E-Business
DDoS Attacks via IoT Devices Threaten Development of Fourth Industrial Revolution
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that use Internet of Things devices are a significant threat to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the potential it brings to revolutionise productivity and people’s lives in general.
This was proven during the late 2016 DDoS attack largely ascribed to the Mirai botnet, which, unlike other botnets that are typically made of up computers, was composed largely of weaponised Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as DVR players, home routers, air quality monitors and personal surveillance cameras.
This is according to Bryan Hamman, territory manager for sub-Saharan Africa at NETSCOUT Arbor, which specialises in advanced DDoS protection solutions.
“The internet is an integral part of life and infrastructure in most countries around the world today,” Hamman said.
“A successful DDoS attack aims to disrupt or cause the denial of an online service by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources. The DDoS attacks of 21 October 2016, for example, showed just how vulnerable sections of the internet and its global operability are to attack by those of ill intent.
“These attacks, which are largely ascribed to the Mirai botnet and have entered recent history due to the involvement of IoT devices, involved multiple DDoS attacks targeting domain name system (DNS) provider Dyn, whose business ensures that information requests via the internet are delivered to the correct address.
The knock-on effect was that major internet platforms and services linked to Dyn – including Twitter, GitHub, Reddit, Pinterest, Etsy, Tumblr, Spotify, PayPal and the PlayStation network – were unavailable to millions of users in Europe and North America for some hours. Consumers were unable to carry out activities like online shopping, social media interaction or listen to music during this enforced downtime – examples which showcase exactly what the Fourth Industrial Revolution is all about, namely the interaction of the physical and digital worlds.”
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is generally understood to be the coming together of physical and digital technologies.
It builds on the previous industrial revolutions which each, in their own way and their own times, were seen to increase production of processed items during their eras.
In the process, each industrial revolution changed the ways that humans operated in particular spheres, arguably bringing in opportunities for improvements in efficiencies in general, and in some cases even poverty alleviation through the creation of jobs and new systems.
The First Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century with the invention of the steam engine; the Second used electricity to create mass production; the Third used electronics and information technology to automate production; and the Fourth is leapfrogging on top of the relatively recent Third to close the gap between our use of the physical and digital world.
Hamman explained, “People are aware that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is bringing change at a rate never seen before. The pace and scale of disruption brought about by connected technology is incredible; almost every industry you can think of is being transformed at an unprecedented speed. While it is true at a societal level that this global-scale of change will likely render some jobs obsolete, it will also create other new jobs during the disruption.
“As with most things, the powers inherent in the Fourth Industrial Revolution can be used for the greater good, or alternatively abused – this is human nature. But on the positive side, the possibilities being brought by the closing of the gap between the physical and digital worlds include changes in commerce, education and healthcare – for example, advances in biomedical sciences can lead to healthier lives and longer life spans https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/modules/impacts-of-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/units/understand-the-impact-of-the-fourth-industrial-revolution-on-society-and-individuals. I prefer to focus on the ways in which the Fourth Industrial Revolution can be used for positive change.”
NETSCOUT Arbor notes in its 13th Annual Worldwide Infrastructure Security Report (WISR), released earlier this year, that the use of compromised IoT devices to launch DDoS attacks has helped cybercriminals increase the complexity of their assaults. The WISR is based on 390 responses from network operators globally, with more than half of the respondents headquartered and operational in North America. The 13th WISR showed that 33 percent of surveyed organisations had suffered a DDoS attack during 2017 (up from the previous year’s 17 percent). The report notes in its conclusion: “…attackers continue to build and weaponize massive IoT botnets of unprecedented size and capability…. This year, we’ve seen increasing sophistication of IoT-based botnet attack capabilities. These modern botnets are capable of delivering attacks that include application-layer, volumetric and complex multi-vector DDoS attacks.”
In a white paper, ‘IoT DDoS attacks show the stakes have changed’, NETSCOUT Arbor recommends a multi-layered approach to DDoS attack detection and mitigation, to counter-act the multi-vector layering inherent in botnets that are similar to the Mirai botnet, which began operating on 1 August 2016. Additionally, the paper notes the need for IoT makers to insert some basic security requirements into devices; for IoT operators in enterprises to improve and maintain visibility; for IoT users to take more responsibility for their devices; and for security operators to make sure that security and employee policies reflect and cater for the reality of the widespread use of IoT devices in today’s workplace.
