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Report Indicates ‘Must Do’ By Wearables to Capture Middle East & Africa

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The wearables growth story continues unabated in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, with shipments reaching an all-time high of 746,000 units in the final quarter of 2016, according to the latest figures compiled by International Data Corporation (IDC).

The global ICT research and consulting services firm says shipments were up 29.0% year on year in Q4 2016, spurred by new launches from leading vendors and the entrance of new players to the market.

When looking at 2016 as a whole, IDC’s data shows that wearables shipments for the MEA region were up 52.2% year on year.

This was primarily driven by the strong performance of low-cost basic wearables (i.e., devices that do not support third-party applications), which grew 67.9% year on year in 2016. The growth for smart wearable devices (i.e., devices that do support third-party applications) was not quite as spectacular, with shipments up 20.7% over the same period.

“Health and fitness are the only areas currently addressed by wearable tech, and these are areas that smart and basic wearables perform equally well in,” said Nakul Dogra, a senior research analyst for personal computing, systems, and infrastructure solutions at IDC MEA. “As such, users do not receive any incremental benefit in terms of functionality from investing the additional cost required for a smart wearable device. There is therefore a need for wearables to evolve from basic functionalities like counting steps and analyzing sleeping patterns to more complex functionalities that rely on the use of third-party apps. Such apps are clearly underutilized in the current scenario, which is limiting the growth of smart wearables.”

Besides functionality, Dogra also anticipates a shift in the way wearables are bought. “With fashion hogging much of the limelight, utility is being pushed into the shadows,” he said. “As such, sales of wearables will increasingly be driven by fashion labels that are partnering with tech brands, a move that will help take wearables to a new audience and broaden the retail of these gadgets beyond traditional electronics stores and into fashion outlets. New product launches are expected in the clothing segment in 2017 and this will inevitably accentuate the focus on fashion within the wearables space.”

IDC expects the MEA wearables market to grow 24.1% year on year in 2017 to reach a total of 2.9 million units. And looking further ahead, IDC’s latest forecast shows the market expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% over the 2016–2021 period.

“The wearables market is continuously evolving,” said Dogra. “Going forward, we expect the smart watch space to become further segmented, with each brand/product catering to a niche audience (i.e., kids watches, sports watches, luxury watches, fashion watches) and addressing the particular needs of specific users in a more effective way. Currently, the majority of smart watches are generic in nature, with a single device trying to cater to the multiple needs of a varied set of consumers, often with poor results. This segmentation is therefore a positive move for the wearables industry, with customer satisfaction and stickiness likely to increase if these niche products are able to address their needs better.”

Dogra also believes that wearables vendors must look to differentiate their products from smartphones and create a compelling need for wearables within the broader ecosystem of gadgets. “Without this differentiation, wearables will stagnate and be viewed as little more than fashion accessories for your smartphone,” he said. “Wearables have the potential to form an integral part of the Internet of Things ecosystem, so it is imperative that vendors come up with innovative solutions that move beyond health and fitness to enable consumers to perform day-to-day tasks in an easier way.”

To keep pace with the changes taking place in this fast-moving market, IDC has launched its Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker, which assists vendors that are looking to enter this market, promote new product developments, or accelerate the growth of their wearables divisions.

The tracker includes details on products, vendors, and technology trends at both global and country levels, as well as historical market data and five-year forecasts. The report also provides valuable insights into the adoption of core wearable features, such as form factor, connectivity, sensors, operating systems, and applications, and offers invaluable assistance to tech firms looking to develop successful long-term business strategies for wearable devices.

 


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ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

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Integrated System and Devices Limited (ISDL), a major provider of electronic security solutions, is delighted to announce the successful attainment of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications following a rigorous audit process conducted by Bureau Veritas Certification Holdings SAS-UK Branch.

ISDL Achieves IMS Certification

In 2021, ISDL bagged the Quality management systems ISO 9001:2015, and now in 2024, with unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, the occupational Health and Safety system ISO 45001:2018 and the Environmental management system ISO 14001:2015 have been consolidated to form an Integrated Management System.

