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Sub-Saharan Africa Faces New APT, Cyber mercenary Risks
Cyber mercenaries have become the latest risk amid the main threat actors targeting organisations around the world. This is according to Maher Yamout, senior security researcher, Global Research & Analysis Team at Kaspersky, who was speaking during a Kaspersky webinar this week.
Yamout said Kaspersky researchers have detected an increase in cyber mercenary activity this year.
He explained that where cyber criminals usually want to steal data to immediately monetise it, cyber mercenaries typically take data on behalf of someone else, who then uses it to better understand the marketplace to gain a competitive advantage.
Outlining recent threat trends in sub-Saharan Africa, Yamout said there had been a decrease in certain types of attack, but an increase in others – indicating that cyber criminals were adapting to the changing conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Nigeria, PornoBlocker dropped 72.8%, GandCrypt dropped 28.3%, but STOP increased 84%. In South Africa, for example, the incidence of WannaCry decreased by 87%, but PornoBlocker increased by 72% and STOP increased by 94%. STOP propagates using cracked software adware bundles, and its spread may be the result of remote workers using cracked software, he said.
In recent months, the top targeted sectors in SA, Nigeria and Kenya have been government, diplomatic, education, healthcare and the military – often with APT groups targeting one sector and pivoting to use the compromised sector to target another entity. “So sometimes you are the victim, and sometimes you are the target,” Yamout said.
Among the threat actors targeting these industries in sub-Saharan Africa are TransparentTribe, Oilrig, MuddyWater and Unknown. Yamout said: “TransparentTribe is an interesting APT group, presumed to be Asian, which steals targets’ information and data possibly to be used for national security purposes.”
He said this group’s tools, techniques and procedures include macro-based malicious documents, open source tools (Peppy RAT/CrimsonRAT), and they also have the capability to steal data from air gap networks using USBs.
Also a threat in these sectors are Oilrig, which steals sensitive information by exploiting server-based backdoor with stolen credentials and malicious documents with macros droppers; MuddyWater, which uses custom and in-house built toolsets, native Microsoft tools for stealth, and open source tools such as ‘secure socket funnelling’; and Unknown, which uses a shortcut-based dropper using a COVID-19 theme, delivery method over Telegram Messenger and delivery through compromising legitimate Web sites.
Artem Karasev, senior product marketing manager at Kaspersky, noted that endpoints are the most common entry points into an organisation’s infrastructure, with 68% of organisations having fallen victim to endpoint attacks.
“We have observed an overall decrease in the number of attacks, but they are becoming more sophisticated and devastating. At the same time, we see a growing gap in IT security expertise in the market,” he said. Kaspersky said as a result, organisations needed a comprehensive and adaptive cyber security strategy.
In the year ahead, Kaspersky expects to see an increase in cyber mercenaries and APT attacks. “We may see more use of cyber mercenaries to make attribution harder; as well as cyber criminals increasing targeted ransomware deployment through channels such as cracked software, or by exploiting the supply chain, IT or managed services,” Yamout said.
“Data breaches could become more common because everyone is rushing to expose their databases and servers to the Internet. In addition, remote services will remain a major weakness because everyone is exposing their services to the Internet and not everyone is able to cope with security and availability at the same time; while threat actors keep evolving with complex toolsets.”
Samsung Electronics plans to double this year the number of its mobile devices with “Galaxy AI” features largely powered by Google’s Gemini, its co-CEO said, which would give the U.S. firm an edge over rivals as the global race in artificial intelligence heats up.
The South Korean company, which had rolled out Gemini-backed AI features to about 400 million mobile products, including smartphones and tablets, by last year, plans to boost that figure to 800 million in 2026.
“We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services as quickly as possible,” T M Roh told Reuters in his first interview since becoming Samsung Electronics co-CEO in November.
The plan by the world’s largest backer of Google’s Android mobile platform is set to give a major boost to its developer Google, which is locked in a race with OpenAI and others to attract more consumer users to their AI model.
Samsung seeks to reclaim its lost crown from Apple in the smartphone market and fend off competition from Chinese rivals not only in mobile telephones, but televisions and home appliances, all overseen by Roh.
