The ascendancy of the telecoms sector as a key driver of social interactions, commerce and economic growth has resulting in an uptick in cyber threats. Ayo Olesin examines the critical issues around cybersecurity and possible solutions.
The telecommunications sector has become the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, driving commerce, governance, and social interactions. With over 220 million active mobile subscriptions and broadband penetration exceeding 45 percent, it plays an essential role in economic growth and digital transformation. However, as the sector continues to expand, it faces an increasing wave of cyber threats that threaten its infrastructure, networks, and users. These challenges necessitate the adoption of a robust cybersecurity framework to protect critical infrastructure, ensure data integrity, and safeguard millions of consumers.
The rapid advancement of Nigeria’s telecom industry has brought remarkable benefits. Innovations in broadband connectivity, the deployment of 5G networks, and the increasing integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices have transformed industries, enabled e-commerce, and advanced financial inclusion. Yet, this progress has also made telecom infrastructure a prime target for malicious actors. Cybercriminals have honed in on the vulnerabilities within these networks, exposing the sector to a range of sophisticated threats.
Growing cybersecurity threats
Among the most common cybersecurity threats are network intrusions, where hackers exploit weaknesses in systems to gain unauthorized access. Such breaches can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and erode consumer trust. Ransomware attacks are another growing concern, with attackers encrypting critical data and demanding hefty payments for its release. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which overwhelm networks with excessive traffic, also pose a significant risk, causing disruptions that affect millions of users.
SIM swap fraud has emerged as a particularly insidious threat, allowing attackers to hijack users’ mobile numbers by fraudulently swapping SIM cards. This often leads to financial fraud and identity theft. The proliferation of IoT devices, which now underpin many modern applications, has introduced additional vulnerabilities, creating more entry points for cybercriminals. Adding to these challenges are state-sponsored cyberattacks, with Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest telecom market making it a target for geopolitical and strategic disruption.
Need for stakeholders to take action
Addressing these threats requires a clear understanding of the systemic challenges facing Nigeria’s telecom sector. Many operators lack the technical expertise and resources needed to implement advanced cybersecurity measures. This skills gap is compounded by a shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals. Legacy systems, still in use across many networks, further exacerbate the issue, as these outdated technologies are more vulnerable to attacks. Moreover, while Nigeria has developed regulatory frameworks like the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), enforcement has often been inconsistent, leaving significant gaps in protection.
Funding constraints also hinder the ability of many telecom operators to invest in state-of-the-art cybersecurity infrastructure. Collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and international organisations remains limited, reducing the effectiveness of coordinated cybersecurity efforts. Rural areas, where infrastructure security is often weaker, present additional challenges, as these regions become increasingly targeted by cybercriminals.
NCC critical to addressing cyber threats
In this context, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emerged as a critical player in addressing cybersecurity challenges. The NCC has implemented several initiatives to enhance the resilience of telecom networks. Through its Cybersecurity Incidence Response Team (CSIRT), the Commission monitors, analyzes, and responds to threats, providing real-time alerts and sharing intelligence to help operators mitigate risks. It has also developed regulatory frameworks, such as the guidelines for managing personal data, which ensure compliance with the NDPR and promote robust data protection measures.
Public awareness campaigns by the NCC have been pivotal in educating consumers about cybersecurity best practices, such as securing their SIM cards and protecting personal information. Additionally, the Commission has fostered collaboration with law enforcement, private companies, and international organizations to strengthen cybersecurity across the sector. By encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain, the NCC has laid the groundwork for more effective threat detection and mitigation strategies.
While these initiatives mark significant progress, more needs to be done to address the evolving threat landscape. Building a robust cybersecurity framework for Nigeria’s telecom sector requires a comprehensive approach that brings together technology, regulation, and capacity building. Stronger regulatory oversight is essential, with the NCC and other agencies ensuring strict compliance with cybersecurity standards. Regular audits of telecom operators can help identify vulnerabilities and enforce corrective measures.
Investment in advanced technologies is critical to staying ahead of sophisticated cyber threats. AI and Machine Learning (ML) can be leveraged to monitor network traffic, detect anomalies, and respond to threats in real-time. Blockchain technology offers enhanced data security through immutable records and decentralized authentication. As the rollout of 5G networks continues, telecom operators must adopt advanced encryption and authentication protocols to safeguard these high-speed networks.
Capacity building is another crucial pillar of cybersecurity. Developing specialized training programs for operators, regulators, and law enforcement can bridge the skills gap, while public awareness campaigns can empower users to take preventive measures against phishing, SIM swap fraud, and other threats. Collaboration between stakeholders is equally important. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can drive unified cybersecurity strategies, while platforms for real-time intelligence sharing can help preempt and address cyber risks.
Protecting critical infrastructure requires adopting modern security architectures, such as the Zero Trust model, which operates on the principle of continuous verification for all system access. Redundant network infrastructure can ensure service continuity in the event of an attack, minimizing disruptions. Strengthening existing cybersecurity laws and fostering international cooperation can also enhance the country’s defense mechanisms. Collaborating with global organizations and adopting international best practices can equip Nigeria with the tools and expertise needed to tackle sophisticated threats.
As Nigeria’s reliance on digital technologies continues to grow, securing telecom networks against cyber threats is no longer optional. Cybersecurity is essential for ensuring the stability and resilience of the telecom sector, which underpins the broader digital ecosystem. Moving forward, stakeholders must adopt a proactive approach, prioritising investments in advanced technologies, fostering collaboration, and building local capacity to protect critical infrastructure.
The Nigerian Communications Commission must continue to lead these efforts, driving compliance, promoting awareness, and supporting innovation to safeguard the nation’s telecom networks. By addressing these challenges and implementing effective strategies, Nigeria can build a resilient telecom infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and ensures the security of its digital future. Cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue; it is a national imperative that will define the success of Nigeria’s aspirations as a digital leader in Africa.
