Abuja, Nigeria – In response to recent concerns affecting aspects of its digital systems, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have jointly activated enhanced cybersecurity measures. This coordinated effort aims to fortify critical infrastructure and ensure the integrity of services provided to the public.

The agencies confirmed the activation of response and assurance mechanisms, adhering to established national cybersecurity frameworks. This proactive step follows a reported cybersecurity breach at the CAC, which involved unauthorized access to limited parts of its information systems, prompting immediate containment and investigation actions.

NITDA, in its capacity as the nation's lead technology policy agency, has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to reinforce their cybersecurity architecture in strict compliance with the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021.

Key directives issued to MDAs include:
* Conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
* Strengthening access controls across all critical platforms.
* Enhancing data protection mechanisms and ensuring effective backup and disaster recovery systems.
* Improving monitoring capabilities for real-time detection and response to suspicious activities.
* Establishing and maintaining functional incident response frameworks, with an emphasis on prompt reporting of any cybersecurity breaches.

NITDA has also provided detailed cybersecurity guidelines to MDAs to aid in strengthening resilience across public sector digital infrastructure. These measures are designed to optimize the overall security posture of government institutions and ensure the continuous protection of national digital assets.

The CAC, as the custodian of Nigeria's official business registry, plays a crucial role in the nation's digital economy. The recent breach has underscored the growing importance of robust cybersecurity measures, especially as Nigeria continues its digital transition to improve the ease of doing business.

In light of the incident, the CAC has implemented security upgrades, requiring all users of its Integrated Company Registration Portal (iCRP) to reset their passwords and activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to regain access.

This development aligns with broader government initiatives to enhance Nigeria's cyber defenses, including plans to establish a National Cybersecurity Coordination Council. This council aims to foster collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to cyber incidents affecting both public and private institutions.

Experts have previously voiced concerns that the rapid pace of digital transformation in government agencies might be outpacing cybersecurity measures. The current situation highlights the need for continued investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and practices across all public institutions to safeguard sensitive data and maintain public trust in the digital ecosystem.