Alleged cyber attack on CBN causes stir in banks, others
• Executives hold emergency meetings • Economies may lose $ 6tr to attacks, expert warns • Experts call for proactive measures
REPORTED cyber attack on Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) on Friday night has caused jitters among banks and other financial service providers.
It was reported on Friday that a popular international cyber hacking group, known as Anonymous, in solidarity with the ongoing # ENDSARS protesters in Nigeria, carried out the attack, with warning of greater action on Nigeria in the coming weeks.
Sources revealed that many top bank executives spent the weekend meeting with
Information Technology ( IT) departments on how to prevent possible attacks by Anonymous.
Anonymous, which came into limelight in 2003, claimed it launched the attack in solidarity with # EndSARS protest and threatened to “take down” websites of key public institutions.
The group, also on Friday, carried out its threat when it hijacked the Twitter handle of the National Broadcasting Corporation ( NBC) and posted anti- SARS campaign
content on it.
The panic created by the Friday attack became more widespread as members of the group claimed on Saturday it had successfully invaded handles digital assets of more organisations.
A report by a section of the media that the website of a first generation bank was also hacked by the digital invaders caused more tension as top executives allegedly arranged panic meetings with internal and external IT consultants on preventive measures.
Though symbols of the hackers posted on websites were published, checks showed the site was up and running. An official of the bank also described the media report as “false”.
A statement by the bank dismissed the claim and the reason the hackers gave for their action.
“Our attention has been drawn to the tweet making the rounds on social media on shutting down of First Bank website, following a false tweet that the bank prevented its staff from joining the ongoing protests in the country.
“As the largest banking institution in Nigeria, it is not unlikely we may be seen as a target in circumstances such as these. This is rather unfortunate, as we believe farreaching reform is necessary and we have said as much on several occasions across our platforms,” the statement read.
A source in another old generation bank told The Guardian he just left a marathon meeting held among “IT guys, communications people and the management” to discuss the urgent challenge because “nobody knows where the hackers are operating from and who they have access to.”
AN official in a new generation bank said the IT department officials “have been put on their toes even though there is no serious threat to money deposit banks” going by the ongoing campaign in Nigeria and historical activities of Anonymous.
It was also learned that an operator has listed “Anonymous campaign in Nigeria as number one item” on its weekly management brainstorming and directed the IT to furnish it with a detailed profile of Anonymous’ operational style.
# Opnigeria, the tag name of the ongoing campaign, is Anonymous’ first major outing in the country. The group had during the 2015 General Election, hijacked the website of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), declaring, “security is nothing but an illusion”.
@ Youranoncentral, an anon ( member of Anonymous) with 5.8 million Twitter followers, was tweeted: “We support the weak against the powerful and stand for justice. Our values are the following: human rights, autonomy and selfgovernance, resistance
against tyranny, more humane society.”
Read the remaining part of this story on www. guardian. ng