E-Business
Cyberoam 2014 IT Security Predictions Cite Hyper Attacks Underway
Cyberoam Technologies Private Limited, a global Network Security appliances company with a careful analysis of security and IT trends in the most recent past and a strong foresight that comes from years of industry experience and intelligent extrapolation of the past and the present, on Friday released it security predictions for 2014.
Cyberoam offers future-ready security solutions to physical and virtual networks in organizations with its Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) and Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances.
Thus, in its intelligent analyses of IT security in the new year came up with the following ten (10) predictions.
“Client-Side Software Exploits” – It Will Be!
Cyberoam Threat Research Labs foresees an increase in Client-side software exploits compared to the Server-side in next few years.
2013 has seen numerous such exploits where base client software like Microsoft and Adobe were exploited to spread the attack vectors across the network.
The recent Microsoft advisories indicating client side exploits also support this prediction. Reasons for this hike include increased scope of exploitation with increase in attack vectors, higher base of users who use these softwares, and lastly, the money involved in it.
The exploit kits used to exploit server side vulnerabilities cost much less than client side exploit kits, indicating the premium the latter demand. Realizing that client side exploits will bring in more money, the focus on exploiting client-side vulnerabilities will increase too!
Attack Vectors To Get More Intelligent
Attacks in 2013 have left us with one clear picture – the rising sophistication and professionalism among attackers. In times to come, Cyberoam predicts attacks, wherein the attackers will get more specific, both in terms of their objective and attack strategies.
Gone are the days when attacks were meant for the masses. Attackers now know whom and how they would attack and they are changing their attack strategies to hit straight on the bull’s-eye rather than shooting in the dark.
In addition to this, few attacks from 2013 indicate the evolution of attacks including proven components from already-used attacks, combined to form more detrimental attacks.
Attacks On Industrial Control Systems & Scada Systems To Continue
The amplified impact that an attack on Industrial Control Systems (ICS) can cause, justifies the interest attackers have on such systems. ICS/SCADA system attacks can cause catastrophic damage not only to a single unit but at times to an entire country/province.
It is the spread of impact compounded with lack of adequate security available in such systems that have made ICS/SCADA networks a lucrative target for attackers. As per statistics, there were 198 cyber attacks in 2012 and the numbers increased to 240 in 2013. Cyberoam predicts further rise in such attacks on ICS/SCADA networks in 2014 and beyond.
New Exploit Kits Will Be Explored And Used
Use of Blackhole exploit kit for attacks is a known fact. It is no secret that it was used extensively for attacks in the past. But with the arrest of ‘Paunch’ in 2013, the man behind the Blackhole exploit kit, new exploit kits are slowly showing up. In addition to this, as attacks utilising Blackhole exploit kit have been exposed, it emerges as a need among attackers to come up with new ways to target their victims.
Also, with recent trends showing rise in exploits based on client side vulnerabilities, Cyberoam predicts that this menace is only going to aggravate.
Increase In Need For Context-Aware Security
With increase in number of security features or solutions in an organization’s network to tackle emerging security risks, the job of security professionals is getting more complex. With rising number of devices, users and applications to monitor, this becomes even more difficult. The volume of data that the security appliance(s) offer on various parameters is becoming a problem for network administrators, presenting a need for context-aware security that enables faster decision making and action with the security intelligence it offers.
Cyberoam predicts an increase in demand for context-aware security for 2014. The rising need in context-aware security goes in continuation with Cyberoam’s prediction in 2013 regarding the rise in need for User Threat Quotient & Device Threat Quotient.
Security of Hybrid Cloud
In a generation of increased mobility where tablets and smart devices are displacing desktops and paper-based processes, more users are turning to Cloud, specifically the Hybrid Cloud, as it offers more efficiency , business optimization, access to real-time data and always-on availability.
However , the ability of Hybrid clouds to burst into the public cloud space when necessary is bringing up security concerns.
Although this capability is particularly useful to organisations, it may be a call for danger and users and security vendors are realizing this. Cyberoam predicts an increase in demand for security in Hybrid Cloud environments.
Browser-Based Attacks Are Still Hot!
In a bait to achieve sure-shot infection and victimize users, use of browser-based attacks like Water hole will further rise. This will include a rise in exploitation of browser vulnerabilities and also use of malicious websites. Attackers will continue to target users by directing them to trusted and commonly visited URLs which would be infected with malicious codes.
Water hole mechanism includes cyber offenders infecting websites that are frequently visited by their targets. In 2013, many have already agreed on the rise seen in watering holes. In fact a lot of hackers that were using spear phishing attacks to target users have also started using watering holes.
