E-Business
Deloitte: Nigerian Cyber Security Outlook 2015
Our 2014 cyber security outlook was an eye-opener into the Nigerian cyberspace as all the predictions made were accurate.
2015 must therefore not be underestimated as the seeming deduction is that the hackers are always one step ahead; this is a gap that must be bridged
31,536,000; the number of seconds that made up the year 2014. Around the world, each second was used effectively by hackers in planning attacks and exploiting vulnerable people, systems and processes.
Brazen attacks unlike anything we have ever witnessed before were carried out and from all indications, 2015 is likely to be another roller coaster ride.
From the reported hack on the US retail giant (Target), to the Sony pictures entertainment security breach, there is a growing trend in terms of bravado on the part of hackers.
In 2014, the National Assembly of Nigeria made a bold move in the war against cybercrime when the Senate passed the Cybercrime Bill.
This feat in addition to the cyber security strategy and policy documents introduced by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) are attributes that define 2014 as the year of the awakening.
With each cyber-attack, companies lose millions, trust by consumers get eroded and a trove of confidential information are published.
In 2015, we are expecting newspaper front-page headlines to include issues around cyber security incidents.
The year will witness an increase in cyber security issues that may likely reduce towards the last quarter.
However, the reduction will only be based on a successful implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and electronic ID by the National Identity Management Committee (NIMC).
Our 2014 cyber security outlook was an eye-opener into the Nigerian cyberspace as all the predictions made were accurate.
2015 must therefore not be underestimated as the seeming deduction is that the hackers are always one step ahead; this is a gap that must be bridged.
Based on current events in both social and economic realms in Nigeria, we have reviewed below some of the cyber security trends and threats that are likely to be significant in 2015.
Phishing And Insider Threats will continue to be biggest cyber threat sources in Nigeria especially as crude oil prices continue to fall:
Phishing is a form of social engineering that attempts to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and ATM card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
Phishing is a continual threat that keeps growing to this day. The risk grows even larger in social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc.
An Insider threat is a malicious threat to an organization that comes from people within the organization, such as employees, former employees, contractors or business associates, who have insider information concerning the organization’s security practices, data and computer systems.
As companies take austerity measures such as downsizing and salary slashing due to the falling crude oil prices and the devaluation of the naira, there is a higher risk that employees, former employees or contractors result to cybercrime as a means to maintain their standard of living.
We are likely going to see an unprecedented rise in attacks from disgruntled employees.
The cybercrime of choice by majority of the Nigerian cyber criminals would be via social engineering.
Intelligently crafted phishing emails and phone calls to naïve customers will increase.
Socially And Politically Motivated Cyber-Attacks:
With the coming elections in 2015, there may be an increase in the cyber-attack of the websites and information technology (IT) infrastructure of political organisations and public institutions possibly as a means of expressing grievances.
Nigeria witnessed a similar occurrence during the socio-political protest movement of January 2012 in response to the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.
These attacks could be in form of denial of service attacks and website defacements.
Also, there is the potential for increased numbers in local hacker groups to further their agenda by compromising or attacking Government-owned infrastructure.
As such, this is a call to all stakeholders concerned to put the necessary security measures in their cyber infrastructure.
Prosecution Of Cyber Related Crimes Is Likely To Experience A Major Boost:
With the passage of the cybercrime bill by the Senate, organisations will now have legal basis for prosecuting cybercrime once it is signed into law.
Organizations can put measures in place to track down cyber criminals.
We are likely to see more collaboration between organizations in tackling cybercrime as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) drives the Nigerian e-Fraud Forum (NeFF) – where banks meet to share experiences on fraud and mitigating factors.
The sharing of cyber security intelligence in the financial sector is expected to grow in 2015 and would serve as a model for other areas of the economy.
From the just concluded annual Deloitte Chief Information Security Officer roundtable event in December 2014, there was a recurring theme of cyber security intelligence sharing as a win-win way to tackle cybercrime and be steps ahead of the hacker.
This will also boost efforts in tracking and prosecuting cyber criminals.
Outsourcing Of Information Security Function:
With the shortage of security specialist skills in many companies, the ever-changing threat landscape and the need for 24/7 monitoring and response on certain technological platform especially in Financial Institutions and telecom companies, organizations will need to continually invest more in implementing additional security infrastructure, security training for their personnel and active recruitment for currently skilled professionals.
And with prudency in budgeting for organizations, more companies will consider outsourcing their information security function as a more viable option.
