E-Business
Check Point Software’s Assessment Reveals How Remote Work has Created a Gap in Organizations’ Security Practices
Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd., a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, has released findings from a new assessment carried out amongst 1,200 IT security professionals globally, which examines how the shift to remote work changed organizations’ security practices around users, devices, and access.
As the threat landscape evolves and cyber-attacks become increasingly more sophisticated, many organizations have surprisingly not implemented security solutions that ensure best-in-class connectivity and security for remote employees.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way in which we work, most companies have transitioned their entire workforce from on-premise to remote working.
While a majority of organizations have fully adopted remote work as a way of life, security wise there are still many gaps that need to be bridged. Organizations are challenged with finding a balance between remote users’ productivity and ensuring device, access and corporate assets security.
According to Check Point Software’s best practices there are five critical security solutions needed to protect remote users against internet-based attacks, which include URL filtering, URL reputation, content disarm & reconstruction (CDR), zero phishing and credentials protection.
However, only 9% of organizations surveyed use all five protections and 11% do not utilize any of the listed methods to secure remote access to corporate applications.
Key findings from globally are:
The remote-access security gap: 70% of organizations allow access to corporate applications from personal devices, such as unmanaged devices or bring your own device (BYOD). Only 5% of respondents reported they use all of the recommended remote access security methods.
The need for internet access security: 20% of respondents reported that they do not use any of the five methods mentioned to protect remote users while browsing the internet, and only 9% use all five methods to protect against internet-based attacks.
A lack of protection against ransomware: 26% of respondents do not have an endpoint solution that can automatically detect and stop ransomware attacks. Thirty-one percent do not use any of the mentioned methods to prevent sensitive business data from leaking outside the organization.
Email and Mobile Security: Only 12% of organizations that allow corporate access from mobile devices use a mobile threat defense solution. This highlights how exposed organizations are too fast moving, 5th generation cyber-attacks that target remote workers.
“While many companies have embraced the new hybrid and remote work models, they have not adopted all of the critical solutions needed to secure their remote workforce. This survey confirmed that organizations have a gap when it comes to users, devices, and access security,” said Itai Greenberg, Vice President of Product Management at Check Point Software Technologies.
“To bridge this gap, organizations should progress to a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture. SASE security models provide quick and simple access to corporate applications, for any user and from any device, and protect remote employees from all internet-based threats.”
Overall in 2021, researchers have seen 50% more attacks per week on corporate networks. As cyber attacks become more sophisticated and exploit the remote work environment, enterprises need a consolidated cybersecurity solution that strengthens their defenses and improves their agility against attacks.
Check Point Harmony is a unified security solution for users, devices, and access. The solution provides organizations with comprehensive and robust workforce security, by consolidating 5 security products to provide complete protection for remote users – all in a single solution that is easy to use, manage and buy.
Anew report finds that Africa has a ‘moderate level’ of readiness in terms of security culture. KnowBe4, a provider of security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms, released its 2024 Security Culture Report for Africa.
The report delves deeply into the complex interplay between security practices and employee behaviours within businesses.
The research, based on surveys conducted across hundreds of businesses globally, provides a five-year comparative view, showing important changes impacting the cybersecurity landscape.
Africa’s cybersecurity landscape in 2023 faced problems such as limited resources, inadequate cyber awareness, and economic restraints, according to the research; nevertheless, the continent’s cybersecurity preparation efforts are now improving.
According to the research, Kenya scored 76 points, Nigeria 75, and Ghana 74, are leading the way in cybersecurity preparation, demonstrating effective measures supported by their governments.
Furthermore, the report claims Ghana’s strong improvement in cybersecurity, as indicated by its rise in the Global Cybersecurity Index, indicates Africa’s dedication to cybersecurity preparedness.
The security culture score is a global metric used to assess businesses’ security approaches, according to Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4.
Malik notes: “This score reflects how much importance different entities worldwide place on cybersecurity within their organisational culture.”
Anna Collard, SVP of content strategy and evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa, says: “This demonstrates the importance of strengthening cybersecurity readiness, given the critical development requirements.
“In its section on Africa, the report reveals that organisations evaluated across 20 African countries exhibit an average security culture score of 72, consistent with the previous year. This shows a moderate level of readiness in security culture.”
According to KnowBe4, there are notable differences among industries and countries, underlining the importance of tailored efforts to improve cybersecurity resilience.
“The banking sector in Kenya is a standout performer, boasting an impressive average score of 83, attributed to its steadfast commitment to maintaining mature security cultures supported by robust security operations,” says Collard.
“However, industries such as public services, construction, education, and hospitality show lower security culture scores. This shows the importance of developing specific approaches to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices in these sectors.”
Malik adds: “In today’s interconnected world, where a mobile device in a remote area can access sensitive accounts, working in isolation on security is no longer effective.”
He continues: “Collaboration between governments and regulators is essential, not just for creating laws, but also for demonstrating practical ways to strengthen security culture. Organisations need to prioritise the human element of cybersecurity by focusing on continuous awareness and training efforts rather than relying solely on technological solutions.”
