Nigeria Faces Rising Cybersecurity Threats in 2025: CSEAN Report Warns of Crypto Scams and AI-Powered Attacks

Nigeria’s digital ecosystem is set to encounter heightened cybersecurity risks in 2025, with cryptocurrency scams and AI-driven cyberattacks leading the list of major threats, according to a new report by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN).

The 21-page report, titled Nigeria Cyber Threat Forecast 2025, outlines key cyber risks facing the country and calls for urgent intervention from government agencies, businesses, and civil society to bolster Nigeria’s digital defenses.

Crypto Scams on the Rise

The report highlights a projected surge in cryptocurrency-related scams, driven by rising crypto prices and inexperienced investors. Cybercriminals are expected to exploit this trend through Ponzi schemes, fake crypto exchanges, and social media scams, leading to significant financial losses.

AI-Powered Cyber Threats Emerge

Cybercriminals are increasingly deploying AI-generated deepfakes and other advanced techniques for:

Phishing attacks targeting financial institutions and individuals.
Social engineering tactics to manipulate victims.
Romance scams and sextortion schemes, which exploit personal relationships and trust.
Fake news and misinformation campaigns designed to sway public opinion.

“These sophisticated tactics will exploit trust and manipulate public perception, posing severe risks to individuals and businesses,” the report cautioned.

Other Growing Cyber Threats

In addition to crypto fraud and AI-powered attacks, CSEAN warns of an increase in:

Insider threats, where employees intentionally or unintentionally compromise security.
Data breaches due to weak security measures in organizations.
Exploitation of unlinked fintech accounts, leaving financial systems vulnerable.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) targeting critical infrastructure such as banking, telecommunications, and energy sectors.

Challenges in Cybercrime Enforcement

CSEAN identified weak enforcement of Nigeria’s amended Cybercrime Act (2024) as a major barrier to tackling these threats. The ongoing “Japa” migration phenomenon, which has led to a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, is further weakening Nigeria’s ability to respond to cyber threats.

Call to Action: Strengthening Nigeria’s Cyber Defenses

Ade Shoyinka, President of CSEAN, described the report as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to adopt a proactive and collaborative approach to cybersecurity.

Key recommendations include:

Investing in AI-driven threat detection systems to detect and mitigate cyberattacks in real-time.
Continuous cybersecurity training for employees to reduce insider threats.
Tightening Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols in the fintech sector to prevent fraud.
Strengthening cybercrime enforcement by allocating more resources and fostering international collaborations.

Shoyinka emphasized that by taking decisive action now, Nigeria can enhance its digital resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard its citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.