E-Business
How Cybersecurity Readiness Prevents Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) from Fuelling Supply Chain Attacks
By Pankaj Bhula
Supply chain attacks aren’t new. If the past couple of years have taught businesses anything, it’s that the impact of supply chain cyber attacks is now universal, from the fallout of the SolarWinds software breach to the exposed Apache Log4j vulnerability and Kaseya last year.
Unfortunately, when such supply chain attacks hit smaller businesses, who are usually the suppliers to larger enterprises, their impact is especially prohibitive.
For SMBs already feeling the prolonged impact of the pandemic, the added pressure of dealing with sophisticated and frequent cyber attacks in real time are a heavy burden, as they try to protect their business against financial, legal and reputational damage, as well as their own suppliers and larger clients’ security.
It is now more important than ever for SMBs to implement strict security hygiene and effective cybersecurity processes to ensure their business is prepared for the event of cyber attacks happening.
SMBs as an indirect avenue of cyber attacks
The ‘new normal’ opened the door to several new vulnerabilities; cyber attacks globally increased by 50% on average in 2021, compared to 2020.
Our Check Point Threat Intelligence report revealed that an organisation in South Africa experienced a cyberattack 1,675 times per week, compared to 1,117 attacks per organisation globally.
While security breaches are on the rise, the top threats impacting SMBs have remained the same. In Check Point’s Small and Medium Business Security Report from 2020/2021, we revealed phishing, malware, credential theft and ransomware to be the top four threats impacting these businesses. So, what does this mean for them?
The reality is threat actors have taken advantage not only of the now-entrenched remote working model to target organisations, but also the usual limits preventing SMBs from bulking up on their cyber security defences – mainly lack of budget and expertise. SMBs often do not have a dedicated IT or security department.
With no in-house security expertise and reduced focus on security patching, these companies are easier to socially engineer and infiltrate.
Adding to this, SMBs usually have employees doing multiple roles, and thus a wider access to valuable areas of the business and information is given to them, and so if breached, they pose a threat to multiple areas within the business.
In addition, the business IT infrastructure is often shared for personal use communication as well, such as social media and personal emails, allowing easier access to hackers as the data is often not secured.
Threat actors often target SMBs as low hanging fruit for their vital role in supply chains. This is especially so as such attacks wreak havoc on not only one organisation but entire businesses within the supply networks.
By leveraging tactics such as phishing, cybercriminals gain access to an organisation to launch a malware attack, steal data and credentials or instigate a ransomware.
Take for example, the attack against Target USA where hackers used stolen credentials from an SMB vendor that serviced the HVAC systems in Target stores, to gain access to the retailer’s network and then laterally move to the systems that kept customer payment information. As a result, the global retailer was breached and 40 million credit and debit cards details stolen.
The key factor to preventing cyberattacks is threat prevention. With minimal time and lack of cyber expertise or manpower, SMBs must adopt a prevention mindset to minimise potential cyber attacks and threats.
Why cybersecurity readiness is paramount for SMBs
Beyond the immediate financial impact and reputational blow as a trustworthy, reliable partner, SMBs can also face legal or regulatory repercussions, operational disruption, flow-on costs for system remediation and cyberattack response, customer churn, and the loss of competitive advantage that can make or break a smaller business.
In fact, a tarnished reputation as an avenue of attack can be even more detrimental to an SMB organisation, as the loss of trust with a larger organisation could mean a loss of potential business and revenue down the line with them or other new, potential customers.
With this in mind, budgetary constraints to keep computers and corporate networks protected should never be an excuse, as keeping sensitive data and information protected will bring many advantages and benefits to companies.
This can range from overall cost savings, compliance with data protection laws, gaining the trust of customers and suppliers, to protecting your documents and information to the maximum by preventing any type of data breach.
How SMBs can prevent supply chain attacks
By applying stronger cyber defences, SMBs are in a position to provide larger organisations with assurance that larger companies they supply to will not be compromised via the SMB partner or third-party vendor.
Whilst there are multiple means to prevent such supply chain attacks, the first step is to have good software capable of covering the entire company, protecting the company’s endpoints and devices, and supported by regular backups so that, in the event of a cyber attack, they have the possibility of restoring all the data.
Any device that connects to the network can become a security breach, so it is important to secure all endpoints. It is especially critical for remote or hybrid workforces to avoid security breaches and data compromise.
Also, all employees should be trained in cybersecurity so that they themselves become the first barrier to any attempted attack, such as phishing via email or SMS. Keep in mind that prevention is one of the best protection measures available.
A viable option for SMBs is to also consider engaging an experienced Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), who will have the skilled resources, updated security software and experienced expertise to monitor for and analyse threats on behalf of the SMB player. This is especially useful for SMBs who have neither the time nor resources to adequately enforce threat detection and response.