In recent years, partnerships between e-commerce platforms and tech companies have been instrumental in driving innovation and progress in various sectors. One such partnership that has garnered significant attention is the collaboration between Konga, Nigeria’s composite e-commerce group, and Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX.
This groundbreaking partnership is poised to revolutionize internet accessibility in the country, bringing about a myriad of benefits for businesses, individuals, and the nation as a whole. For example, educational institutions, business and houses can access internet services anywhere in the country with their enterprise kit.
One of the biggest obstacles to widespread internet adoption in Nigeria has been the country’s vast and diverse geography, which has made it difficult and costly to establish traditional terrestrial infrastructure. Starlink’s satellite-based internet service offers a game-changing solution by beaming high-speed internet directly from space, effectively bypassing the need for extensive ground-based infrastructure. Partnering with Konga has made it easier than ever for Nigerians to access this cutting-edge technology. Those living in remote or underserved areas can now enjoy seamless internet connectivity, eliminating the digital divide that has long plagued the nation.
I am very excited about this partnership because it shows that American companies still have confidence in companies like Konga and in the Nigerian economy. Konga, the exclusive shop in shop ecommerce partner for Apple, Samsung, L’Oreal, and many more has continued to boost the domestic economy with the inflow of foreign direct investments from these global brands with the potential to catalyse economic growth. With this, a lot more deals, I hope, will flow in to ensure a robust and productive market for consumers.
According to a report by the World Bank, a 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to a 1.38% increase in GDP growth in developing countries. This partnership between Konga and Starlink can open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs, enabling them scale their operations and compete on a level playing field with their international counterparts.
Furthermore, reliable internet access can facilitate academic research and collaboration. This would encourage innovation domestically and allow Nigerian academics and institutions to participate in the global knowledge economy. So, integrating ICT into education will improve learning outcomes, promote digital literacy, and enhance teacher training. By bridging the digital divide, Konga, through Starlink, empowers Nigerian students and educators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the 21st century.
Beyond the economic and educational benefits, the Konga-Starlink partnership has the tendency to foster social inclusion and empower communities across Nigeria. With access to high-speed internet, individuals can stay connected with loved ones, access online services, and participate in the digital economy, regardless of location. By bringing affordable and reliable internet to areas with limited access, the Konga-Starlink partnership can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the digital revolution.
The healthcare industry in Nigeria stands to benefit greatly from the collaboration between Konga and Starlink. In places where access to specialized medical treatment is limited, healthcare practitioners can use telemedicine systems to facilitate remote consultations, diagnosis, and even surgery, provided they have dependable internet connectivity. In underserved areas especially, telemedicine has promise for increasing access to healthcare services, cutting costs, and improving care quality.
The partnership between Konga and Starlink represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide in Nigeria. By leveraging SpaceX’s innovative satellite-based internet service and offering it at an affordable price point, this collaboration has the potential to transform various sectors. As Nigeria continues to embrace the opportunities this partnership presents, the future looks promising for technological advancement, societal development, and global competitiveness.
Flexify Solutions, a leading tech-based firm in Oyo State, has introduced “CyberAgric,” an innovative solution designed to drive food production in Nigeria.
This is in recognition of the crucial role of modern agricultural practices in ensuring food security.
Food security is a top priority for every nation, and Nigeria is no exception.
CyberAgric is a cutting-edge mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support Nigerian farmers, particularly those involved in cash crop cultivation such as cassava and maize.
The app’s groundbreaking features include early disease detection, with the capability to identify diseases like Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in cassava leaves within the first two weeks of infection.
By utilizing smartphone cameras, farmers can capture images of their crops and receive real-time analysis and recommendations, empowering them to take proactive measures to protect their crops and ensure optimal yields.
Moreover, CyberAgric is designed to function offline, ensuring accessibility for farmers in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.
Speaking on the significance of CyberAgric, Johnson Oyeniyi, CEO of Flexify Solutions, emphasized the app’s accessibility and educational value. “Our goal with CyberAgric is to ensure that every Nigerian farmer, regardless of their location or internet access, can benefit from advanced agricultural technology,” said Oyeniyi.
“Beyond disease detection, the app serves as an educational platform, providing farmers with the latest agricultural best practices and expert resources.”
Flexify Solutions collaborated closely with Cybermate Technologies to tailor CyberAgric to the specific needs of Nigerian farmers.
The app initially focuses on cassava and maize cultivation, addressing the critical challenges faced by farmers in these sectors.
Through advanced AI-driven disease detection capabilities, CyberAgric aims to mitigate the impact of crop diseases and enhance food security in Nigeria.
Flexify Solutions Ltd is a global company specializing in disruptive digital solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, Flexify Solutions excels in crafting AI solutions optimized for mobile platforms and driving transformative change across industries.
With a proven track record in mobile app development, Flexify Solutions seamlessly integrates cutting-edge AI technologies to create intelligent solutions that resonate with users and drive success.
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