Nigeria recorded close to 6.5 million cyberattacks in the first half of 2025, according to new data from Kaspersky.
The global cybersecurity firm reported that its tools blocked 1.46 million online attack attempts and 4.97 million on-device incidents targeting Nigerian users between January and June. Nearly one in five Nigerians (19.9%) faced online threats, while 28.6% of users were hit by malware spread through infected USBs, CDs, DVDs, and hidden installers.
Compared to 2024, Nigeria saw a 66% surge in password stealers and a 53% rise in spyware incidents. Exploits targeting applications like Microsoft Office remain widespread, while finance-related phishing scams rose 46%, despite a general drop in phishing cases.
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The industrial sector was not spared either. Attacks on 26.5% of Nigeria’s Industrial Control Systems (ICS) computers were blocked, particularly in the construction, energy, biometrics, and engineering sectors—placing Africa among the hardest-hit regions globally.
Chris Norton, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Kaspersky, warned:
“Every day, more people in Africa and Nigeria specifically are moving their businesses, banking, and even daily errands online. But with this opportunity comes a challenge. Cybercriminals are also becoming more active, targeting not only big companies and government networks, but also ordinary people, small businesses, and industrial infrastructures we depend on.”
Kaspersky will share more insights at GITEX Nigeria 2025 (September 3–4 in Lagos), including hands-on workshops on real-time threat intelligence, cloud security, and building cyber-aware workforces.
Earlier this month, Kaspersky also signed an MoU with SMEDAN to boost cybersecurity awareness among Nigeria’s SMEs.
