Cloud security in Nigeria: Are businesses ready for future cyber threats?

In 2024, Nigerian fintech company BestFin Nigeria suffered a significant data breach, exposing the personal information of approximately 846,000 customers. The breach was attributed to an unsecured MongoDB database, highlighting vulnerabilities in cloud storage configurations. This incident underscores a critical concern: as Nigeria’s digital economy rapidly expands, are businesses adequately prepared to counter evolving cyber threats?

The adoption of cloud computing has become integral to sectors such as fintech, banking, e-commerce, and telecommunications in Nigeria. Companies are leveraging cloud infrastructure for its scalability and cost-effectiveness. However, this swift transition often outpaces the implementation of robust security measures, leaving systems susceptible to attacks.

A primary challenge is the misconfiguration of cloud storage, leading to data exposures. In the case of BestFin Nigeria, the failure to secure their database adequately resulted in unauthorised access to sensitive customer data. Such oversights are preventable with proper security protocols.

Weak identity and access management (IAM) is another prevalent issue that exposes organisations to significant security risks. Many businesses fail to implement strict access controls, often granting employees excessive permissions beyond what is necessary for their roles. Worse still, these permissions frequently remain unchanged even after employees transition to new roles or leave the organisation entirely.

Without regular audits and proper access revocation procedures, this negligence creates a fertile ground for insider threats, whether intentional or accidental. Cybercriminals can also exploit these security gaps, gaining unauthorised access to sensitive data, which could lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. To mitigate these risks, organisations must adopt a robust IAM strategy, incorporating multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and continuous monitoring to ensure that only the right individuals have access to critical systems at any given time.

Furthermore, the absence of a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) leaves systems vulnerable. Operating under the assumption that internal networks are secure allows attackers who breach initial defences to move laterally within the system without detection.

Regulatory compliance presents additional challenges. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken steps to enforce data protection laws, as evidenced by the 2024 fine imposed on Fidelity Bank for processing personal data without informed consent. Despite these efforts, inconsistent enforcement and a lack of adherence to global standards like ISO 27001 or PCI DSS persist among businesses.

To address these vulnerabilities, Nigerian businesses must prioritise a security-first approach to cloud infrastructure. Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture is essential. This involves requiring multi-factor authentication for all users, enforcing least-privilege access policies, and segmenting networks to limit potential lateral movement by attackers.

Securing cloud configurations is also crucial. Utilising automated tools to detect misconfigurations can prevent unauthorised access. Implementing policy-as-code solutions ensures that security compliance is maintained consistently across the organisation.

Continuous monitoring and threat detection are vital components of a robust security strategy. Deploying Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions enables real-time analysis of security alerts, facilitating prompt responses to potential threats.

Protecting Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines is another critical area. Employing secrets management solutions and conducting regular security testing can identify and mitigate vulnerabilities early in the development process.

Adherence to regulatory frameworks is non-negotiable. Aligning with the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) Cloud Computing Policy and the NDPC’s guidelines ensures that businesses comply with national standards. Additionally, ongoing employee training on phishing, credential hygiene, and cloud security best practices fosters a culture of security awareness.

The trust underpinning Nigeria’s digital economy is contingent upon robust security measures. Businesses must integrate cloud security into their digital transformation strategies proactively. Collaboration among government regulators, business leaders, and cloud service providers is imperative to enforce stringent security protocols and regulatory compliance.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, Nigerian enterprises must stay ahead by strengthening their cloud security frameworks. The time to act is now.

Biodun Tanimola is a cybersecurity analyst and technology policy expert specializing in cloud security, digital risk management, and regulatory compliance.