Cyber threat actors have recently exposed data purportedly from both private and public institutions in Nigeria, underscoring the growing need for stronger cybersecurity frameworks, proactive threat monitoring, and coordinated incident response measures.

But Digital Encode’s advisory highlights a troubling pattern: most recent cyber incidents are not driven by sophisticated zero-day exploits, but by preventable weaknesses in basic security configurations, credential management, and operational controls.

According to the advisory signed by Professor Obadare Adewale Peter, Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode Limited, attackers are increasingly exploiting misconfigured systems and publicly exposed assets, such as unsecured databases, open cloud storage buckets, leaked API keys, and critical servers exposed to the internet, many of which are easily discoverable through open repositories, cloud indexing tools, and even dark web marketplaces.

The advisory outlines critical areas of concern, including publicly accessible cloud storage exposing sensitive customer and operational data; hardcoded secrets in web and mobile applications, including API keys and tokens; leaked credentials in repositories and deployment artifacts; weak internal access controls and over-reliance on single authentication layers; exposure of administrative endpoints, API documentation, and development environments in production; uncontrolled use of Third-Party Hosting platforms such as Vercel, Netlify, and Render; poor token lifecycle management and weak authentication, inadequate vendor risk management and monitoring controls

Digital Encode noted that these vulnerabilities are widespread across organizations, particularly in financial institutions, payment service providers, Fintech companies and public sector platforms, where similar exposure patterns continue to recur.

Not a Technology Problem, But an Execution Gap

“Organizations affected in recent breaches were not compromised due to highly advanced attacks, but due to lapses in enforcing existing security controls, like, ensuring that no cloud resources linked to organizations whether AWS S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud Storage, or Firebase allow anonymous access, Verify that no cloud credentials or API tokens are exposed in public or private repositories, container registries or deployed applications, and all external and internal APIs must enforce authentication and authorization controls at all times” Prof. Obadare stated.

The advisory stresses that most of these risks can be mitigated with readily available tools and best practices, underscoring a critical gap between security policy and implementation.

Urgent Actions Recommended

Digital Encode has called on organizations to act immediately by conducting a comprehensive audit of all internet-facing assets, including third-party systems; revoking and rotating all exposed or potentially compromised credentials including passwords, API keys, and access tokens; reviewing historical logs to assess the extent of any prior exploitation; engaging vendors to address third-party security exposures; fixing identified misconfigurations and validating remediation efforts; strengthening monitoring, logging, and threat detection systems; and documenting remediation steps and residual risks for governance and compliance.

The firm also emphasized the need for improved visibility into shadow IT and unauthorized deployments tied to employees’ accounts, which increasingly serve as entry points for attackers.

Call for Proactive Security Posture

Digital Encode reiterated its commitment to supporting organizations through enterprise-wide security assessments and independent validation of implemented controls.

“We strongly advise that this advisory be actioned without delay,” Prof Obadare warned, adding that proactive security hygiene, not reactive response, will determine resilience in Nigeria’s evolving threat landscape.

Digital Encode Limited is a trusted cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in information security, digital trust, and GRC services. The company supports organizations across sectors in strengthening their security posture and achieving regulatory compliance.

Dr. Olatunji will speak on the topic, “Privacy, Compliance, and the Future of Gaming: Building Unity in a Decentralized Regulatory Era.”

His presentation is expected to highlight the vital role of data protection and cybersecurity in Nigeria’s growing and diverse gaming landscape.

Speaking on the significance of Dr. Olatunji’s participation, Prince Arinze Arum, executive secretary of the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, said:

“The presence of the NDPC at this year’s conference demonstrates the convergence between digital trust and responsible gaming. As gaming becomes increasingly technology-driven, issues of data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance must take center stage. We are confident that Dr. Olatunji’s insights will set a new benchmark for operators and regulators alike.”

The 2025 edition of the conference is themed “From Unification to Diversification: Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future”, and aims to explore how a fragmented regulatory system can still thrive through collaboration, innovation, and adherence to national data protection standards.

Vanessa Ayogu, conference executive at Events Arcade Solutions Limited, emphasized the strategic value Dr. Olatunji (NDPC boss) brings to the Enugu Gaming Conference:

“Our theme this year challenges stakeholders to embrace diversity while seeking synergy. With Dr. Olatunji’s keynote, we are anchoring that conversation on the role of data governance as a unifying force. His address will not only spotlight the NDPC’s expectations but also empower regulators and gaming businesses to stay secure and compliant in this decentralized era.”

