E-Business
DDoS Attacks via IoT Devices Threaten Development of Fourth Industrial Revolution

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that use Internet of Things devices are a significant threat to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the potential it brings to revolutionise productivity and people’s lives in general.
This was proven during the late 2016 DDoS attack largely ascribed to the Mirai botnet, which, unlike other botnets that are typically made of up computers, was composed largely of weaponised Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as DVR players, home routers, air quality monitors and personal surveillance cameras.
This is according to Bryan Hamman, territory manager for sub-Saharan Africa at NETSCOUT Arbor, which specialises in advanced DDoS protection solutions.
“The internet is an integral part of life and infrastructure in most countries around the world today,” Hamman said.
“A successful DDoS attack aims to disrupt or cause the denial of an online service by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. The DDoS attacks of 21 October 2016, for example, showed just how vulnerable sections of the internet and its global operability are to attack by those of ill intent.
“These attacks, which are largely ascribed to the Mirai botnet and have entered recent history due to the involvement of IoT devices, involved multiple DDoS attacks targeting domain name system (DNS) provider Dyn, whose business ensures that information requests via the internet are delivered to the correct address.
The knock-on effect was that major internet platforms and services linked to Dyn – including Twitter, GitHub, Reddit, Pinterest, Etsy, Tumblr, Spotify, PayPal and the PlayStation network – were unavailable to millions of users in Europe and North America for some hours. Consumers were unable to carry out activities like online shopping, social media interaction or listen to music during this enforced downtime – examples which showcase exactly what the Fourth Industrial Revolution is all about, namely the interaction of the physical and digital worlds.”
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is generally understood to be the coming together of physical and digital technologies.
It builds on the previous industrial revolutions which each, in their own way and their own times, were seen to increase production of processed items during their eras.
In the process, each industrial revolution changed the ways that humans operated in particular spheres, arguably bringing in opportunities for improvements in efficiencies in general, and in some cases even poverty alleviation through the creation of jobs and new systems.
The First Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century with the invention of the steam engine; the Second used electricity to create mass production; the Third used electronics and information technology to automate production; and the Fourth is leapfrogging on top of the relatively recent Third to close the gap between our use of the physical and digital world.
Hamman explained, “People are aware that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is bringing change at a rate never seen before. The pace and scale of disruption brought about by connected technology is incredible; almost every industry you can think of is being transformed at an unprecedented speed. While it is true at a societal level that this global-scale of change will likely render some jobs obsolete, it will also create other new jobs during the disruption.
“As with most things, the powers inherent in the Fourth Industrial Revolution can be used for the greater good, or alternatively abused – this is human nature. But on the positive side, the possibilities being brought by the closing of the gap between the physical and digital worlds include changes in commerce, education and healthcare – for example, advances in biomedical sciences can lead to healthier lives and longer life spans https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/modules/impacts-of-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/units/understand-the-impact-of-the-fourth-industrial-revolution-on-society-and-individuals. I prefer to focus on the ways in which the Fourth Industrial Revolution can be used for positive change.”
NETSCOUT Arbor notes in its 13th Annual Worldwide Infrastructure Security Report (WISR), released earlier this year, that the use of compromised IoT devices to launch DDoS attacks has helped cybercriminals increase the complexity of their assaults. The WISR is based on 390 responses from network operators globally, with more than half of the respondents headquartered and operational in North America. The 13th WISR showed that 33 percent of surveyed organisations had suffered a DDoS attack during 2017 (up from the previous year’s 17 percent). The report notes in its conclusion: “…attackers continue to build and weaponize massive IoT botnets of unprecedented size and capability…. This year, we’ve seen increasing sophistication of IoT-based botnet attack capabilities. These modern botnets are capable of delivering attacks that include application-layer, volumetric and complex multi-vector DDoS attacks.”
In a white paper, ‘IoT DDoS attacks show the stakes have changed’, NETSCOUT Arbor recommends a multi-layered approach to DDoS attack detection and mitigation, to counter-act the multi-vector layering inherent in botnets that are similar to the Mirai botnet, which began operating on 1 August 2016. Additionally, the paper notes the need for IoT makers to insert some basic security requirements into devices; for IoT operators in enterprises to improve and maintain visibility; for IoT users to take more responsibility for their devices; and for security operators to make sure that security and employee policies reflect and cater for the reality of the widespread use of IoT devices in today’s workplace.
“I view DDoS attacks, such as the 21 October 2016 attacks and the largest DDoS attack ever seen – namely the 1.7 Tbps attack on an American-based service provider during the first week of March 2018, which was foiled by NETSCOUT Arbor – as a threat to the positive possibilities that the Fourth Industrial Revolution could bring about. I therefore urge companies to remain aware of the damage that can be wrought by an undefended DDoS attack, and to get their defences in order,” Hamman concluded
E-Business
Study Reveals Majority of IT Professionals Show Openness to Cyber Immunity

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.
E-Business
Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

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
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.
E-Business
Firm Identifies Global Scam Activity Linked to the Release of Avatar 3

The premiere of Avatar 3 has taken place in several countries and has been accompanied by a noticeable increase in online interest. Amid the heightened attention surrounding the release, Kaspersky experts identified an increase in cyber-scam campaigns that exploit the movie’s launch and users’ desire to watch it online. The fraudulent websites target users across multiple regions, indicating attempts by attackers to reach a global audience.

The scam operates as follows: cybercriminals create suspicious websites that offer online access to the Avatar 3 movie. Attackers place particular emphasis on localisation, publishing the sites in multiple languages to attract users from different countries. However, the translations are often poorly executed and contain grammatical errors and inconsistencies, which may serve as indicators of fraudulent activity.
When users attempt to start the video, they are presented with a fake media player and prompted to register in order to obtain “full” or “unlimited” access to the film. As part of the registration process, users are asked to provide personal information, including an email address and mobile phone number.
At later stages, scammers may request additional data, including payment details, under the guise of activating a “free trial.” This creates risks of credential compromise, particularly if users reuse passwords across multiple services, and may also lead to financial losses.
“Cybercriminals consistently exploit major movie premieres to capture users’ attention and increase the effectiveness of their schemes. We advise accessing films only through official platforms and exercising caution when encountering websites that request personal or payment information. It is also important to use reliable security solutions to protect all devices, including mobiles,” comments Olga Altukhova, Senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.
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