Nigeria’s fast-expanding digital economy is facing increasing danger from a wave of cyberattacks that could cripple key sectors if urgent steps are not taken. According to a new Microsoft Digital Defense Report, cyber incidents across Africa are becoming more sophisticated, with 52% of attacks driven by financial motives such as extortion and ransomware.
Experts warn that Nigeria’s growing dependence on digital services has made it a prime target for cybercriminals. Many local businesses and government institutions remain exposed due to limited cybersecurity budgets and outdated systems.
Cybersecurity expert Dr. Adewale Adeyemo emphasized that cybercrime poses a global threat and urged Nigeria to treat cybersecurity as a national priority. His remarks align with Microsoft’s findings that Africa has become a testing ground for emerging cyber threats, rather than just a passive target.
Drawing on over 100 trillion daily security signals, the Microsoft report highlights how attackers are expanding their operations, particularly in West and North Africa. Nation-state actors are also increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to refine their tactics, target high-value industries, and exploit trusted digital platforms.
Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor for Africa, Kerissa Varma, noted that cybercriminals are now using AI to craft phishing messages in local languages, impersonate trusted figures, and exploit the very tools that people rely on daily. “Many of these advanced tactics are first tested here on the continent,” she said.
The report revealed that in 80% of the cyber incidents investigated by Microsoft last year, the primary objective was data theft — driven more by financial gain than intelligence gathering.
Supporting the trend, the World Economic Forum’s Cybercrime Impact Atlas Report 2025 noted that despite an increase in arrests across 19 African countries, the total economic loss from cybercrime surged from $192 million to $484 million, with victims rising from 35,000 to 87,000.
In Nigeria, critical institutions such as hospitals, government agencies, and research centers have become major targets. These organizations often hold large volumes of sensitive data but lack the resources to defend themselves. Cyberattacks have disrupted emergency services, canceled school programs, and even shut down transportation systems.
Microsoft’s Chief Information Security Officer, Igor Tsyganskiy, warned that such attacks have “real-world consequences,” including delayed medical care and disrupted emergency responses.
The Role of AI in Cybercrime
AI has become a powerful weapon for hackers, who now use it to automate phishing, spread malware, and manipulate social engineering tactics. “AI is a game-changer for attackers, so we must stay ahead,” Tsyganskiy said.
He explained that nation-state hackers are leveraging AI to identify vulnerabilities faster, create adaptive malware, and develop synthetic media for misinformation. “Geopolitical motives continue to fuel cyber operations, especially targeting communication, research, and academia,” he added.
Recommended Solutions
Experts emphasize that simple cybersecurity practices can drastically reduce risks. According to Microsoft, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) can block over 99% of identity-based attacks, even when hackers possess valid login credentials.
Tsyganskiy advised organizations and individuals to:
Implement phishing-resistant MFA.
Regularly update all software and systems.
Invest in cybersecurity training and awareness.
Collaborate with industry peers and government agencies.
Develop incident response plans and conduct security audits.
A Call for National and Global Action
The report underscores that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a governance imperative. Tsyganskiy urged governments to establish strong frameworks with clear consequences for malicious actors and to strengthen international cooperation to combat cyber threats effectively.
“Security cannot rely solely on defensive measures,” he said. “It requires collaboration, accountability, and commitment at both national and global levels.”
