The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), an umbrella body of all Nigerian cyber security professionals, has highlighted all the factors that will contribute to the 2025 cyber security threats in the country.
In a 21-page report titled ‘Nigeria Cyber Threat Forecast 2025,’ CSEAN highlights the urgent need for stakeholders across government, the private sector, and civil society to address the growing complexities of Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape.
This comprehensive report details the persistent and emerging threats expected to shape the digital environment in 2025, emphasizing the pressing need for strategic actions to mitigate risks and foster resilience.
The forecast draws from surveys, open-source intelligence, cyber threat reports, and incident analyses. It examines the interplay of economic conditions, growing digitization, and the shortage of cybersecurity professionals. These factors collectively underscore the vulnerabilities Nigeria faces in safeguarding its digital ecosystem.
The report was co-authored by Oluwafemi Osho, John Odumesi, Jonathan Ayodele, Polra Victor Falade, Hamzat Lateef and Olajumoke Oloyede, who are members of the Directorate of Research and Development at the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria. In anticipating the road ahead, the Nigeria Cyber Threat Forecast 2025 points to malicious actors becoming more resourceful and deploying increasingly advanced tactics and tools, Nigeria must brace itself for a challenging 2025. These threat actors pose a significant challenge to even the world’s most experienced cybersecurity defenders, making it critical for Nigeria’s stakeholders to anticipate emerging risks and implement robust protective measures.
This report forecasts a dynamic and challenging 2025 for Nigerian cybersecurity. AI-powered attacks, including deepfakes, will intensify, while misinformation campaigns will continue to manipulate public opinion. While ransomware attacks may decline, crypto scams, government benefit scams, and data breaches are expected to surge. The “Japa” of skilled IT professionals will strain the sector, exacerbated by weak enforcement of the Cybercrime Act. Insider threats, the exploitation of unlinked FinTech accounts, and the persistent threat of APTs and credential-stealing malware will further complicate the landscape.
The 2024 cyber threat landscape in Nigeria mirrored global trends, marked by increasingly sophisticated attacks. Nigeria faced significant cybersecurity challenges from ransomware incidents targeting critical infrastructure to the pervasive use of AI-driven scams and misinformation campaigns. Individuals, businesses, and institutions endured a series of security breaches and sophisticated scams that permeated various digital platforms. The report warns that 2025 will likely witness a further escalation of these threats as malicious actors refine their tools and tactics.
In light of the evolving cyber threat landscape, the following predictions outline key challenges and trends anticipated for Nigeria in 2025:
- AI-powered cyberattacks are poised to intensify in 2025, targeting both individuals and businesses. Deepfakes and other AI-manipulated content will be leveraged in phishing, social engineering, romance, and sextortion scams.
- Misinformation and disinformation will continue to be potent tools for cyber-influence operations, enabling malicious actors to manipulate public perception and sway decision-making across various platforms.
iii. While a decline in ransomware attacks is anticipated due to increased global law enforcement efforts and improved organizational defences, the threat remains.
- The surge in cryptocurrency scams is expected to escalate in 2025, driven by rising crypto prices. Inexperienced investors will be targeted through social media scams, Ponzi schemes, and fake cryptocurrency exchanges.
- Government-benefit scams are expected to increase, exploiting economic vulnerabilities. Phishing messages and fake social media posts will be used to steal personal information.
- Data breaches in Nigeria are expected to continue. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and public education are crucial to mitigating these risks.
vii. The emigration of skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals will continue, straining Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Addressing underlying factors and creating a more supportive work environment is essential.
viii. The weak enforcement of the amended Nigeria Cybercrime Act 2024 remains a significant hurdle. Investment in advanced investigation tools and strengthened legal frameworks are needed.
- Cybercriminals will continue to exploit unlinked FinTech accounts for money laundering and illicit transactions. Collaboration among stakeholders is needed to fortify compliance.
- Insider threats within Nigerian organizations, particularly in the financial sector, are expected to remain a pressing concern. Robust insider threat management strategies and a culture of accountability are essential.
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) pose a significant but under-recognized threat. Organisations and institutions must take proactive measures, such as routine system updates and security audits, to guard against these persistent attacks.
xii. Credential and information-stealer malware will remain a threat in 2025. Organisations should focus on improving access management and user education.
As Nigeria braces for an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape in 2025, the report identified targeted recommendations for various stakeholders to enhance cybersecurity resilience. For individuals, adopting robust digital hygiene practices such as enabling multifactor authentication and avoiding unverified links is crucial, alongside promptly reporting suspicious activities. Businesses are encouraged to invest in AI-driven threat detection systems and provide continuous employee training to mitigate insider threats.
Policymakers should focus on enhancing the enforcement of the Nigeria Cybercrime Act 2024 by allocating better resources and fostering international collaboration against transnational cybercrimes. Regulators and financial institutions must tighten Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols to address vulnerabilities in unlinked FinTech accounts, thereby curbing fraud. Finally, the nation should prioritize retaining cybersecurity talent by improving economic conditions and creating competitive opportunities for IT professionals. By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can strengthen its defences against the evolving cyber threats anticipated in the coming year.
Commenting on the report, the President of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria, Mr Ade Shoyinka, emphasized that the Nigeria Cyber Threat Forecast 2025 serves as a clarion call for stakeholders to embrace a proactive and unified approach to cybersecurity.
By addressing these challenges head-on, Nigeria can strengthen its digital resilience, safeguard critical infrastructure, and empower its citizens in an increasingly interconnected world. A united approach from individuals, organisations, and policymakers is critical to building a more resilient digital ecosystem.
The full report can be accessed HERE