in , ,

Lesson From Globacom Hack: Why Africa’s Telecoms Must Strengthen Cyber Defenses Fast

Image Credit: Nigerianeye

The recent breach at Globacom offers a wake-up call for the telecom industry, highlighting the urgent need to reinforce cybersecurity. This hack wasn’t just a glitch in Globacom’s systems; it was a stark lesson in how easily a company’s infrastructure can be exploited, even by tests leading up to the main attack. It’s a case study for why telecom companies, like other sectors, need to invest more in both prevention and crisis management.

One of the main takeaways from the Globacom incident is the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures. Many companies focus solely on defending against external threats, but internal errors or oversights often create vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Even basic operations at Globacom, such as emails and work applications, were frozen for weeks, paralyzing teams and causing frustration among customers unable to reach support. This reveals just how dependent we’ve become on digital infrastructure, and any weakness in that structure can have a ripple effect across departments and even on customer confidence.

Moreover, Globacom’s response — or lack of transparency — underlines another key issue: accountability. The Nigeria Data Protection Act requires companies to notify the regulator within 72 hours of a breach. But Globacom initially didn’t report the breach; the Nigerian Communications Commission had to approach them first. This hesitation to openly acknowledge cyber incidents seems common, likely due to fears over reputation damage. But a lack of transparency not only erodes trust; it can also lead to harsher regulatory responses and fines.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about having the best firewalls; it’s about a company’s entire approach to risk management, which includes quickly identifying breaches, owning up to them, and maintaining open communication. For any telecom company, this crisis should serve as a reminder that security goes hand-in-hand with accountability. And as cyberattacks continue to evolve, it’s clear that companies will need to move beyond simple defense mechanisms to a culture of resilience and transparency.

With incidents like this on the rise, telecom firms must invest in cybersecurity tools, train employees on best practices, and establish clear protocols for incident reporting. Strengthening these areas will not only protect data but also help companies maintain their reputation and customers’ trust in the long run.

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

Why Starlink Might Face Sanctions