The Enugu Gaming Conference 2025 is set to feature a cross-section of gaming operators, regulators, technology providers, legal experts, investors, and policymakers. Attendance is expected from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, making it one of the country’s most diverse and forward-looking gaming industry gatherings.

Happiness Obioha, the Chief Executive Officer, gave the advice while speaking on AI-powered identity theft and payment fraud, at the Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON 2.0] held in Lagos, recently, she said the rapidly growing threat can no longer be ignored by businesses, especially those in the payment space.

She said while AI continues to transform the way people live and work, it also introduces new security vulnerabilities that threaten the very systems users aim to enhance.

Obioha referred to the latest Microsoft Cyber Signals report which highlighted a rise in AI-assisted scams targeting online shoppers using payments channels.

She warned that scammers are increasingly using AI to create more convincing fraudulent schemes.

In her words:

“From deepfakes and synthetic identity fraud to real-time payment exploitation through bot attacks, cybercriminals are using AI to create smarter, more evasive fraud schemes. This is why security must be at the forefront of AI integration. Without a fortified environment, even the most innovative technologies risk becoming liabilities.

“At Tizel Cybersecurity, we’re not just observing this evolution—we’re actively shaping the future of secure innovation. We provide AI-driven security solutions that detect and prevent fraud in real-time, protect against identity theft, and ensure safe digital interactions across financial and business platforms.

“Our services include real-time threat detection and response, AI-based biometric authentication, fraud prevention using behavioral analytics, next-generation firewall and intrusion prevention systems, and comprehensive cybersecurity training designed to build a strong culture of security.

She further stated that Tizel Cybersecurity has readied its team to support businesses by delivering proactive, intelligent, and adaptable security infrastructures—“because staying ahead of cybercriminals is not a one-time effort; it’s a continuous journey”.

‘As we leverage AI to drive inclusion and customer experience, let’s also prioritize security at every step. The question isn’t whether threats will come—it’s whether we’re prepared when they do”, she said.

As both a sponsor and participant at PAFON 2.0, she said they were excited to join industry leaders to explore the theme: “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI.”

The Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) is a platform for discussing and addressing issues related to the Nigerian payments ecosystem. It’s a cross-industry event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, fintech innovators, and other stakeholders to discuss topics like digital payments, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion.

ICC Conference is a significant annual event that brings together thought leaders, industry experts, professionals, and stakeholders in the fields of cybersecurity and cloud computing.

The conference serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences, aimed at addressing pressing issues and challenges within these sectors.

The ICC Conference focuses on a specific theme each year, reflecting the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and cloud computing.

This year’s theme is “Collaboration for Cyber Defense: Building Stronger Cybersecurity Ecosystems in Africa”.

The conference attracts a diverse audience that typically includes professionals from IT, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, government, and other sectors.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Aderonke Adeyegbe, CEO of Comercio Limited., said that this diversity enriches discussions and provides a holistic perspective on the challenges and solutions.

The event, ICC Conference, features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and technical presentations that offer insights into the latest trends, strategies, and best practices in cybersecurity and cloud computing.

These sessions help attendees stay up to date with industry developments.

Registration link is here.

Almost 75% of global organizations cited digital transformation as their top IT priority in 2022 compared to only 50% in the previous year. In addition, 42% of employees have adopted a hybrid work schedule recently.

Automation is a core part of the digital transformation companies are undergoing. Because they’re leaning on automation and other technological tools more, cybersecurity is a top priority too. Also, the remote work side of hybrid workforces makes cybersecurity solutions that much more critical.

Let’s continue to explore advancements in automation and cybersecurity that are particularly helpful in hybrid work.

Automation’s Impact on Businesses

Companies that have managed to implement automation tools successfully see how influential they can be in increasing profits and reducing risks. For example, customer relationship management (CRM) software can automatically collect and organize customer data based on activity, demographics, location, and interests. This software also has automated marketing functions that can send customers emails, ads, and other personalized communications that increase the chances of a conversion, increasing profits as a result.

Keeping with this same example, by handing the repetitive task of sending marketing communications or conducting data collection and analysis off to automation tools, you improve your team’s efficiency and free up their time for tasks that need creativity and a human touch. In addition, these tools are much more accurate, reducing human error and improving work quality.