These certifications, covering ISDL’s headquarters and branches, signify the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality management across all facets of its operations.

According to Oluseun Mabogunje, managing director of ISDL, the scope of the certifications encompasses the design, procurement, supply, installation, integration, maintenance, and after-sales support of various electronic security and Extra Low Voltage (ELV) equipment.

Mabogunje expressed his elation at receiving the IMS certifications, emphasizing ISDL’s dedication to delivering exceptional quality and service to its clientele. He emphasized that this achievement underscores the company’s ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

 

 

 


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Cybervergent’s Q1 2024 Report Reveals Rising Threat of Remcos RAT Malware in Financial Sector

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Cybervergent, a foremost technology company providing automated cybersecurity solutions, in its Quarterly Brief has revealed a troubling trend in the financial sector that shows a spike in attacks utilising the deceptive Remote Control and Surveillance Access Trojan (Remcos RAT) in Q1, 2024.

The findings affirm a stark forewarning to the financial institutions and organisations in the African continent, urging heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate potential escalating risks.

Previously marketed as a legitimate software, Remcos got co-opted by malicious actors and is now a prevalent tool in cybercrime campaigns. This remote access tool grants attackers hidden entry into victims’ devices, allowing them to seize control, pilfer sensitive data, and even introduce stealth backdoors to compromise entire systems. The capabilities of Remcos are diverse and frightening, ranging from disabling vital security features like User Account Control (UAC) to covertly recording user activities.

“As vigilant cybersecurity gatekeepers, we have observed a significant surge in attacks leveraging the Remcos RAT malware,” said Gbolabo Awelewa, the Chief Solutions Officer, Cybervergent. “Financial institutions are particularly targeted due to the sensitive nature of their data and assets. Organisations must remain diligent and adopt proactive monitoring measures to safeguard against such threats.”

The proactive approach adopted by Cybervergent’s Cyber Operations Centre involves meticulous analysis of attacker tactics, constant updating of threat intelligence, and implementing robust endpoint security solutions. These measures are designed to detect, prevent, and neutralise Remote Access Trojans like Remcos, ensuring the continued security and compliance of organisations in the face of evolving cyber threats.

“Our mission is to fortify our clients’ defenses and ensure the seamless operation of their organisations,” added Gbolabo. “By staying ahead of emerging attack vectors and vulnerabilities, we empower businesses to take proactive measures and protect their valuable assets.”

Looking ahead, Adetokunbo Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer of Cybervergent emphasised the firm’s focus on empowering organisations to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and compliance with dexterity and confidence.

“Cybervergent’s Assurance and Compliance Team has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in the cybersecurity domain, achieving significant milestones and delivering transformative solutions. Our journey through Q1 reflects a deep commitment to advancing the state of cybersecurity compliance, paving the way for a secure and resilient digital future for organisations in Africa and across the world”, he added.


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Konga Launches Free Same Day Deliveries on Starlink, Apple & Samsung Nationwide

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Konga, the only authorised shop-in-shop for Starlink Internet kits in Nigeria, is offering its customers free same day delivery across all major cities in the country.

With prices of Starlink Internet kits slashed by 50%, Konga is delivering additional value so that both homes and businesses in urban and remote places can enjoy infinite possibilities with their internet on both their standard and enterprise installations. This offer which is available both online and in its retail stores nationwide is exclusive to new and existing customers this month.

With the improvement in prices on both original standard and enterprise Starlink kits, customers can now enjoy a global warranty and direct installation services by purchasing only on Konga.

Since the launch of the partnership with the Elon Musk owned satellite internet provider, Nigerians have continued to celebrate the uninterrupted supply of fast and efficient cyber network services from the authentic devices available on Konga.

In addition to Starlink, other unique items from leading global companies such as Apple, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Zinox, Philips, Intel and many more are available at unbeatable discounts in the Konga Tech Month from the 1st and will run till the 31st of May 2024.

The Konga Tech Month was extended from its traditional 7day promotion to 30days to give more people access to exclusive deals throughout the month. To enjoy these mouthwatering offers, visit konga.com or any of its physical outlets today.


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