Mobiles Still Remain A Darling Of Malware Attackers And Exploits
Increasing base of smartphone users is a primary reason for attackers to find interest in attacking those devices. In addition to this, users use their personal devices to access work emails and connect to company networks, which aggravates this interest further.
Applications are the backbones of smart phones and most of the mobile apps lack adequate security, adding to the misery of security on mobile devices.
All of these factors collate to increase the interest attackers have in smart devices. 2014 is sure to experience newer and sharper mobile threats
“Internet of Things” Adds Security Risks For Home Devices
IOT- ‘Internet of Things’ is something we all are waking up to, these days. Everything seems to be on the Internet! Right from our work to social lives, and storage needs, Internet has also opened its doors to home devices now! As more and more home devices get connected to the Internet, it is obvious that attackers will soon find their way through them too.
Cyberoam predicts a rise in need for security solutions for home devices, besides your office devices. Because one thing is evident – the level of risk and quantum of vulnerability is similar, irrespective of whether the device resides in your home or in your office network.
Windows Users At Risk As Windows XP Comes To End-Of-Life
As Microsoft decides to stop supporting Windows XP after 8th April 2014, users will need to upgrade to newer Windows versions, and so will the attackers shift their focus to these versions.
Moreover, users who still continue to use Windows XP, will not have their vulnerabilities patched, leaving them open to exploits.
Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has been ranked first overall in the 2025 Federal Government Website Performance Scorecard.
This is a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s digital economy.
The ranking, conducted by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), is the definitive benchmark for digital excellence and transparency across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, managing director and CEO of Galaxy Backbone, received the award during a ceremony in Abuja.
He described the feat as a validation of the agency’s“Nigeria First”data sovereignty strategy and its relentless pursuit of service excellence.
This recognition comes as the Federal Government intensifies its push to achieve a fully paperless civil service by December 31, 2025.
GBB has been the primary architect of this transition through its 1Gov Enterprise Content Management (ECM) platform, which now hosts the operations of almost all federal MDAs.
The award adds to a growing list of accolades for Galaxy Backbone in 2025, following its recent win of the “International Standard Excellence Award for Best IT Service Provider.”
As the central hub for government shared services, GBB’s performance serves as a blueprint for other agencies currently undergoing digital transformation.
With its expanded fiber-optic backbone now covering over 13 states and its secure cloud solutions, Galaxy Backbone remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s vision to become a leading digital nation by the end of the decade.
Okitipi Samuel, a Nigerian man, has been taken into custody by the Nigeria Police Force for his alleged role in a global cyberattack on Microsoft 365 users.
Benjamin Hundeyin, Force public relations officer, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the outcome of investigations carried out by the National Cybercrime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force.
Hundeyin said the centre, under the leadership of Ifeanyi Uche, its director and Commissioner of Police, commenced investigations in collaboration with Microsoft, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency.
According to him, investigations revealed that a phishing toolkit known as “Raccoon 0365” was used to create fake Microsoft login portals to harvest user credentials and unlawfully access email accounts belonging to corporate organisations, financial institutions, and educational institutions in several countries.
“This investigation commenced following credible intelligence received from Microsoft USA through the FBI, indicating that a malicious phishing toolkit known as Raccoon0365 was being used to create fake Microsoft login portals, harvest user credentials, and unlawfully access the email accounts of corporate organisations, financial institutions, and educational establishments,” Hundeyin said.
He added that between January and September 2025, several reports of unauthorised access to Microsoft 365 accounts were traced to phishing emails designed to mimic legitimate Microsoft login pages, enabling business email compromise, internal phishing, data breaches, and other cyber-enabled fraud.
Hundeyin said digital forensic analysis and cryptocurrency tracing identified wallets connected to the illegal operation.
He noted that operatives were deployed to Lagos and Edo states, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Joshua, James, and Okitipi Samuel between September 20 and October 4, 2025.
“Following extensive digital forensic and technical intelligence analysis, the centre conducted cryptocurrency tracing that identified suspicious wallets connected to cash-out schemes.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, operational teams were deployed to Lagos and Edo states, resulting in the arrest of Joshua, James, and Okitipi Samuel. Searches at their residences led to the recovery of mobile devices, laptops, and other digital exhibits linked to the fraudulent scheme,” he said.
Hundeyin identified Okitipi Samuel, also known as “0365” and Moses Felix as the principal suspect and developer of the phishing infrastructure.
He added that investigations confirmed Samuel unlawfully used the email details of one of the arrested individuals without consent to register some of the accounts used in the operation.
The police spokesperson said further investigations revealed that the identities of Joshua and James were used without their consent.
“There was no evidence linking them to the creation or operation of the phishing scheme. They were victims of identity theft,” Hundeyin said.
He said a prima facie case had been established against Samuel for identity theft, unlawful access to computer systems, creation and distribution of malicious software, unauthorised interference with network data, and aiding and abetting fraud.
