Nigeria activates DNSSEC to strengthen trust and security in .ng domains

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has officially deployed DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) on Nigeria’s .ng domain, introducing a layer of cryptographic protection designed to stop cybercriminals from redirecting internet users to fake or malicious websites.

The unveiling took place during a media advocacy and capacity-building workshop held in Lagos on Thursday, marking what NiRA described as a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem.

DNSSEC works by adding cryptographic verification to the Domain Name System, the system that translates website names into IP addresses.

Without it, attackers can manipulate this system to silently redirect users to fraudulent sites that look legitimate, a technique commonly used in phishing and data theft attacks. With DNSSEC in place, any attempt to tamper with that process can be detected and blocked before it reaches the user.

NiRA President Adesola Akinsanya said the deployment reflects the urgency of securing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure as more critical services move online.

“As more critical services move online, it is essential that we provide a secure and trusted digital environment for citizens, businesses, and government,” he said.

The association announced that the .ng zone is now fully signed and under monitoring to ensure stability and performance. After the monitoring phase, accredited registrars and domain owners will be able to enable DNSSEC protection on their domain names.

DNSSEC rollout: Banks, fintechs, and government platforms to benefit most

As the rollout continues, NiRA is urging organizations that provide vital digital services, such as banks, fintech companies, telecom providers, government agencies, and e-commerce platforms, to integrate DNSSEC in their cybersecurity systems.

Organizations overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission are expected to benefit from improved protection from phishing, spoofing, and data interception.

NiRA’s Chief Operating Officer Seyi Onasanya said the deployment was the result of careful planning and cross-ecosystem collaboration.

“While the .ng zone has now been securely signed, our focus is on ensuring a smooth rollout and driving adoption among registrars and domain owners,” he said.

This move follows a rise in cybersecurity threats targeting local institutions. Recent incidents include unauthorized access to the Corporate Affairs Commission’s systems and ongoing investigations by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission into alleged breaches at Remita and Sterling Bank.

NiRA said stronger trust in the .ng namespace will create an enabling environment for innovation, investment, and digital services, and that securing the domain is now a strategic national priority, not just a technical task.

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