National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Archives

The Federal Government of Nigeria is looking to drive blockchain adoption as part of its plans to establish emerging technology centers across the country.

This was made known by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami during the Digital Africa Annual Conference with the theme: “Building A New Africa with AI and Blockchain.”

Pantami stated that the government was working toward establishing innovation centers that will explore capacity-building protocols for artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics, cloud computing, and blockchain technology, among other fields.

He noted that the seventh pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) focuses exclusively on developing emerging technologies among the populace.

As part of his address, the communications minister said the move was part of efforts to promote an innovation-driven culture in Nigeria, adding:

“We are also actively preparing to take advantage of blockchain technologies for our digital economy, and we recently developed a National Blockchain Adoption Strategy.

Back in October 2020, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) issued a draft strategy framework for blockchain. The document included a six-point agenda for utilizing the novel technology including national digital identity and regulatory sandboxes for pilot implementations.

Addressing the conference, NITDA director-general Kashifu Inuwa stated that Nigeria can be a growth driver for AI and blockchain in Africa. In November 2020, Inuwa remarked that the country could generate up to $10 billion in revenue from blockchain by 2030.

Back in February, Nigeria’s vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, stated that crypto and blockchain will revamp Nigeria’s financial landscape. The vice president’s comments followed on the heels of a ban imposed by the central bank prohibiting financial institutions from servicing cryptocurrency exchanges.

Pantami in his speech also addressed the need to expand broadband infrastructure, provide people with digital skills, and also providing an enabling environment for digital entrepreneurs to thrive.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advised Nigerians to be wary of IGVM, a file-encrypting Ransomware infection that restricts access to data by encrypting files with the “igvm” extension.

The agency stated this in a press release over the weekend noted that the “igvm” attempts to extort money from victims by requesting for “ransom”, in the form of Bitcoin cryptocurrency in exchange for access to data.

According to the release, the crypto-virus spreads in different methods like web injectors, pirated software, spam emails, malicious software bundles, fake software updates, and deceiving online ads.

It equally prevents the victims from restoring their file copies for free, using Windows tools. Next, the virus modifies Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it. These domains are mostly computer or IT-relates websites, so the attackers capitalize on this measure to prevent the victim from seeking help or information online.

NITDA thereby urge the general public to ensure regular data backup and recovery plan for all critical information, Use application whitelisting to help prevent malicious software and unapproved programs from running, Keep operating system and software up-to-date with the latest patches.

and maintain up-to-date anti-virus software, while scanning all software downloaded from the internet before installing.

Other preventive measures include unfollowing unsolicited web links in emails, not downloading or opening suspicious email attachments.

and not opening emails from suspicious recipients.

Furthermore, the statement reads that “if paying up seems like the only reason to get your files back, we strongly advise against ransom payments various cybersecurity experts do not recommend paying up due to financial security reasons.

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

FG Looks to Drive Blockchain Adoption

The Federal Government of Nigeria is looking to drive blockchain adoption as part of its plans to establish emerging technology centers across the country.

NITDA Advises Nigerians To Be Wary Of IGVM Ransomware

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advised Nigerians to be wary of IGVM, a file-encrypting Ransomware infection that restricts access to data by encrypting files with the “igvm” extension.