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ESET urges Businesses to Implement NDPR

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ESET, a leading global cybersecurity company, has urged businesses, organization- public or private operating in Nigeria, to adhere to the regulations of Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and the enforcement of the digitalization and processing of the organization’s database of personal data.

These requirements, the global cyber security company said, are already in force, and its implications are complex and the potential penalties for non-compliance are severe.

Mr Olufemi Ake, managing director, ESET Nigeria and Ghana, who dropped these hints at a zoom conference recently organized to discuss ‘how organizations can comply with the data protection regulations’, stated that encrypting data and creating an additional authentication for data accessibility in organizations are a few ways to help in meeting the new data security and compliance rules.

The National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA is statutorily mandated by the NITDA Act of 2007 to, inter alia: develop Regulations for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information.

NITDA introduced The Nigerian Data Protection Regulation {NDPR} and enforced its compliance from January 2019 as the new requirement on collection and processing of personal data and requires such activities to be in accordance with a lawful purpose consent by the Data Subject.

Olufemi Ake, MD, ESET Nigeria and Ghana,

“Due to this,” Mr. Ake said, “Organisations are mandated to put compliance measures in place within the first year of the regulation”

“Compliance with this regulation will impact Data Protection Governance, Information Systems & Security Configuration, as well as Documented Policies & Processes”, Mr. Ake added.

He also enumerated objectives of the regulation as “To safeguard the rights of natural persons to data privacy; foster safe conduct for transactions involving the exchange of Personal Data; to prevent manipulation of Personal Data; and to ensure that Nigerian businesses remain competitive in international trade through the safe-guards afforded by a sound data protection regulation.

“NDPR applies to all storage and processing of Personal Data conducted in respect of Nigerian citizens and residents and it covers transactions intended for the processing of personal data and to the actual processing of personal data and person(s) residing in Nigeria or residing outside Nigeria but of Nigeria nationality.

“Unlike the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (the GDPR), NDPR is not enforced on persons and organizations outside Nigeria that collect, store, or process data of Nigerians”

Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance with NDPR. The Maximum penalty for breaches of data privacy rights on international transfers can be up to N10M or 2% of annual gross revenue of the preceding year, whichever is higher and based on the number of Data Subjects dealt with.

“Other massive losses that non-compliance could cause are reputational damage and Prosecution of principal officers in the event of a severe data breach”, he said.

On compliance requirements, he said that the NDPR regulation requires that Data Controllers and Data Processors:

• Engage a Data Protection Compliance Organization (DPCO) to perform a Data Protection Audit and file a report with NITDA within the stipulated timeline

• Designate a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who will be responsible for driving NDPR compliance initiatives within the organization

• Document and publish a data protection policy in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Regulation

• Ensure continuous capacity building and training for Data Protection Officer and other personnel involved in processing personal data

Mr. Ake also described ESET as NDPR Compliance Enablers, according to him, “To ensure 100% compliance, organisations should ensure the following solutions are deployed and proactively used.

“Organizations are keenly advised to get a Data loss prevention (DLP) solution to ensure that sensitive data is not lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users. Most importantly the likes of ‘Safetica’ that classify regulated, confidential and business-critical data and identifies violations of policies defined by organizations or within a predefined policy pack, typically driven by regulatory compliance such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or NDPR.

“Multi-factor Authentication will serve as an additional layer of protection of data from unauthorized users. This tool will help Data Controllers in securing all logins to database and networks (on-premise and cloud) by generating a one-time password that is not known to anyone but unique to a particular user and per login. An excellent example of such a solution is ESET Secure Authentication.

“Finally, organisations should also deploy data encryption technologies, develop organizational policy for handling personal data (and other sensitive or confidential data), protect emailing systems and ensure continuous capacity building for staff. Report has shown that most organizations in Nigeria seek the above solutions to meet up with the compliance requirements of NDPR on Data Security”.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre

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Four people have been killed, with over 20 injured after a fire at Cairo data centre disrupted telecom services nationwide.

4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre

A fire at a major Telecom Egypt facility in Cairo on Monday has left four workers dead and at least 22 others injured, plunging parts of the capital into a communications crisis.

According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for Egypt’s Health Ministry, most injuries were due to smoke inhalation.

The blaze, which broke out at a key data centre operated by Telecom Egypt, the country’s primary fixed-line and internet provider, was brought under control later that day.

