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Privilege Abuse, Human Error, Greatest Risks to Enterprise Data- Oracle Study

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Adebayo Sanni, Country Manager, Oracle, Nigeria
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Data breaches cost organizations millions, damage their reputation, and result in lost customers and business opportunities.

A new survey of 353 Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG) database and IT professionals examines the state of enterprise database security, where the biggest risks lie, and how organizations can improve upon their security strategies.

To better understand the state of enterprise database security, the Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG) released a global survey titled “DBA – Security Superhero: 2014 IOUG Enterprise Data Security Survey.”

The survey, conducted by Unisphere Research and sponsored by Oracle, polled 353 IOUG database security managers, database administrators, and directors or managers of IT in companies spanning various industries including IT services, government, education, utilities, transportation, and financial services.

Although the survey results show that organizations have a high commitment to enterprise security, it spotlights how ill-prepared most organizations are to both internal and external threats.

Overall, the survey results indicate that organizations have weak preventive, detective, and administrative security controls, including limited internal controls on privileged users, lack of knowledge of where sensitive data resides, and inadequate monitoring of privileged-user activities.

While 58 percent of respondents noted that databases were the most vulnerable part of their IT environment, the majority invested in securing areas of less risk such as the network, servers, and desktops.

Key Findings Include:

More than three-fourths (81 percent) of respondents see human error as the greatest risk to enterprise data, followed by a fear of inside attacks (65 percent).

Other concerns included access privilege abuse from IT staff (54 percent) and malicious code and viruses in their systems (53 percent).

Despite these human risks, many respondents indicated they have relatively few safeguards in place against accidental or intentional staff abuse.

Alarmingly, almost 40 percent of those surveyed admitted to not knowing which databases had sensitive or regulated information and 71 percent lacked safeguards or were unsure if any were in place to combat accidental harm to databases and applications. Today’s complex data environments may be affecting respondents’ abilities to implement comprehensive data protection efforts.

Only 18 percent of respondents encrypt data at rest on all their databases. Further, only 46 percent of the respondents were redacting sensitive application data, leaving the rest open to casual users of those applications.

Despite the well understood risks with proliferation of production data to non production environment, 45 percent of respondents use copies of production data for test and development and 41 percent of them have three or more copies of production data.

“We are in the age of mega-breaches—where breaches in the millions are becoming commonplace. For most organizations, it’s no longer a matter of ‘if’ an attack will occur, but ‘when,’” said Vipin Samar, vice president of database security, Oracle. “This survey highlights that many enterprises lack proper database security controls, and under the current heightened threat environment, they simply cannot afford to wait. It’s more important than ever for organizations to have actionable data security strategies in place to properly manage sensitive customer and organizational data.”

“This survey is a powerful tool for both learning and educating, putting a fine point on the key security issues that keep superhero DBAs and their management awake at night. Exercising extreme data security diligence and data breach readiness is no longer an optional concern but rather a cost of doing business,” said John Matelski, President of the IOUG. “The survey highlights the insight and breadth the IOUG community of professionals contributes to the marketplace across sectors, professions, and geography.”


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Study Reveals 88.5% of Phishing Attacks Focus on Stealing Account Credentials

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Kaspersky analysed phishing and scam campaigns observed from January through September 2025 and found that 88.5% of attacks globally sought credentials for various online accounts.

Another 9.5% targeted personal data such as names, addresses, and dates of birth, while 2% focused on bank card details.

According to data from Kaspersky, over 38 million phishing links were clicked in Africa in the previous year (from November 2024 to October 2025) – all of which were detected and blocked by Kaspersky solutions.

Not everyone uses protective solutions on their devices however, and phishing remains one of the most prevalent cyber threats, with attackers luring users to fake websites where they unwittingly surrender their login credentials, personal information, or bank card details.

Kaspersky research shows that most phishing pages transmit stolen information via email, Telegram bots, or attacker-controlled panels, before it enters underground resale channels.

Data stolen through phishing is rarely used only once: credentials from multiple campaigns are consolidated into data dumps and sold on dark web markets, in some cases for as little as $50. Buyers sort and verify the data to check whether accounts remain active and reusable across different services.

According to Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence, average 2025 prices ranged from $0.90 for global Internet portals to $105 for crypto platforms and $350 for online banking access. Personal documents such as passports or ID cards sold for about $15 on average, with pricing influenced by account age, balance, linked payment methods, and security settings.

As datasets are enriched and combined, attackers can build detailed digital profiles that may later support targeted attacks on executives, finance staff, IT-administrators or individuals with valuable assets or personal documents.

“Our analysis shows that credentials account for nearly 90% of phishing attempts. Once collected, logins, passwords, phone numbers, and personal details are aggregated, checked, and resold, sometimes years after the initial theft.

Combined with new information, even old credentials can enable account takeovers and targeted attacks against both individuals and organisations.

By leveraging open-source intelligence and old breach data, attackers can craft highly personalised scams, turning one-time victims into long-term targets for identity theft, blackmail, or financial fraud,” said Olga Altukhova, senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.


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Study Reveals Majority of IT Professionals Show Openness to Cyber Immunity

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The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with organisations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 90% of cybersecurity professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardisation and cost.

Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity

Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently.

When asked what they associate with the term, 64% of respondents in the META region linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 56% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 48% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.

The growing demand for proactive security

One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents in the META region (63%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions.

Another 32% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient.

With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organisations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.

Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies

The study emphasises that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimise reliance on external defences.

“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.

Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures.

When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage.

This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organisations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.

As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organisations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.

 


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Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

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Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, has launched its inaugural 2026 shopping campaign, Konga Jara, offering 25 per cent discount on Starlink internet kits alongside free nationwide delivery.

Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

Konga

The campaign, drawing from the Nigerian concept of “jara” — the extra value traders add to purchases — aims to deliver exceptional deals across categories, helping shoppers turn new year aspirations into reality through affordable technology and value-driven shopping.

To qualify for the Starlink discount, customers must purchase kits on Konga.com, activate them at starlink.com/activate, and email activation details to [email protected] for verification against Starlink’s records. Discounts are subject to terms and conditions.

Konga said spotlighting Starlink underscores reliable internet’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting work, learning, entrepreneurship and communication for households and businesses.

Mr Onochie Melvin, Head of Commercial Planning at Konga, said: “We listened carefully to what Nigerians said they needed to truly kickstart 2026 on the right footing. Reliable internet connectivity emerged as the foundation upon which other aspirations depend.”

He added: “Students need it for online learning, entrepreneurs need it to scale digital businesses, and professionals rely on it for remote work. This Starlink offer is not just about selling products; it is about removing barriers that prevent Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.”

Beyond connectivity, Konga Jara provides genuine products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with transparent pricing, warranties and authenticity guarantees.

As a composite e-commerce ecosystem, Konga integrates shopping, payments and logistics for seamless nationwide access, with exclusive deals shared via its social media channels throughout the campaign.

Shoppers can explore offers at www.konga.com and follow Konga’s official pages for updates across the Konga Group.


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