Partnering with a cybersecurity expert equipped with best-in-class security and scalable solution such as Check Point Software can put SMBs in good stead to protect against the most sophisticated attacks and generate trust among larger potential players.
Ultimately, SMBs seek a simple plug-and-play solution with best-in-class threat protection, given their lack of financial funding and skills.
With an effective cybersecurity strategy, SMBs are better placed to demonstrate their credibility as secure partners to larger organisations, opening up more business opportunities.
Pankaj Bhula is Regional Director for Africa at Check Point Software
Zinox Technologies, Nigeria’s premier technology company, founded by Forbes Best of Africa’s Leading Tech Icon Leo Stan Ekeh, marked its 23rd anniversary.
Established in 2001, Zinox has been at the forefront of providing advanced technology solutions in the country and across the continent. Zinox was created to fill a significant void in Nigeria’s ICT sector, offering the nation a digital identity and leading as the first indigenous ICT powerhouse to design and manufacture internationally certified computers from Nigeria.
Ekeh, a visionary entrepreneur, has been instrumental in driving Zinox’s success. Recognized for his leadership and contributions to the tech industry, he was awarded the Icon of Hope and Model to the Youth by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2001.
Over the years, Zinox has achieved numerous pioneering accomplishments, becoming the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Sub-Saharan Africa to receive Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab Certification (WHQL) on computing and devices. The company spearheaded the rollout of the largest single e-education, e-health, and campus-wide network on the continent, establishing itself as a leader in advancing digital infrastructure.
Zinox’s innovative approach led to its distinction as the first Microsoft Prime Production Online Automation Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with the OA Version 3.0 and the first Intel Premium Partner in the region.
Notably, Zinox is also the first OEM in West Africa to attain the ISO 9001-2015 Certification and the first to acquire the Google Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) in West Africa. The company’s impressive achievements include being the first OEM in Nigeria to introduce renewable energy and lifestyle products and becoming an Intel Platinum Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Under the auspices of Mr Ekeh, Zinox’s impact on technology and society has garnered widespread recognition. The company was named Pioneer ICT Company of the Year in 2021 by the National Information Technology Merit Awards, and it has consistently received accolades for innovation and excellence. The Foxconn IT Global Platinum Award for the Zinox Zpad in 2014, the Intel Global Award for Mobile Computing in Africa and the Middle East in 2012, and the ICT Excellence Award by the Nigerian Computer Society in 2013 are just a few of the numerous honours bestowed upon the company.
Over its 23-year history, Zinox has also made significant contributions to Africa. The company has played a crucial role in redefining the democratic process in Nigeria, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. Through its innovative products and solutions, Zinox has transformed these countries from analog to digital governance.
The company delivered Africa’s largest single ICT election rollout, introducing Direct Data Capture machines to the electoral process. Zinox was the official computer provider for the 17th Africa Union Summit held in Gambia in 2006, further solidifying its commitment to driving technological progress on the continent.
Zinox’s commitment to integrity and digital transparency has earned it the trust of its customers and partners. The company was exclusively selected to provide the IT tools needed for the yet-to-be-conducted 2023 census in Nigeria, showcasing its expertise and reliability.
As Zinox celebrates its 23rd anniversary, it continues to diversify its product lineup, positively disrupting new industries and meeting the needs of millions across Africa. Beyond laptops, desktops, and tablets, Zinox’s innovative offerings now include alternative power solutions such as inverters, solar panels, batteries, and other energy-efficient technologies. In addition, the company offers home and kitchen essentials like smart TVs, microwaves, and fans, all designed to provide convenience and peace of mind to customers.
Zinox’s extensive range of solutions includes AI and Robotics, Fibre Optics Broadband and Satellite Networks, Cloud Computing, Renewable Energy, Advanced Biometrics and e-voting systems, E-Libraries, and E-Health systems. Each of these solutions represents Zinox’s dedication to transforming lives and fostering sustainable development across Africa.
The success of the tech company can be credited to the visionary leadership of its founder, the dedicated board of directors, and Mrs. Kelechi Okonta, the Managing Director, whose efforts have led to the creation of other international brands.
As Zinox looks toward the future, its commitment to tech innovation and excellence remains steadfast. With a legacy of breaking new ground and setting industry standards, Zinox continues to uphold its mission to provide Nigerians and the African continent with world-class technological solutions.
As part of its unwavering commitment to elevating Nigeria to premier status in the global digital economy by harnessing the potential of digital innovation to drive national prosperity and inclusivity, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated its strategic foresight and agility towards the sustainability of digital growth and inclusiveness in the country.
This was made known by the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE at the 3rd edition of the TeXcellence Conference themed, Revealing Tomorrow, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The conference, which is hosted by CWG Plc, a Pan-African systems solutions company that specializes in an array of wide IT services is a platform for technology experts, business leaders, and innovators to share insights on the latest trends, developments and solutions in the tech space.