However, it caused widespread disruptions, halting phone services, affecting internet connectivity, and even interfering with digital banking operations.

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that national connectivity dropped to just 62% of normal levels following the incident.

Residents across Cairo struggled with poor network access, and banks—although already closed for the day—reported interruptions in ATM services and online transactions.

In a statement on Tuesday, Telecom Egypt mourned the loss of its employees and pledged support to their families.

Amr Talaat, Egypt’s minister of Communications and Information Technology,  assured the public that service restoration was underway and expected to be completed within 24 hours.

To address the disruption, the Health Ministry released alternative emergency contact numbers across Egypt’s governorates, in case its primary ambulance hotline remained unreachable.

The state-run MENA news agency reported that the fire was prevented from engulfing the entire building and nearby rooftops, thanks to the efforts of emergency responders.

A preliminary investigation suggests the fire was likely triggered by an electrical short circuit, according to a security source cited by MENA.

As the nation works to restore full connectivity, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for enhanced fire safety protocols in sensitive tech facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Globalcom Thrills Subscribers with 3 New Digital Products

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Tech faints, Globalcom, on Tuesday unveiled three exciting digital products aimed at rewarding customers. The products, Animation World Promo, Treasure Spin and Sport Brain, also provide subscribers with the opportunity to play and win instant prizes.

Globalcom in a statement in Lagos said that the company is dedicated to providing value-added service to its ever-growing customers.

The first digital product, which is Animation World Promo, is an innovative trivia-based service aimed at challenging customers culinary knowledge of Nigerian food. With it, subscribers engage in answering food related questions, earn points and win delicious prizes.

For Treasure Spin, customers are availed the digital treasure spin experience. With each spin Glo subscribers stand a chance to win instant prizes, making every participation exciting and rewarding.

In addition, Globalcom captures the heart of football lovers with Sport Brain. Subscribers are allowed to predict football scores in matches across top leagues all around the world. Customers get to select their preferred leagues. “It’s a fun and competitive way for football lovers to test their instincts and knowledge,” the company noted.

Customers who subscribe to any of the three services stand a chance to win fantastic daily, weekly, and monthly prizes. Every day, 20 participants will receive ₦1,000 cash, ₦1,000 airtime, and 3.5GB data. On a weekly basis, five lucky winners will walk away with ₦100,000 each, while one grand prize winner will receive ₦1 million every month.

To participate, customers are required to dial *13055*2# for Animation World Promo,*13199*3# for Treasure Spin and  *13199*2# for Sport Brain. Each plan can be activated either as a one-time purchase or Auto Renewal.

Globacom further explained that all products are available at an affordable subscription rate of ₦100 for a daily plan, ₦300 for weekly plan and ₦500 for monthly plan.

In concluding, the company disclosed that the services are available to all Glo prepaid and postpaid subscribers nationwide.

 


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SiBAN Applauds Interstellar’s Groundbreaking Role in Africa’s Blockchain Future

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The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) has lauded Interstellar, one of its prominent members, for spearheading a major breakthrough in Africa’s financial technology space.

This follows Interstellar’s strategic partnership with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to roll out the PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM), a blockchain-based platform designed to address the continent’s long-standing currency inconvertibility challenge.

The initiative is already being hailed as a game-changer capable of eliminating the $5 billion annual trade friction currently plaguing intra-African commerce.

According to SiBAN President, Mr Obinna Iwuno, the development affirms Nigeria’s leadership in blockchain innovation, stating that Interstellar’s PACM is not only a technological feat but also a timely response to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) mandate of seamless and cost-effective regional trade.

PACM operates on STARGATE, a blockchain-agnostic system developed by Interstellar, and leverages the Bantu blockchain network to facilitate real-time, peer-to-peer exchanges of African currencies.

The solution ensures financial inclusion by allowing businesses, SMEs, and informal traders to transact in local currencies without relying on foreign intermediaries, all while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Mr Ernest Mbenkum, CEO of Interstellar, described the solution as Africa’s roadmap to financial sovereignty. “Blockchain is not just innovation; it is empowerment,” he said.

SiBAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that promote secure, transparent, and inclusive digital economies.

The association further called on stakeholders in government and the private sector to prioritise blockchain adoption as a driver of national development.


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