It will offer integrated AI services across consumer products to widen its lead over Apple in such features, though the latter was set to be the top smartphone maker last year, according to market researcher Counterpoint.
AI Race
Alphabet’s Google launched the latest version of Gemini in November, highlighting Gemini 3’s lead on several popular industry measures of AI model performance.
In response to Gemini 3, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly issued an internal “code red,” pausing non-core projects and redirecting teams to accelerate development. The ChatGPT maker launched its GPT-5.2 AI model a few weeks later.
Roh expects the adoption of AI to accelerate, as Samsung’s surveys on awareness of its Galaxy AI brand jumped to a level of 80% from about 30% in just one year.
“Even though the AI technology might seem a bit doubtful right now, within six months to a year, these technologies will become more widespread,” he said.
MENXTT NG, a leading technology distributor, has announced plans to bundle Bitdefender Antivirus software with all laptops sold in Nigeria starting 2026, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for consumers and businesses.
MENXTT NG
As an authorised reseller of Bitdefender, the company said the initiative would ensure devices meet global security standards right from purchase, addressing rising cyber threats in personal, educational, and corporate sectors.
Bitdefender, a globally recognised antivirus solution, offers advanced threat detection against viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing; lightweight performance without impacting device speed; multi-layered ransomware protection; safe browsing features; and certifications from independent testing bodies.
Anthony Emeka Nwosu, Co-Founder of MENXTT NG, stated: “At MENXTT NG, we pride ourselves on offering some of the best laptops, smartphones, and gadgets in the market.
“These devices power businesses, education, and daily life, and it is only right that they are properly protected. By partnering with Bitdefender, we are ensuring our customers enjoy world-class security alongside world-class devices.”
The move, according to industry analysts, positions MENXTT NG as a solutions provider in Nigeria’s tech market, bridging global best practices with local needs amid accelerating digital adoption.
MENXTT NG described the bundling as part of its strategy to deliver complete technology solutions and build customer trust.
For enquiries: +234 814 090 2614; www.menxtt.cm.ng; [email protected].
MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with ONErpm and Ultima Studios, has announced Ayodeji Benson, popularly known as Ayo Benzi, as the winner of the maiden edition of the Next Afrobeats Star reality show.
L-R: Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria; Ayodeji Benson, Winner, Next Afrobeats Star Reality Show (Season 1) and Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brand and Communication, MTN Nigeria, at the grand finale of the Next Afrobeats Star Reality Show (Season 1), held at the Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The grand finale, held on Sunday night at Ultima Studios in Lekki, Lagos, marked the climax of a nationwide talent search that began in September with over 15,000 aspiring musicians.
After weeks of auditions, mentorship, and rigorous training, five finalists – Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay – battled for the top prize in a high-energy showcase of performance and artistry.
At the end of the electrifying contest, Ayo Benzi emerged victorious, securing a ₦150 million music deal. Dave Cash was named first runner-up with ₦100 million, while Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay received ₦75 million, ₦50 million, and ₦25 million respectively.
Throughout the season, contestants were mentored by leading Afrobeats producers Sarz, Puffy Tee, P Prime, and Andre Vibez. Benzi, who was part of Puffy Tee’s team, credited the mentorship programme for sharpening his craft and stage presence.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and cultural expression.
“The Next Afrobeats Star platform is about creating real opportunities for young Nigerians and giving their talent the structure, visibility, and support it deserves.
“Afrobeats continues to place Nigeria on the global cultural map, and MTN is proud to be enabling the next generation of artists who will take this sound even further,” she said.
She added that the finale was not just a competition but a celebration of growth and readiness for the global stage.
In his acceptance speech, Ayo Benzi described the victory as a defining moment in his career.
“A big thank you to MTN. From the audition days, the treatment MTN has given us has been amazing. God bless the brand,” he said.
The finale also featured guest performances by Afrobeats stars Iyanya and Bella Shmurda, adding glamour to the night and reinforcing the show’s connection to the wider music ecosystem.
With the successful conclusion of the season, MTN Nigeria and its partners reaffirmed their role in championing youth ambition, supporting creative industries, and shaping the future of Nigerian music through platforms that turn potential into opportunity.
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