E-Business
How Gen II Security will not Save Your Company from a Gen V Cyberattack
by Rick Rogers
For the first time ever, cyber attacks have emerged as one of the top three risks impacting the world. Along with natural disasters and climate change, the Global Risks Report for 2018, tells us cyberattacks are literally one of the biggest threats we face.
It’s hardly surprising when one considers the scale and might of attacks like WannaCry, which affected thousands of enterprises across the world.
This fifth generation of attacks, or Gen V as Check Point has dubbed it, is not only large-scale, but also multi-vector and even in some cases, state-sponsored.
Gen V attacks literally have the power to shut down entire countries. And the scariest part is that the average business in Africa is still operating with security solutions equipped to combat more simple Gen II or III attacks.
According to Check Point, “while Gen I attacks targeted standalone PCs and were dealt with by antivirus, Gen II saw the start of network attacks, requiring the introduction of firewalls. Gen III then began exploiting vulnerabilities in applications, which was combatted through Intrusion Prevention (IPS).”
Gen IV attacks focused on polymorphic content and involved hackers sending files embedded with malware. To prevent this sandboxing and anti-bot technologies were used.
Not equipped for Gen V
But now to combat Gen V attacks, much more is needed. It’s about prevention (rather than just detection), real-time action and covering the weakest points across cloud and mobile. Siloed security solutions are no longer enough and in order to beat Gen 5, businesses need end-to-end security infrastructure which spans everything from data centres to mobile devices.
“We’ve analyzed our clients and while all of them have antivirus and a firewall, very few have the advanced technology needed to survive a Gen V attack,” says Rogers. “The sad thing is though that the technology to protect against these attacks does exist.”
Check Point’s Gen V Protection against Mega Attacks is a case in point. The technology consolidates all of the isolated security solutions which businesses already have in place and covers those touch points which are lacking.
Africa under threat
This level of comprehensive, end-to-end security is a particularly important focus for government and businesses entities operating in Africa. African countries rank consistently high on Check Point’s monthly Global Threat Index. Botswana, for example, has topped the Index for two months in a row.
Perhaps not surprisingly then, there is a significant appetite across Africa for cybersecurity solutions.
Taking on new territory
As such, the company has earmarked the continent as an important region for growth and investment. “2018 is the first year in which Africa will be viewed on its own as a territory, rather than forming part of the MEA or EMEA region,” says Rogers.
Not only is this a highly positive development from an employment and investment perspective, but it also means that clients of the company will have far greater access to the Check Point team and direct services required for more complex security projects.
New tech
Hackers are exploiting the fact that most organisations rely on older generations of security. As the sophistication and scale of attacks grows, so previous generations of security, which merely offer detection, become less and less effective.
With every successful advancement of malicious activity, a new generation of IT security has been born. Organisations now need advanced real-time threat prevention that protects all networks, virtual, cloud, remote office and mobile operations against the latest generation of cyberattacks.
The need for local businesses to partner with security specialists that can help them remain one step ahead of the game is essential. Check Point is committed to ensuring that organisations have access to a security solution that delivers unprecedented protection against current and potential attacks. Cue Check Point Infinity, a revolutionary security consumption model that enables enterprises to prevent Gen V cyberattacks.
Given the pace at which the cyber security industry operates, remaining future-focused is key. Consequently, as Check Point rolls out Gen V security prevention, it is already focused on the next wave of attacks.
Rick Rogers is Regional Director, for Africa at Check Point Software Limited
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
l-r: Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of NIMC, during the meeting at the NIMC headquarters in Abuja..
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
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