Increased Compliance Costs In Non-Financial Sectors:
In 2015, we are likely to see new sets of compliance regulations for industries with connection to the financial sector.
Though the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has regulated the financial services industry with a variety of compliance rules in 2014, we are likely to see talks or nascent development stages of information security compliance standards for other areas of the economy.
There will be an increase in the cost of compliance as regulators may require organizations to comply with new regulations, with repercussions for defaulting.
Also with the adoption of the COBIT5 framework by Nigeria, other sectors will soon need to have security policies that align with leading frameworks and standards.
Senior Level Executives Will Be Held More Accountable And Possibly Fired For Security Breaches:
We are likely to see executive dismissals as a direct result of security breaches.
Senior level executives will be held more accountable and possibly fired for security breaches if adequate measures are not in place.
More so, if the brand of an organization suffers to recover in time as a result of a security breach, Chief Information Security Officers and Chief Information Officers will come under serious ‘fire’ from the board and top executives as they struggle to cope with incessant attacks on their networks.
According to a report by Gartner, “through 2016, 75% of CISO’s who experience publicly disclosed security breaches and lack documented, tested response plans will be fired.”
The unending battle in cyberspace calls for a more proactive, predictive and robust system that can match tools and techniques used by cyber criminals.
Organizations need to ensure they increase vigilance of their assets, learn from previous mistakes and deploy appropriate countermeasures in order to survive in 2015.
I wish you a cyber-secure New Year.
Tope is the Head, Cyber Risk Services at Deloitte Nigeria. He currently leads the largest team of information security consultants in Nigeria. Tope has significant security consulting, project management and auditing experience and has served several organizations in Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon and UK. He has experience performing IT advisory and assurance services to 85% of the commercial banks in Nigeria and over 30% of the companies quoted on The Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Lagos state government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the initiative represents a significant step in Lagos’ ambition to establish itself as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.
He noted that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, Lagos is increasingly exposed to cyber threats, necessitating stronger and more coordinated security measures.
Citing data from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Omotoso, said Nigeria loses over $500 million (about N250 billion) annually to cybercrime, emphasizing the urgency of proactive interventions.
According to him, while the state’s transition into a smart city offers vast opportunities, it also heightens vulnerability to digital attacks.
“The guidelines, available online, provide practical and scalable recommendations for small businesses, large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.
He added that the framework aligns with key national regulations, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021).
Omotoso emphasised that the document is not intended as a regulatory instrument but rather as a resource to equip stakeholders with actionable and context-specific guidance.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and strengthens public confidence.
The commissioner commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for its contribution to the development of the guidelines, and also acknowledged Tubosun Alake, commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, for his support.
He added that the framework is expected to boost collaboration between the public and private sectors, enabling organisations, from small enterprises to multinational firms, to operate more securely.
Omotoso further noted that the guidelines would be reviewed periodically to keep pace with emerging threats and evolving technologies, stressing that cybersecurity remains central to Lagos’ digital transformation agenda.
E-Business
Laundry Without Interruptions: Why LG Auto Restart Washing Machines Are Perfect for Nigerian Homes
In many Nigerian households, laundry day often comes with an added challenge, unpredictable power supply. A washing cycle that suddenly stops due to a blackout can leave clothes half-washed, soaked, and inconveniently delayed. For families with busy schedules, restarting laundry from scratch is not just frustrating, it wastes time, water, and electricity.
LG Electronics addresses this everyday concern with a simple but powerful innovation: the Auto Restart feature in LG Twin Tub Washing Machines. Designed with real-life Nigerian conditions in mind, this feature ensures your laundry continues seamlessly, even after an unexpected power outage.
Understanding the Auto Restart Feature in LG Washing Machines
The Auto Restart feature allows an LG washing machine to automatically resume its wash cycle from the exact point it stopped when power is interrupted. Instead of resetting the cycle or requiring manual input, the machine retains the previous settings and continues washing once electricity is restored.
This intelligent design removes the need to:
- Restart the wash cycle manually
- Guess how long the clothes were already washed
- Repeat washing unnecessarily
For households experiencing frequent power cuts, Auto Restart turns a common inconvenience into a non-issue.
Why Power-Friendly Washing Machines Matter in Nigeria
Power outages remain part of daily life across many parts of Nigeria. From urban centres to rural communities, sudden electricity interruptions can disrupt household routines, especially when appliances are running.
