Nigeria has been ranked as the second most secure country in Africa, following Senegal, according to a report by the India-based cybersecurity research firm, Indusface. This ranking is based on various metrics such as DDOS attacks, phishing, and malware-hosting sites. Nigeria earned this position by successfully countering the Gamarue botnet, a highly dangerous malware that posed a significant threat to corporate data and devices. The country's overall security index was 74.69 out of 100, while Senegal ranked first with 78.09 points. The report acknowledges Nigeria's success in combating malware like the Gamarue botnet and its relatively low number of compromised systems compared to other African nations.

The Gamarue botnet, also known as Andromeda, is a malware that allows hackers to take control of individuals' computers, steal information, and breach system settings. It operates through a network of infected computers that can communicate with command and control servers. The malware is typically distributed through freeware or fraudulent websites that prompt users to download and install updates for browsers, Adobe Flash Player, or Java. Once activated, Andromeda launches every time Windows boots.

Nigeria has experienced cybersecurity breaches in the past. For instance, the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) suffered a security breach in April 2022, resulting in the leak of a large amount of user data. Over 75,000 files, containing Personal Identifiable Information (PII) of program applicants, were exposed. Similarly, in August 2020, two major Nigerian banks experienced data breaches that exposed customers' financial details. However, these banks were initially unresponsive to inquiries about the breaches.

To protect against cyberattacks, Nigeria has taken several measures over the years. The country established the National Cybersecurity Society (NCSS) and implemented the Cybercrime Act 2015 as a legal framework. The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) was also established to deal with cybercrime activities, along with the introduction of Detective, Preventive, and Response capabilities. The Nigeria Data Protection Regulations were implemented to safeguard privacy, and a strategy for public-private partnerships was developed to foster collaboration in mitigating cyber risks. National awareness programs, such as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and initiatives for child online safety, have been launched. Additionally, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) created rules and guidelines in 2022 to ensure secure data collection, processing, and storage by businesses.

By understanding the cyber threat landscape and implementing effective security measures, businesses in Nigeria can reduce risks and safeguard their valuable data and assets from future cyber-attacks.