Impact of DDoS attacks on critical national information infrastructure and human security in Nigeria

Abstract

The unprecedented performance reliance of modern society on critical national information and infrastructure (CNII); financial system, electoral system, stock exchanges, clearing system, crypto currency exchanges, data networks, and satellite communication systems, have opened up States to opportunities and threats from forms of cyber-attacks, whose consequences could negatively influenced economic and societal implications. This study decomposed human security into economic and societal implications. It was against this background that this study engaged economic theory to examine impact of distributed denial of services (DDoS) attacks on CNII in Nigeria and human security. This study employed qualitative research design with reliance on publicly available archival documents and examining literature that relates to cyber-attacks, CNII, DDoS threats, and human security. Findings from empirical literature revealed that there exist economic impact of DDoS attacks on CNII in Nigeria. These ranges across financial losses, operational disruptions, and skewed economic development, while societal consequences of DDoS attacks spanned and seen on disruptions of public services, erosion of public trust, and social implications of cyber incidents. This study recommended that the ministry of interior and office of the National Security Advisers and should formulate and implement robust cybersecurity policies through constellations of cyber security industry experts, private sector, academia, civil society, NSCDC as lead agency for protection of CNAI, and Satellites driven agencies towards prevention, detection, response, and recovery strategies on challenges posed by DDoS attacks on financial and societal implications linked to CNII in Nigeria. The study further recommended that all tiers of government should deepen cybersecurity awareness, targeting industries, government officials, IT professionals, education sectors, and the general public to promote best practices to foster a culture of cybersecurity resilience. Such awareness should be fortified with investment in cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and threat intelligence platforms to bolster the resilience of Nigeria's CNII