“I view DDoS attacks, such as the 21 October 2016 attacks and the largest DDoS attack ever seen – namely the 1.7 Tbps attack on an American-based service provider during the first week of March 2018, which was foiled by NETSCOUT Arbor – as a threat to the positive possibilities that the Fourth Industrial Revolution could bring about. I therefore urge companies to remain aware of the damage that can be wrought by an undefended DDoS attack, and to get their defences in order,” Hamman concluded
Dr John Asein, director-general, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has said that the federal government is taking steps to finalise its National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy for the country.
Asein disclosed this on Friday while commemorating the 2024 World Intellectual Property Day with the theme “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’’ in Abuja.
The that the Day is observed every April 26 to celebrate the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights to encourage innovation and creativity.
The director-general was represented by Mr Emeka Ogbonna, director of Legal.
NCC boss said the policy would serve as a blueprint for a more efficient modern and responsive legal and administrative framework for the country to leverage on its creative and innovative potential.
He said that the day underscored the power of innovation and creativity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for humanity.
According to him, the SDGs represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by the year 2030.
“IP rights play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, creativity, and technological advancements. They provide the framework that encourages men and women to develop new solutions that address global challenges.
“It is the lynchpin for incentivising the use of creative and innovative ideas to solve many of the challenges that confront humanity.
“This year’s World IP Day reminds us that intellectual property can be a powerful tool for social, economic, and environmental development.
“It encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to leverage IP rights to drive innovation, create jobs, and build resilient communities.
“By aligning our intellectual property policies and strategies with the objectives of the SDGs, we can accelerate their achievement,’’ NCC boss said.
He said in the spirit of the “Renewed Hope Agenda’’ of the present administration, government had also shown appreciable commitment to the creative industry as a major sector of the economy.
“As one of the agencies responsible for the wholesome development of the creative sector, the Nigerian Copyright Commission will continue to provide the needed institutional, legal and administrative support for the protection, promotion, regulation and enforcement of copyright.
“The commission will pay particular attention to using the copyright system to advance Goal 1 (No poverty); Goal 4 (Quality education); Goal 5 (Gender equality).
“And Goal 8 (Decent and economic growth); Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 17 (Partnerships to achieve the goals).
“We are aware that the goals would have to be adapted to fit the peculiar needs of intellectual property which is an intangible asset.’ ’he added.
The director-general, who said that the commission focused on the 17 SDGs to address emerging challenges, called on authors, innovators, users, IP experts and other stakeholders to reflect on the vulnerability of the nation’s fragile knowledge and creative ecosystem.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Illmi Children’s Fund (ICF) have trained 100 schoolgirls in digital and Information and Communication Technology skills training.
Mrs. Maryam Augie-Abdulmumin, ICF Executive Director, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
The graduation followed the training of the schoolgirls in ICF and NITDA’s DIGITGALS 2.0 programme, a collaborative initiative aimed to equip adolescent girls in Abuja with critical digital and ICT skills.
Augie-Abdukmumin said the DIGITGALS 2.0 centred around essential digital literacy, programming fundamentals, digital marketing and communication skills, and cybersecurity awareness.
She added that the girls were equipped with the confidence to compete and excel in a globalised digital economy. The graduation was in commemoration of the 2024 International Girls in ICT Day celebration on April 25.
DIGITGALS 2.0 is in its second phase and empowered 100 senior secondary school girls selected from five government schools in the Federal Capital Territory.
The girls aged between 15 and 18 years were equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital world and address the growing demand for ICT skills in the 21st century.
Augie-Abdulmumin reiterated the importance of bridging the digital gap in the country starting with the girl-child.
“This graduation ceremony on International Day of Girls in ICT is a powerful symbol of our commitment to closing the digital gender gap.
This programme made possible through our partnership with NITDA, and signifies a crucial step towards bridging the digital gender gap.
It also fostering a future where women are active leaders in the tech industry. This is also an opportunity for these girls to take charge of their own future,”.
Mr Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General of NITDA, commended the collaborative efforts of ICF in making the DIGITGALS 2.0 a reality.
According to him, building a diverse and inclusive digital workforce is critical for Nigeria’s success.
