Cybersecurity agencies urge stronger data protection in Namibia and Nigeria

Cybersecurity and data protection agencies in Namibia and Nigeria are calling for urgent improvements to safeguard personal information against rising digital threats.

In Namibia, the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT), housed within the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), issued an advisory urging businesses and public institutions to strengthen data governance. The agency emphasized that cybersecurity should be treated as a proactive, ongoing responsibility rather than a reactive measure. Recommended safeguards include enhanced access management, data encryption, regular system updates, and improved staff awareness to maintain public trust in digital services.

In Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) raised concerns regarding the increasing frequency of data breaches and the misuse of citizens' personal information. The organization highlighted risks to sensitive data, such as National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers, which may be exposed by financial institutions, government agencies, or malicious actors. CITAD also noted that the dominance of major global technology platforms creates an ecosystem where users have limited control over their digital rights and privacy.