Data Protection: Why most cyber attacks on MDAs are successful – NDPC boss

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has attributed about 94.7 % of data breaches and attacks to a shortage of skilled personnel, particularly in Nigeria.

National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, made the remark at the launch of the Technical and Organisational Drill on Data Protection Measures for IT Administrators Across MDAs, which was held in Abuja.

He warned that data breaches and cyber attacks can result in financial loss and reputational damage, noting that attackers target networks for various motives, including embarrassing the government, financial gain, or simply for the thrill.

“We’re moving almost every aspect of our life online, and there are challenges outside with these cyber attacks and breaches,” he said. “Every 39 seconds a breach will occur, and the effect runs to billions of dollars globally, and human capital has been recognised.”

“94.7 % of breaches are attributed to a lack of skilled personnel, and that’s the average globally. It’s even more in Nigeria,” Olatunji added.

“Looking at the wave of attacks in recent months, we felt it’s really important for us to create awareness, let network administrators, data preachers, data protection officers know what they need to put in place in terms of technical and organisational measures, to ensure that they protect their network, they protect their database from unauthorized access that will lead to negative consequences on the part of the evaluation.”

He also said the NDPC will train Permanent Secretaries and heads of agencies on data protection.