NITDA and CAC Strengthen Cybersecurity Collaboration
The National Information Technology Development Authority (NITDA) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) are taking decisive steps to enhance cybersecurity in response to recent issues affecting CAC’s digital systems. This collaborative initiative aims to safeguard against escalating cyber threats that have raised concerns among government and private institutions alike.
Response Mechanisms Aligned with National Framework
In a statement released on Friday by Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, both agencies confirmed the activation of response and assurance mechanisms. These actions are part of a strategic alignment with the National Cybersecurity Framework, designed to protect critical infrastructure while maintaining the integrity of services.
Investigation into Alleged Data Breaches
The announcement follows a series of alleged breaches over the past few weeks impacting various government and private entities, including CAC, Remita Payment Services Limited, and Starling Bank. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is currently investigating these claims to ascertain the extent of the data loss and prevent future incidents.
Mandatory Cybersecurity Adoption Across Ministries
NITDA has emphasized that all ministries and agencies (MDAs) are required to implement proactive cybersecurity measures in accordance with the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021. The agency has called for an immediate review and strengthening of existing cybersecurity frameworks to combat emerging threats that specifically target sensitive government data.
Enhanced Security Assessments and Access Controls
As part of the directive, MDAs must conduct thorough security assessments to identify and remediate vulnerabilities. Strengthening access controls across critical platforms is also essential. This initiative aims to bolster data protection mechanisms, ensure effective backup and disaster recovery processes, and enhance monitoring capabilities to swiftly detect and respond to suspicious activities.
Implementation of Incident Response Frameworks
NITDA further stressed the necessity for a functional incident response framework, which should include rapid reporting protocols for cybersecurity breaches. Such measures are vital for coordinated intervention. Detailed cybersecurity guidelines have already been issued to MDAs, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance the resilience of public sector digital infrastructure.
Commitment to National Digital Asset Protection
The agency reaffirmed its dedication to supporting government bodies in the protection of their digital systems and in promoting best cybersecurity practices across the public sector. This initiative is designed to bolster the overall security posture of government agencies and ensure the reliability of national digital assets.
CAC Portal Maintenance Announcement
Meanwhile, CAC has also announced scheduled maintenance for its portal from April 17th to 20th. Users may experience temporary unavailability of the portal during this period as efforts are made to enhance service delivery to CAC customers.
The commission issued a notice apologizing for any inconvenience the maintenance may cause and appreciated the understanding of its valued customers, noting that these improvements are vital for better service in the long term.
