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Check Point Identifies Nigerian as Behind Massive Global Cyber attacks

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Check Point’s researchers have revealed the identity of a cyber criminal who attacked more than 4 000 organisations over the past four months.

The Israeli-based cyber security firm says the cyber attacks aimed to infect organisations’ networks, steal data and commit fraud.

Many of these companies are leading international names in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, banking and construction industries – and some have had their defences breached by the attacks.

Companies that Check Point researchers confirmed were infected during the campaign include a marine and energy solutions company in Croatia, a transportation company in Abu Dhabi, a mining company in Egypt, a construction company in Dubai, an oil and gas firm in Kuwait, and a construction organisation in Germany.

According to Check Point, successful attacks on this scale are usually attributed to expert gangs of cyber criminals – often backed by a nation state, with the aim of destabilising economies.

However, following extensive research into the campaign, Check Point researchers discovered the attacker is a Nigerian national, working on his own. On his social media accounts, he uses the motto: “get rich or die trying”, the firm says.

His attack campaign uses fraudulent e-mails which appear to originate from oil and gas giant Saudi Aramco, the world’s second largest daily oil producer, targeting financial staff within companies to trick them into revealing company bank details, or open the e-mail’s malware-infected attachment.

The malware used is NetWire, a remote access Trojan which allows full control over infected machines, and Hawkeye, a key-logging program. The campaign has resulted in 14 successful infections, earning the criminal thousands of dollars in the process, says Check Point.

“It’s particularly striking that his techniques display a low level of cyber skills. His fraudulent e-mails are crude and unsophisticated; there is almost no research or social engineering involved in creating them,” says Doros Hadjizenonos, Check Point SA’s country manager.

“The titles of the e-mails are generic, and phrased as ‘Dear Sir/Ms.’ The same mail is sent to numerous targets, all in blind carbon copy, urging victims to send back banking details, perhaps for future scams. The attacks were launched from the e-mail addresses [email protected], and [email protected],” he adds.

“What’s more, the malware he uses is old, generic and readily available online; and he uses freeware to ‘scrape’ e-mail addresses from corporate Web sites which he then uses as targets for his campaigns.”

Check Point believes the fact that the campaign was still effective, despite using only basic cyber criminal techniques, shows just how much of a problem these business e-mail compromise attacks have become.

This highlights the need for all organisations to improve their security to protect against phishing and business e-mail compromise scams, and to educate their employees to be cautious about opening e-mails, even from companies or individuals that they recognise, it urges.

Since uncovering the campaign and establishing its origins, Check Point’s research team has notified law enforcement authorities in Nigeria and internationally, and shared its findings with them.

 


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E-Business

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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