Connect with us

News

AI-powered cyber threats put healthcare systems at risk

Published

on

Healthcare systems worldwide are facing a surge in cyberattacks supercharged by artificial intelligence, a new report has revealed.

According to data from the report, Nigeria’s private healthcare sector is now one of the most targeted on the African continent, with attacks increasing at an alarming rate.

As reported by The Papers, an online news platform on Wednesday, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a multinational cybersecurity firm, released a data-rich report highlighting these regional trends and their impact ahead of World Patient Safety Day 2025.

According to the report, the Country Manager for West Africa at Check Point Software Technologies, Kingsley Oseghale, said, “On World Patient Safety Day 2025, the focus must extend beyond clinical errors to the hidden risks of cyberattacks on healthcare.

“Healthcare in Nigeria is under increasing pressure from sophisticated cyber threats. These attacks no longer simply steal data; they disrupt surgeries, force emergency diversions, and alter patient treatment plans, putting lives at risk.”

According to the World Health Organisation, World Patient Safety Day 2025, themed “Safe care for every newborn and every child,” highlights the unique risks children face in healthcare.

The initiative calls for urgent global action to eliminate preventable harm in paediatric and newborn care by mobilising governments, healthcare providers, and communities to implement sustainable safety strategies.

In similar research, according to an April 2025 report by Itedgenews, Nigerian healthcare organisations suffered an average of 4,388 cyberattacks per week in 2025, a 47% year-on-year jump. Angola recorded 4,727 weekly attacks (+32%), Kenya 4,004 (+14%), while South Africa experienced the sharpest rise, with weekly attacks up 69% to 1,884.

“This surge stems from rapid digitisation, mixed legacy systems, and a shortage of cyber security staff, creating a perfect storm for attackers seeking high-value patient data and disruption leverage,” Oseghale added.

AI has become both a weapon and a shield in this battle. Criminals use AI to generate realistic phishing scams, deepfake impersonations, and advanced malware, making intrusions faster and harder to detect.

The threat also extends to connected medical devices like infusion pumps and smart monitors, which expand the attack surface and heighten risks of direct patient harm. Medical identity theft adds another layer of danger, draining trust and burdening healthcare providers with costly remediation.

Experts stress that protecting patients now requires cybersecurity to be integrated into overall care quality. Key measures include regular staff training, zero-trust policies, comprehensive asset visibility, prevention-first AI security, and consolidated protection platforms.

“Cybersecurity in healthcare is no longer just about protecting data; it’s about protecting lives. As connected devices, AI-driven apps, and vast patient datasets converge, the attack surface for harm grows exponentially.

“By embedding prevention-first, AI-powered security into every layer, from device design to app governance to data protection, we can ensure that innovation in healthcare translates into safer, more resilient care for every patient,” Oseghale stated.”

As Nigeria and other African nations digitise their healthcare systems, the rise in AI-driven cyberattacks serves as a warning that more efforts are needed to safeguard the most vulnerable, newborns and children, and demands that cybersecurity be treated as an essential pillar of safe care.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

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

News

‘I Will Fire You If You Get Involved In Bribery, Corruption’ – Gov Otti Warns Appointees

Published

on

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has vowed to sack any appointee in his administration who gets involved in bribery and corruption.

This comes two weeks after the Abia State government sacked six officials of the Ministry of Justice for allegedly padding their salaries.

It was reports that Governor Otti, while worshipping at Abayi District of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Aba Conference, said bribery and corruption are not involved in his administration.

He said that his participation in Abia politics was to restore the dignity of the state, in line with the honesty Igbos were known for.

Otti warned his appointees that they would lose their jobs if they indulged in corruption.

He said, “If anybody tells you to bring money for anything, tell him it is a lie. He is a dupe, because he will collect the money from you and still not do anything for you.

“That is why you will never see bribery and corruption in this government. If you get involved, I will fire you.

“We are intolerant of corruption and nobody can plead for you. If you get involved in bribery and corruption, you are gone.”

Governor Otti said that the recent employment of 5,394 teachers in the state was based on merit, without any of the employees paying a dime.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

News

Ooni Visits Olubadan-designate, Ladoja In Ibadan

Published

on

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has paid a visit to the Olubadan-designate, Rashidi Ladoja.
Promoted Content

It was reports that the paramount rulers met on Sunday at Ladoja’s Bodija private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Oba Ladoja will be installed as the 44th Olubadan on Friday, September 26, 2025, following the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will be in Ibadan on Friday to attend the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The ceremony will take place at the historic Mapo Hall grounds, attracting Yoruba monarchs, state governors, political leaders, business figures, and thousands of Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad.

The coronation is the peak of a weeklong celebration that begins on Monday, September 22.

According to the planning committee, the events will start with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, followed by a cultural fiesta on Tuesday at Olubadan Stadium.

A lecture will hold on Wednesday at the University of Ibadan, while Thursday will feature a praise and worship concert tied to Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday.

The grand ceremony comes up on Friday, and a thanksgiving service on Sunday at Oke Padre Cathedral, with a Jumat service on October 3, will close the programme.

Security has been placed at the center of the preparations, with more than 2,000 operatives from the Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Amotekun Corps, and OYRTMA expected to maintain order during the celebrations.

The Oyo State Government also confirmed that the event will be broadcast live on television, radio, and online platforms for Nigerians in the diaspora.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

News

Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know.- President Tinubu tells his wife, Remi, as she turns 65

Published

on

President Tinubu is in a celebratory mood as his wife and first lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, turns 65.

In a tribute to her, the President described Remi as his confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating his path.

He celebrated her sacrifice Nigeria and stated that Nigeria ‘owes her more than many will ever know.’ He went on to pray and profess his love for her.

His tribute reads

‘’Oluremi Mi,

As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor. Through every season, from the long years of struggle and political exile, to leadership responsibilities, you have stood firmly by my side with dignity, patience, and devotion that words can scarcely express.

You are more than my wife. You are my confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating my path. In you, our children and grandchildren see the example of compassion and faith, and in you, our nation sees the true strength of womanhood; resolute yet tender, humble yet unshakably firm.

Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know. In every sacrifice you made quietly, in every burden you carried without complaint, you have served this country as surely as I have, not from the podium, but from the heart of our home.

Today, as your husband, I thank God for your life, health, and unwavering love. As your President, I salute you as the First Lady whose warmth and empathy continue to touch millions of lives across our land. And as your lifelong companion, I say that I love you more than ever, and am blessed every day by your presence. Your love is a treasure I hold dear.

Happy 65th birthday, Oluremi

@SenRemiTinubu

. May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and the fulfilment you so richly deserve.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

 

-Bola”

Continue Reading

Trending