Concerns grow over national infrastructure security

Chief Operating Officer at Obsidian Shield Cybersecurity, Marcel Prinzonsky

A recent ransomware attack linked to the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) may form part of a broader cyber breach affecting multiple organisations, raising fresh concerns about the country’s digital security.

Local cybersecurity firm Obsidian Shield says its preliminary investigation suggests the incident is not isolated, warning that Namibia could increasingly become a target for coordinated cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.

The NAC has confirmed the breach and indicated it will not pay any ransom demands, a move cybersecurity experts support, cautioning that paying cybercriminals does not guarantee data recovery and may instead fund further attacks.

Chief Operations Officer at Obsidian Shield, Marcel Prinzonsky, explains that ransomware attacks are often prolonged and strategic, with hackers studying systems over time to exploit vulnerabilities.

He adds that Namibia is currently “playing catch-up” in cybersecurity, making both public and private institutions more vulnerable as digital infrastructure expands.

Prinzonsky warns that weak systems, limited awareness among employees, and slow institutional responses are key risk factors, stressing that organisations must prioritise proactive measures such as staff training, stronger password protocols, and improved system monitoring.

He further cautions that delayed disclosure of breaches can worsen the damage, allowing attackers to extract large volumes of sensitive data, including personal and financial information.

Experts say the growing frequency of such incidents signals a shift from opportunistic attacks to more deliberate targeting of Namibia, with potential risks including identity theft, financial fraud, and the exposure of sensitive personal data.