The short version

Nigeria’s tech agency warned that AI‑enabled cyber attacks are rising. It called for a global pact to protect businesses from these threats.

What happened

At the opening of the 2026 International Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, officials said AI is making cyber attacks more sophisticated.

What it means for owners and operators

Business owners must look beyond firewalls and consider how AI could be used to trick staff into giving away credentials.

Operators should test incident‑response plans that include AI‑generated phishing or deep‑fake attacks.

Executives need to allocate budget for both technology upgrades and regular staff training on AI‑related risks.

What to do in your business tomorrow

  1. Review your cybersecurity policy and add a section on AI‑generated threats.
  2. Run a simulated phishing test that uses AI‑created messages on a small team.
  3. Update your incident‑response playbook to include steps for AI‑generated deep‑fake audio calls.

Related coverage

Sources

  • nitda.gov.ng: AI-Driven Cyber Threats Demand Global Action, Experts Warn at ICSC 2026.
  • Nigeria Communications Week: AI-Driven Cyber Threats Demand Global Action, Experts Warn @ICSC 2026
  • Leadership: AI-Driven Cyberattacks: Experts Seek Global Action, Stronger Defences
  • MSN: Cyber experts warn Aussie businesses amid AI-driven data threat