cyber risks. He explained that many of the systems being integrated into government operations rely on technologies developed by private-sector organisations, creating additional cybersecurity considerations that must be carefully managed. Call for Development of Cybersecurity Experts To address emerging threats, Olatunji called for significant investment in human capital development and cybersecurity capacity building. He emphasised the need to train and develop highly skilled professionals capable of protecting government networks, critical infrastructure, and citizens' personal data from cyberattacks. According to him, Nigeria requires a new generation of "cyber warriors" equipped with the technical expertise needed to defend digital systems against increasingly sophisticated threats. He said strengthening the country's cybersecurity workforce is essential to safeguarding national digital assets and ensuring trust in government technology platforms. Training Programme Supports National Data Protection Goals Olatunji explained that the technical drill organised for IT administrators forms part of the NDPC's broader strategic roadmap aimed at improving data protection and cybersecurity standards across government institutions. The programme, he said, aligns with key pillars of the commission's agenda, including human capital development, technology ecosystem growth, and the strengthening of data protection compliance. Participants at the event were expected to receive practical guidance on cybersecurity best practices, risk management, and strategies for protecting sensitive information within their respective organisations. Push for Stronger Cybersecurity Measures As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda, cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that stronger safeguards must accompany increased digital adoption. The revelation that the NDPC's portal faced more than 2,000 cyberattack attempts within a week highlights the growing pressure on government institutions to strengthen their cyber defences. With more ministries and agencies moving their operations online, authorities say continuous investment in technology, training, and security infrastructure will be critical to protecting public systems and maintaining confidence in Nigeria's expanding digital economy.

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All posts tagged in NDPC

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