Traditional washing machines often reset completely after power failure. This can result in:
- Incomplete washing
- Over-washing clothes when cycles are restarted
- Increased water and electricity usage
- More time spent monitoring the laundry
LG’s Auto Restart feature is designed specifically to overcome these challenges, making it a highly practical solution for Nigerian homes.
Key Benefits of LG Auto Restart for Nigerian Households
- Uninterrupted Laundry Experience
With Auto Restart, you don’t need to stay close to your washing machine or worry about power restoration while you’re away. The machine takes care of itself and resumes washing automatically.
- Saves Time, Water, and Energy
Restarting a wash cycle means using extra water and electricity. Auto Restart ensures that no part of the wash is wasted, helping households operate more efficiently.
- Protect Your Clothes
Repeated washing or incorrect restarting can lead to fabric wear. By continuing from the correct wash stage, LG Auto Restart helps maintain proper fabric care.
- Ideal for Busy Families and Professionals
Whether you’re managing a large household or balancing work and home responsibilities, Auto Restart ensures laundry doesn’t become another task that demands constant attention.
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines: Built for Real Living
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines are widely appreciated in Nigeria for their durability, affordability, and strong washing performance. Combined with Auto Restart, these machines become even more responsive to local household needs.
Other features include:
- Powerful wash action for tough stains
- Separate wash and spin tubs for greater control
- Long‑lasting build quality designed for frequent use
- Efficient water usage, especially useful in water‑conscious households
These qualities make LG Twin Tub washing machines a popular choice among Nigerian consumers looking for reliability and value.
Ideal Washing Machine for Areas with Frequent Power Outages
If you live in an area where electricity supply can be unpredictable, choosing a washing machine with Auto Restart is no longer optional but it’s essential. LG washing machines with Auto Restart are especially suitable for:
- Homes with irregular power supply
- Large families with frequent laundry needs
- Users who value convenience and efficiency
- Households looking to reduce water and energy waste
Why LG Washing Machines Stand Out in Nigeria
LG continues to be a trusted name in home appliances across Nigeria due to its focus on durability, smart features, and customer-centric innovation. By designing washing machines that work reliably under local conditions, LG reinforces its position as a brand that understands and responds to everyday challenges.
From Auto Restart technology to powerful wash performance, LG washing machines provide practical solutions that simplify daily life.
Final Thoughts: Less Stress, More Control Over Laundry
Laundry should not depend on the perfect electricity supply and with LG Auto Restart washing machines, it doesn’t have to. By automatically continuing wash cycles after power outages, LG helps Nigerian households enjoy greater convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.
For anyone searching for the best washing machine for power cuts in Nigeria, LG washing machines with Auto Restart offer a smart, reliable, and stress‑free solution – every wash, every time.
For more information, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/twin-tub-washing-machines
Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have partnered with Tate Modern to commemorate World Art Day with a virtual session highlighting the global significance of Nigerian modernism.
Access Holdings
The event, titled “In Conversation with Osei Bonsu: Inside Nigerian Modernism,” featured a virtual tour of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and discussions on the evolution of modern art in Nigeria.
The session brought together staff members across both organisations, reflecting growing institutional engagement with arts and culture as a driver of societal development.
Speaking at the event, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele, emphasised the role of art in shaping identity and national development.
She said that beyond financial capital, cultural and intellectual capital are essential in defining a nation’s prosperity and inspiring dialogue.
Akinyele noted that both organisations were committed to democratising access to art, ensuring it is accessible to a wider audience rather than a select few.
The discussion also featured insights from Tate Modern Curator, Osei Bonsu, and art expert Daniel Wallis, who examined the development of Nigerian modernism and its global relevance.
Bonsu said Nigerian modernism represents an independent reimagining of global art, rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage and expressed through unique visual languages.
According to him, the movement challenges narrow, Eurocentric definitions of modernism and highlights the richness of African artistic expression.
The session further underscored the growing international recognition of Nigerian art, particularly through exhibitions at Tate Modern.
Participants also reflected on the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the exhibition, described as a milestone in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.
In his closing remarks, Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings, Amaechi Okobi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing African narratives on the global stage.
He said the collaboration with Tate Modern aligns with broader efforts to promote dialogue, preserve cultural identity and support the creative sector.
The event reinforced a shared commitment by Access Holdings, Coronation Group and Tate Modern to elevate African art globally and ensure Nigerian cultural narratives continue to shape international conversations.
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