AI-Powered Hackers Are Targeting Nigeria—Experts Warn Businesses Must Evolve or Be Left Defenseless

With Nigeria now ranked as the 13th most vulnerable country to cyberattacks globally, cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm: businesses must accelerate their defenses or risk falling prey to a new wave of AI-driven threats.

Yesh Surjoodeen, Managing Director for Southern and Central Africa at HP, has urged Nigerian enterprises to modernize their approach to cybersecurity. In a recent opinion piece, he emphasized the need for smarter device security and a proactive culture of digital vigilance.

“There’s a race happening, Nigerian hackers are using AI to launch attacks, and businesses must leverage AI to defend themselves,” Surjoodeen stated, referencing a recent Deloitte report.

He highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals to write malicious code, exploit system weaknesses, and develop sophisticated malware, all at speeds traditional defenses struggle to match.

AI-generated phishing attacks are among the most concerning developments. “Over half of these AI-crafted phishing emails successfully trick recipients,” he said, pointing to findings that show how convincingly these messages mimic human behavior.

Hardware Weaknesses and Human Errors Worsen Cyber Risks

HP’s Wolf Security research paints a troubling picture of device-level vulnerabilities. Surjoodeen revealed that 34% of companies auditing their tech suppliers uncovered cybersecurity lapses in the last five years. Alarmingly, nearly 18% of those incidents led to contract terminations.

Another overlooked weak point: BIOS security. “More than half of IT professionals admit to using weak or shared BIOS passwords, often never changing them throughout a device’s lifespan,” Surjoodeen added.

He also criticized the wasteful disposal of devices that could be securely reused, warning that poor decommissioning practices not only inflate e-waste but undermine corporate sustainability goals.

While AI poses serious threats, Surjoodeen said it can also serve as a formidable defense mechanism. Solutions like HP’s Sure Click Enterprise, which deploys machine learning to detect and neutralize threats in real-time, including zero-day exploits, demonstrate how technology can fight back.

“Cybercriminals are growing more sophisticated by the day. If Nigerian businesses want to stay protected, they must embrace advanced technologies and cultivate a security-first mindset,” he said.

In an era where the distinction between human and machine-made threats is fading, Surjoodeen’s message is clear: securing Nigeria’s digital landscape demands equal parts innovation and human initiative.