Nigeria: Naija Times under immense cyber attacks – Publisher

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Press Release
Published on 2024-02-20 22:14:21

The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Naija Times, Ehi Braimah, has revealed that the online newspaper’s website has been under attack from malicious hackers. According to Mr. Braimah, the cyber attacks began about a week ago, on 13 February, and the motive behind them is yet to be determined. He further declared that the attacks intensified on Monday, as reported by the newspaper’s technology team. The attacks included over 600 lockouts in less than an hour and a total of over 9,900 sustained attacks on the website. Mr. Braimah stressed that the attacks were clearly aimed at undermining the integrity of the online newspaper.

The hackers used multiple IP addresses in their attempts to crash the website, as well as made several unsuccessful efforts to compromise the backend of the website. Additionally, Naija Times was approached by an agent claiming to be a journalist and PR consultant representing one of the banks to take down a story, but its Board of Editors refused. While Mr. Braimah stated that it is unclear whether the cyber attacks are linked to the bank’s request, the website’s tech team has responded diligently and proactively to the attacks by strengthening its security measures.

Naija Times was established as an online newspaper in September 2020, with the goal of advocating for a better Nigeria with strong institutions, respect for the rule of law, and defending the public interest. The cyber attacks come at a time when such institutions and values need to be upheld more than ever, making the attacks particularly concerning.

The attacks on Naija Times are a reminder of the vulnerability of online platforms to cyber threats and the need for robust security measures to protect these platforms. As such, the newspaper’s tech team’s swift and vigilant response is commendable as they work to safeguard the integrity and continuity of the publication. In today’s digital age, news organizations and other online entities are increasingly becoming targets for cyber attacks, and it is crucial for them to have strong security protocols in place.

Despite the challenges posed by the cyber attacks, Naija Times remains committed to its mission of providing accurate, timely, and impactful news to its readers. The online newspaper’s dedication to upholding the freedom of the press and the public’s right to information is evident in its refusal to bow to external pressure to remove content from its platform. The attempted suppression of journalistic content is a threat to the principles of a free and independent press, and Naija Times’ resilience in the face of such attempts is commendable.

As the attacks on Naija Times continue, it is essential for regulatory authorities and cybersecurity organizations to investigate the source and nature of these attacks. Furthermore, the online newspaper is operating in a challenging environment where its dedication to providing reliable news and information is critical to citizens’ ability to make informed decisions and hold those in power accountable. In light of these attacks, it is important to recognize the value of independent journalism and the need to ensure the safety and security of online news platforms.

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