In his address, the DG who was represented by the agency’s Director of the Stakeholder Management and Partnerships department, Dr Aristotle Onumo, outlined the agency’s efforts and its digital roadmap encapsulated in the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 2024-2027.
The focus of his address which was Policy to Implementation: Collaborative Approach to National Digital Growth, emphasised that NITDA has a digital social contract with the community which is structured around 8 strategic pillars.
“What we have been doing at the agency is to have a digital social contract with the community which is encapsulated in a document we call the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 which was developed based on the needs of the society to empower Nigerians and to foster economic development,” he mentioned.
Inuwa disclosed that the agency’s vision is to make Nigeria a digitally empowered nation, fostering inclusive economic growth through technological innovation and it has realigned its structure, recalibrated its systems and relaunched its strategy to better align with the federal government’s vision and goals of its supervising ministry.
“Our approach is grounded in the principles of clarity, collective responsibility, and a commitment to challenging the status quo. This will help us achieve our goal of transforming Nigeria’s digital landscape,” he added.
He gave deep insights into the 8 strategic pillars of the document while emphasising the opportunities they bring, their strategic importance, implementation focus and their success indicators.
While speaking on the implementation of SRAP 2.0, Inuwa stressed the importance of adapting to the rapidly evolving global digital landscape which has shaped economies worldwide and opined that NITDA is positioning Nigeria to be at the forefront of digital transformation.
“Our strategy is grounded in legislative and policy frameworks, addresses socio-economic disparities, and confronts cybersecurity challenges, and our goal is to establish Nigeria as a leader in digital literacy and tech talent, ensuring Nigerians are well-equipped for the digital era,” he said.
Noting that bridging digital gaps, gender imbalance and accommodating people living with special needs as critical cornerstones in all the agency’s initiatives towards building inclusiveness, Inuwa sought collaborations and partnerships in supporting 6 indigenous tech events in the country to global relevance.
“Collaboration and partnership is a gateway to economic prosperity and a foundational element to maximise impact, digital innovation ecosystem is our frame of play, our 8 pillars represent our wins, our leadership is resolute, strong, agile and dynamic and our strategy is creating digital value for the future through regulatory insight so I implore you all to join us to create a new digital future for Nigeria,” he concluded.
Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has disclosed that the Agency’s partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has put Nigeria’s Startup ecosystem on the global map.
He made this statement during a meeting with JICA President, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka when he visited the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in Abuja, a Special Purpose Vehicle office established by NITDA.
While highlighting the impact of the Agency’s partnership with JICA Inuwa, stated that “Through this collaboration, we have sponsored Nigerian startups to participate in tech exhibitions and conferences across Africa and the Middle East.
“Additionally, we’ve connected them with Japanese corporations, such as Mitsubishi, resulting in Training for 112 startup founders from 56 companies and creation of over 300 direct jobs in Nigeria
He said, “Established in 2001, NITDA’s mandate is to implement the national IT policy. At inception, less than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers. Today, we have made significant progress in bridging the digital divide.” He noted that there is significant growth in Nigeria’s ICT sector, from less than 0.5 per cent to over 16 per cent of GDP, with 120 million citizens now having computer access.
Inuwa, citing the World Bank research predicting a global talent deficit of 85 million by 2030, potentially leading to $8.5 trillion in lost annual value, he, however, suggested that to bridge this looming gap, “A strategic talent pipeline between Nigeria and Japan can leverage Nigeria’s youthful population to address Japan’s aging workforce challenges, creating a symbiotic partnership.”
He noted that NITDA has articulated its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0). Outlining the eight key pillars to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation, the NITDA boss emphasized that while Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating, which will drive the development of a skilled workforce to drive Nigeria’s digital economy, Building of a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem will encourage innovation and R&D in emerging technologies.
The NITDA boss said, “The Agency also plans to strengthen policy implementation and legal framework, promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance digital trust and nurture an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem and build a strategic partnership and collaboration.
He added that the Agency will focus on internal transformation and reforms so the agency can be more agile and have an environment that is psychologically safe for everyone to contribute.
“Internally, NITDA is undergoing transformational reforms to enhance agility and foster a psychologically safe work environment, encouraging active contribution from all stakeholders.”
In his remarks, Dr. Tanaka praised NITDA’s dedication, stating that partnering with NITDA was a wise decision due to its vital role in global development.
He emphasized that co-creation is JICA’s guiding principle, adding that the approach aligns with JICA’s mission to collaborate with organisations like NITDA to drive growth and address global challenges.
“Co-creation is the overarching principle guiding our activities, especially in harnessing information technology to drive sustainable development. Additionally, JICA acknowledges Nigeria’s proactive strides in advancing information technology and Artificial Intelligence, and we are committed to collaborating on these endeavours,” he noted.
While stressing that the strategic application of these technologies will foster a surge in startup creation among young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, he advocated for harnessing the creative potential of young engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that enhance societal well-being.
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