Telecom
Cisco Urges Businesses to Adopt Advanced Methods of Cybersecurity
Cisco has called on businesses to adopt security measures and to take a comprehensive approach across people, process, technology and policy to protect their businesses from hackers and cyber criminals.
The company made this call at an event held at the Cisco Office, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday.
The company said that this became necessary following the findings reported in the recently released Cisco 2018 Annual Cybersecurity Report which identified the evolution of ransomware as one of the most significant threat developments over the past year.
The report also highlighted that malware had become more vicious and harder to combat and that attackers are developing more skill in creating malware that can evade traditional sandboxing.
It also revealed that adversaries are increasingly embracing encryption – meant to enhance security – to conceal command-and-control activity and that nearly half of the security risk that organizations face stems from having multiple security vendors and products.
Olakunle Oloruntimehin, General Manager of Cisco Nigeria, Speaking at the event, explained the need for businesses and enterprises to adopt advanced methods of cybersecurity.
He said, “Security is getting more complex and the scope of breaches is expanding.
“Several companies are hit by cyber breaches and attacks every year causing losses in millions of naira and stealing highly classified information.
“It is therefore imperative that any organization that desires to stay safe and minimize risk or loss address cybersecurity at the top, with executive leadership setting the tone and engender a ‘security-first-always-and-everywhere’ culture that flows throughout the organization.”
The Cisco 2018 Security Capabilities Benchmark Study reveals that 94 percent of companies in the Middle East and Africa suffered a breach in the past year and that 34 percent of breaches in resulted in more than half of systems being impacted.
The study also indicated that nearly a quarter of organisations in the region manage more than 21 vendors and cite lack of security personnel as one of the biggest obstacles to security.
Corroborating the importance of robust cybersecurity practices, Tomi Amao, Systems Engineer and Security expert at Cisco, said “Cisco researchers observed a two-fold increase in malicious web traffic volume in roughly over 12-months.
“This alone demonstrates that cyber adversaries continue to learn and evolve.
“The time to raise the bar in cybersecurity is now. That is why at Cisco we take pride in being able to educate and provide businesses with the solutions and best practices required for effective cybersecurity.
“Our threat researchers have a reputation for timely, accurate and innovative work, and our network of talented teams are devoted to driving impactful outcomes for our customers.”
The Cisco 2018 Annual Cybersecurity Report, now in its eleventh year, offers security industry data, analysis and insights about attacker behavior over the past year.
The report highlights findings and insights derived from threat intelligence and cybersecurity trends observed over the past 12-18 months and provides recommendations designed to help organizations and users defend against attacks.
Cisco has an integrated and comprehensive portfolio of security technologies to provide advanced threat protection.
Cisco technologies include next generation firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), secure access systems, security analytics, and malware defense; which work together to deliver effective network security and incident response.
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), umbrella organization for all telecommunications and ICT companies operating in Nigeria, has warned that telecom networks in the country are under threat from infrastructure attacks and vandalism.
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON, who stated this during an interview with Channels Television, has called for stronger protection of communication infrastructure nationwide.
He also urged Nigerians to treat telecom assets as critical to national development.
Emoekpere said operators in the telecommunications sector are not indifferent to the quality of service delivered to consumers, noting that industry stakeholders are already working closely with regulators, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to tackle persistent challenges affecting network performance.
Emoekpere stressed that many of these challenges are beyond the direct control of operators and require stronger public cooperation in protecting telecom infrastructure.
He added that infrastructure destruction remains one of the biggest threats to service quality and network stability in Nigeria.
According to him, telecom assets should be regarded as essential national infrastructure that must be safeguarded by all citizens.
He said, “We’re here complaining about poor service, but when we see people vandalising infrastructure, we don’t complain; when we see people cutting cables, we don’t report.”
He further urged Nigerians to be more proactive in reporting acts of vandalism to the appropriate authorities.
Emoekpere warned that continued damage to telecom facilities will only worsen the quality of service experienced by consumers across the country.
He called for stronger awareness campaigns to educate the public on the importance of protecting communication infrastructure.
He also emphasized that improving service delivery requires shared responsibility between operators, regulators, and citizens.
He appealed for collective action to safeguard telecom infrastructure, noting that its protection is key to improving connectivity and driving national development
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new digital customer support channels, including WhatsApp and live chat services, to improve accessibility and service delivery for Nigerians and legal residents seeking assistance with National Identification Number (NIN) related issues.