How Automation Helps Hybrid Work

Whether your employees are working in the office or at a remote location, you should always be looking for ways to increase their productivity and efficiency. Automation tools can do exactly that by taking repetitive tasks away from employees and leaders and completing them faster and more accurately.

For example, managers leading hybrid teams are often concerned about what employees are doing during their shifts from home. Instead of having to physically watch over your employees’ shoulders to ensure they’re getting things done, you can hand this task off to an employee monitoring tool. It can automatically track internet and device activity and send this information to you for review at various intervals.

You can find more meaningful responsibilities for yourself and your employees that lead to better productivity and engagement in your and their roles.

The Future of Automation

Automation’s future is significant in the business world. Many companies are interested in implementing more of these tools. However, there must be a focus on helping these tools achieve their full potential, beyond solely taking over simple, repetitive tasks.

It’ll take time to create automation tools that think and behave more critically and creatively. A good example of progress in this regard is automated content creation. There are artificial intelligence (AI)-based content creation tools that can generate entire pieces automatically, whether social media posts, blog posts, or articles.

However, these pieces typically lack creativity and depth and are easily identified as AI-generated. So, content creators have to go in and humanize this content to ensure it comes across as genuine.

If we can amp up the ability of automation tools to think and behave more creatively and critically, businesses will be able to expand their use of automation and find additional ways for employees to work alongside these tools.

The Influence of Cybersecurity on Business

When people are working from home, it’s difficult to ensure their work devices and stations meet security standards. In addition, becoming more digitally focused and employing automation and other technologies to elevate hybrid work exposes your company to cybersecurity risks.

For example, most remote workers rely on their home internet to get work done, and home wifi may be considerably less secure than the one used in an office. This means easier access for cybercriminals into not just worker’s personal networks, but the company’s confidential information as well.

Because of the increased risk of exposure to cybersecurity risks, businesses have invested in top-tier cybersecurity solutions. Not only can they protect their employees and confidential business information while engaged in remote work, but cybersecurity tools make for a more secure digital transformation.

How Cybersecurity Helps Hybrid Workers

Protecting remote workers from security breaches is more challenging than doing so for in-office employees.

This is because you’re in control of the devices, systems, and software in-office employees use. You can also better watch over your employees’ online activity to ensure they aren’t engaging in behavior that could result in a cybersecurity incident.

An increased focus on cybersecurity is helping hybrid work because many company leaders are taking steps to build a secure remote work experience. For instance, they’re offering company-provided devices and software and equipping them with the same top-tier cybersecurity solutions. 

Leaders are also creating training programs that teach hybrid and remote workers cybersecurity basics, like the most common cybersecurity attacks and how to prevent them.

The Future of Cybersecurity

The future of cybersecurity is hopeful and concerning simultaneously. As businesses become more digitally focused and sophisticated, so will cybercriminals. They’ll continue to evolve the ransomware ecosystem, dig into compromising collaboration tools, and lean on hacktivism and deep fakes.

The good news is that government leaders are taking measures to further protect citizens and businesses from cybersecurity attacks. For instance, the United States has a variety of agencies and task forces dedicated to fighting cybercrime, including Electronic Crimes Task Forces, Cyber Incident Reporting services, and others. The government is also creating new data breach regulations and holding businesses responsible for keeping customer data safe.

In addition, cybersecurity tool developers will continue to elevate their software and apps so that they’re able to better protect data and online engagements.

Safely Leading Remote Teams

Yes, automation and cybersecurity tools are helping hybrid work become safer and teams more efficient. But you too have a role in ensuring your remote teams are secure and as productive as possible.

First and foremost, you must ensure your remote workers are set up with the proper cybersecurity solutions, including a virtual private network (VPN) to access business systems, cloud applications equipped with advanced security features, and a password manager that keeps passwords and login credentials secure and organized.

After this, you must train your employee to spot common cybersecurity threats and prevent them. Ensuring employees know how to use automation and other technology appropriately is also critical. Without such training, they won’t be able to use these tools to their advantage and improve their productivity. So, include this in the training you provide.

As you can see, incorporating automation and cybersecurity tools to assist hybrid work in your company is a wise move. Just make sure you’re also playing an active role in keeping remote workers safe and ensuring they use these tools effectively.

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