“We are proud to collaborate with ICF on DIGITGALS 2.0 to empower these young women to become active participants in the tech industry. This programme showcases the importance of collaborative efforts in bridging the digital gender gap.
These girls have been equipped with essential digital skills, and ICF and NITDA are confident they will become active contributors to Nigeria’s thriving tech landscape,”.
ICF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children, from underprivileged backgrounds, through education, healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship initiatives.
NITDA is a public service institution established in 2007. It functions as the ICT policy implementing arm of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy.
By Reuben Kalu.
In the vast expanse of the digital realm, Google looms large, an omnipresent force shaping the way we navigate, search, and conduct business online.
From its humble beginnings as a search engine to its current status as a multifaceted tech behemoth, Google has entrenched itself deeply into the fabric of the internet.
Its influence is undeniable, its reach unparalleled, and its ubiquity seemingly inescapable. But can you truly run an online business without Google?
The answer, in today’s digital landscape, is a resounding no. You have no choice.
Google’s dominance extends across multiple facets of the online world, making it virtually impossible for businesses to thrive without engaging with its ecosystem.
From search engine optimization (SEO) to online advertising, email services to analytics, Google’s suite of products and services permeates every aspect of the online business landscape.
Attempting to operate without Google is akin to swimming against a relentless tide, fighting an uphill battle fraught with obstacles and limitations.
At the heart of Google’s influence lies its search engine, the gateway through which billions of internet users navigate the vast expanse of online content. .
Google’s search algorithms wield immense power, determining which websites rank prominently in search results and which languish in obscurity.
For businesses seeking to attract organic traffic and expand their online presence, optimizing for Google’s search algorithms is not merely advisable—it’s imperative.
But Google’s influence extends far beyond search. Consider Google Ads, the company’s advertising platform that enables businesses to reach targeted audiences through paid search, display, and video advertising.
With billions of searches conducted on Google each day, Google Ads provides unparalleled reach and visibility, allowing businesses to target potential customers with pinpoint accuracy.
Attempting to compete in the online advertising arena without leveraging Google Ads is akin to entering a battle unarmed—a futile endeavor destined for failure.
Moreover, Google’s suite of productivity tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Workspace, has become indispensable for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and enhance collaboration.
With seamless integration across devices and platforms, Google’s productivity tools offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency, empowering businesses to work smarter, not harder.
Attempting to eschew Google’s productivity suite in favor of alternative solutions is not only impractical but also unwise, depriving businesses of the tools they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
Furthermore, Google Analytics stands as the gold standard for web analytics, providing businesses with invaluable insights into their online performance and audience behavior.
From tracking website traffic and user engagement to analyzing conversion metrics and customer demographics, Google Analytics offers a comprehensive toolkit for optimizing online marketing strategies and driving business growth.
Attempting to gauge online performance without leveraging Google Analytics is akin to flying blind, devoid of the critical data needed to make informed decisions and drive meaningful results.
But perhaps the most formidable aspect of Google’s influence lies in its role as a gatekeeper of information and access.
With billions of users relying on Google’s platforms and services each day, the company wields immense control over the flow of online traffic and the dissemination of information.
For businesses seeking to connect with customers and expand their reach, Google’s dominance presents both a tremendous opportunity and a formidable challenge.
Attempting to circumvent Google’s influence and establish an online presence independent of its ecosystem is a Herculean task, fraught with uncertainty and risk.
In essence, attempting to run an online business without engaging with Google is akin to swimming against a relentless tide, fighting an uphill battle fraught with obstacles and limitations.
While alternative platforms and solutions exist, none possess the ubiquity, reach, and influence of Google’s ecosystem.
To thrive in today’s digital landscape, businesses must embrace Google’s dominance and leverage its suite of products and services to their advantage. You have no choice.
In conclusion, Google’s pervasive influence permeates every aspect of the online business landscape, making it virtually impossible to escape its grasp.
From search engine optimization to online advertising, productivity tools to web analytics, Google’s ecosystem encompasses a vast array of products and services that have become indispensable for businesses seeking to succeed in the digital age.
While alternative solutions may exist, none possess the ubiquity, reach, and influence of Google’s ecosystem.
To thrive in today’s digital landscape, businesses must embrace Google’s dominance and leverage its suite of products and services to their advantage.
You have no choice.
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