NIMC
NIMC disclosed this in a statement, saying the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and customer service reforms.
According to the commission, the new support channels include a live chat feature on its official website and an official WhatsApp platform designed to provide faster and more convenient access to customer support services.
Members of the public can now access support through the Live Chat feature on the NIMC website via www.nimc.gov.ng and the official WhatsApp support line: +234 701 566 6971.
The commission said the initiative aligns with efforts to improve public sector efficiency and enhance access to government services through technology-driven solutions.
NIMC noted that the new platforms would enable users to receive prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and improved customer interaction without necessarily visiting physical offices.
The commission said the move reflects its commitment to service innovation, citizen-centred engagement, and efficient identity management service delivery.
Under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC said it had continued implementing reforms and digital solutions aimed at expanding access, strengthening public trust, and improving service delivery.
The commission encouraged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise the official platforms for verified information, assistance, and updates on NIN services and related identity management matters.
It also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and engage only through official communication channels to avoid fraud, scams, and misinformation.
The statement was signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC.
As families across the world celebrate Mother’s Day, QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company, honours mothers as the everyday force behind healthier homes, stronger families, and more resilient communities. From managing households and supporting family wellbeing to balancing careers and personal responsibilities, mothers play a central role in sustaining daily life. Yet, amid these responsibilities, their own wellness is often overlooked.
In today’s fast-paced environment, the demands of modern living continue to take a toll on human energy and well-being. Alarmingly, recent surveys indicate that 75% of Nigerian employees experience work-related stress, with 60% reporting persistent feelings of overwhelm.
These pressures are often compounded by economic realities that require many individuals to juggle multiple responsibilities or income streams. For women, particularly mothers, this burden is even greater. Beyond professional demands, they often take on the primary role of managing household well-being, childcare, and daily routines.
This continuous cycle of responsibility leaves little time for rest, recovery, or intentional self-care, increasing the risk of long-term physical and mental strain.
At the same time, access to basic wellness essentials remains a challenge. According to data from the WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, 28% of Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water, approximately 75% lack basic sanitation, two-thirds do not live in premises with a handwashing facility that includes soap and water, while 20% practice open defecation.
In many homes, ensuring safe water and overall family health largely falls to mothers, further reinforcing their central role in household well-being. This reality highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating mothers who consistently take on this responsibility, often placing the needs of their families above their own.
Commenting on the significance of the global observance, Ayokunmi Solesi, General Manager for QNET Nigeria, said, “Mothers are the backbone of many households. They give their time, energy, and care so consistently that their own well-being can sometimes take a back seat. Mother’s Day is an important reminder that supporting mothers’ health and wellness is not just a personal priority, but a family and societal one.”
He added that this perspective aligns with QNET’s 2026 global campaign, “Energised, Every Day,” which focuses on practical solutions that support everyday living. “When mothers are well-supported and energised, it positively impacts the entire household. Wellness should be part of daily life.”
As conversations around health continue to evolve, there is a growing shift towards preventive and lifestyle-based wellness – simple, consistent actions that support long-term vitality. This includes prioritising proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and balance as part of everyday routines, particularly for individuals managing demanding schedules.
Supporting this approach, QNET offers a range of products designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Its nutritional supplement, EDG3 Plus, provides essential nutrients that contribute to daily vitality and help individuals maintain energy levels throughout busy days.
Recognising the importance of safe hydration in overall health, the HomePure Nova helps improve the quality of drinking water at home, supporting healthier households and reducing exposure to common water impurities.
In many Nigerian homes, where women play a key role in managing family health, access to cleaner water remains an essential part of everyday wellbeing.
Complementing this is the Amezcua Bio Disc 3, part of QNET’s wellness range, designed to support overall wellbeing across different aspects of daily life. Its versatile use within the home – from supporting food preservation to enhancing water quality and contributing to a more balanced living environment – makes it a practical wellness companion for families, particularly mothers managing multiple household needs.
As Mother’s Day is observed this year, QNET encourages families and communities to not only celebrate mothers but also to actively support their wellbeing. By creating healthier homes and encouraging better daily habits, the company reinforces its belief that true wellness begins with everyday choices and with those who hold the family together.
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