Hundeyin added that the suspect would be charged under relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024.
He said the suspect would be prosecuted in Nigeria, noting that the country has the capacity to enforce its cybercrime laws, although extradition could be considered if formally requested through due process.
Hundeyin assured Nigerians that the police, under the leadership of Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of Police, would continue to protect the country’s digital ecosystem and urged citizens to practise good cyber hygiene by being cautious when clicking links and sharing personal information online.
Speaking separately, Ifeanyi Uche, director of the National Cybercrime Centre, urged Nigerians to exercise caution online.
Uche advised members of the public to avoid clicking on links from unknown or unexpected sources, noting that such links often contain malware or phishing tools designed to compromise devices and personal data.
He warned that indiscriminate clicking of links or responding to unsolicited emails could lead to unauthorised access to personal and corporate accounts, urging citizens to “wash their cyber hands” by verifying sources before taking action online.
Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy designed to localise WSIS+20 commitments. This roadmap accelerates national transformation by prioritising robust infrastructure, transparent internet governance, and advanced cybersecurity through deep stakeholder collaboration.
Unveiled in New York at the Nigerian high-level side event titled “Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action,” the strategy cements Nigeria’s position as a primary architect of the world’s digital future.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE represented by Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Dimie Shively Wariowei said Nigeria’s approach is deliberately aligned with the four core activity areas identified under the ongoing WSIS+20 review process.
According to him, the focus areas provide a practical framework for translating global digital commitments into measurable national outcomes, ensuring that international resolutions drive inclusive growth and sustainable digital development at the country level.
Inuwa identified digital infrastructure as the foundation of effective localisation, noting persistent challenges in extending connectivity to underserved and remote communities. Beyond infrastructure gaps, he highlighted affordability constraints and digital literacy deficits, stressing that addressing these issues remains central to Nigeria’s digital inclusion drive.
He explained that government alone cannot shoulder the burden of nationwide digital infrastructure deployment, given Nigeria’s vast geographical spread, hence the adoption of collaborative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He disclosed that Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing a major fibre-optic project spanning about 90,000 kilometres nationwide to boost connectivity.
The NITDA DG also revealed that the current National Broadband Plan, which has guided broadband expansion in recent years, is nearing completion, with plans underway to renew and reposition it for the next five years. The renewed plan, he said, will strategically target increased broadband penetration as a catalyst for digital access and economic growth.
On internet governance, Inuwa referenced Nigeria’s active participation in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), noting that the country successfully hosted its annual national IGF. He said the forum operates on a multi-stakeholder model that brings together government, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to foster cooperation and informed policy dialogue.
Cybersecurity, he added, remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s localisation efforts. He cited the existing Cybersecurity Act and ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework through a reviewed version currently awaiting parliamentary approval. These measures, he said, are designed to mitigate risks associated with increased internet use and to protect users and critical digital infrastructure.
Inuwa further stressed Nigeria’s ambition to play a leadership role in advancing digital cooperation across Africa through inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement. He underscored the importance of coordinated national data collection, noting that reliable, country-specific data is essential for tracking progress and presenting Africa’s digital development story on the global stage.
He concluded that sustained engagement and follow-up actions arising from the WSIS+20 review would strengthen digital cooperation among African countries and ensure that global digital commitments translate into tangible national and regional impact.
Stakeholders commended Nigeria’s efforts in the digital space, acknowledging the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
Earlier, Ms. Jennifer Chung, Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB), praised Nigeria for convening a broad-based, multi-stakeholder delegation and for its commitment to the meaningful implementation of WSIS+20 outcomes.
Chung stressed the growing demand for localised WSIS follow-up mechanisms, noting that platforms such as the annual IGF, National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs), and youth-led forums are vital for tracking progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
She described the WSIS+20 review as a critical step toward effective monitoring, reliable data collection and evidence-based evaluation, particularly for developing countries in the Global South. According to her, these measures are essential to achieving WSIS targets and ensuring that no region is left behind.
Drawing parallels with the Asia-Pacific region, Chung noted that challenges around affordable and meaningful connectivity remain widespread across developing economies. She emphasised that expanding broadband penetration and reducing the cost of access are crucial to closing digital divides in Africa, Asia-Pacific and other parts of the Global South.
She also highlighted the need to enable active citizen participation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and future innovations such as quantum technologies, stressing that inclusive digital access is key to maximising the benefits of digital transformation.
Reflecting on the WSIS+20 review process, Chung praised the innovative and inclusive approach adopted through the informal multi-stakeholder sounding board, describing it as one of the first of its kind in global digital governance. She called for sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to carry the WSIS vision from global commitments to local action.
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