E-Business
ICANN Set to Change Internet’s Address Book
The board of directors for the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has approved plans for the first-ever changing of the cryptographic key that helps protect the Domain Name System (DNS) – the Internet’s address book.
During a 16 September meeting in Belgium, the ICANN board passed a resolution, directing the organisation to proceed with its plans to change or “roll” the key for the DNS root on 11 October 2018. It will mark the first time the key has been changed since it was first put in use in 2010.
“This is an important move and we have an obligation to ensure that it happens in furtherance of ICANN’s mission, which is to ensure a secure, stable and resilient DNS,” says ICANN board chair, Cherine Chalaby.
“There is no way of completely assuring that every network operator will have their ‘resolvers’ properly configured, yet if things go as anticipated, we expect the vast majority to have access to the root zone.”
ICANN notes that some Internet users might be affected if the network operators or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have not prepared for the roll.
Those operators who have enabled the checking of Domain Name System Security Extensions or DNSSEC information (a set of security protocols used to ensure DNS information isn’t accidentally or maliciously corrupted) are those who need to be certain they are ready for the roll, it adds.
“Research shows that there are many thousands of network operators that have enabled DNSSEC validation, and about a quarter of the Internet’s users rely on those operators,” says David Conrad, ICANN’s chief technology officer.
“It is almost certain there will be at least a few operators somewhere across the globe who won’t be prepared, but even in the worst case, all they have to do to fix the problem is, turn off DNSSECvalidation, install the new key, and reenable DNSSEC and their users will again have full connectivity to the DNS.”
The changing of the DNS root key was originally scheduled to happen a year ago, but plans were put on hold after ICANN found and began analysing some new, last-minute data. That data dealt with the potential readiness of network operators for the key roll.
An analysis ultimately led the organisation to believe it could safely proceed with the changing of the key. As a result, the organisation, after consultation with the community, developed a new plan that recommends putting the new key into use exactly one year after originally scheduled.
In the intervening time, the organisation has continued extensive outreach and investigations on how to best mitigate risks associated with the key change.
The ICANN Board, during its 16 September meeting, passed a resolution approving the plan, and with that, the ICANN org has set in motion its plans to change key at 4PM UTC on 11 October 2018.
“This is the first root key change, but it won’t be the last,” says Matt Larson, vice-president of research at ICANN and the organisation’s point person for the key roll.
“This is the first time, so naturally we are bending over backwards to make certain that everything goes as smoothly as possible, but as we do more key rollovers in the future, the network operators, ISPs, and others will become more accustomed to the practice.”
As students across Nigeria head back to school, new data from Google Search trends reveals a significant shift in study habits, with a massive turn towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) for academic support. Search interest for “AI + studying” surged by over 200% compared to 2024, highlighting how students are increasingly leveraging AI tools as a primary resource for learning.
This trend is part of a broader surge in AI curiosity in Nigeria. Search interest in AI reached an all-time high in 2025, growing by 60% over the past 12 months. Nigerians are not just asking what AI is, but how to use it to enhance their daily lives, particularly in education. The data shows a 60% increase in searches for “AI + lessons” over the past year.
AI Integration Across Academic Disciplines
Students are applying AI to a wide range of subjects. Over the last year, searches combining AI with specific school subjects have seen remarkable growth:
AI + Chemistry: increased by 50%
AI + Maths: increased by 30%
AI + Languages: increased by 30%
AI + Grammar: increased by 20%
The nature of these searches indicates that students are seeking practical help. Top searched questions for mathematics include, “what is the best AI in the world for solving mathematical problems” and “how to use AI to solve math problems.” Similarly, top searches for studying in general include queries for “AI tutor for students,” “free AI tools for studying,” and “useful AI prompts for studying,” showing a clear demand for accessible and specialized AI-powered educational tools.
Beyond the Classroom: Understanding AI and Preparing for the Future
The interest in AI extends beyond homework and exam preparation. There is a growing curiosity about the technology itself, with trending questions like “how to use ai” (+80%), “what is the full meaning of AI” (+80%), and “who is the father of ai” (+70%) all rising in the past year.
Significantly, as students use AI for their work, they are also becoming more aware of the ecosystem around it. Searches for “AI detection” have seen a massive 290% increase in the past 12 months, suggesting a growing conversation around academic integrity and the responsible use of AI tools.
Looking towards future careers, “Generative AI” was a breakout search term over the past 12 months, often appearing alongside searches for “professional certification.” This indicates that students and young professionals are not only using AI to succeed in their current studies but are also actively looking to build skills that will prepare them for the future workforce.
Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, said: “It’s inspiring to see Nigerian students so eagerly embrace AI to support their learning journeys. This back-to-school season, the data shows that students are not just using AI for answers, but as a tool to deepen their understanding of complex subjects, from chemistry to mathematics. This curiosity is key to fostering a new generation of innovators, and we are committed to providing tools that empower them to learn, grow, and succeed.”
TD Africa, Africa’s leading technology distributor, proudly participated in the just-concluded GITEX Nigeria 2025, held for the first time in the country from September 1st to 4th.
TD Africa
The exhibition, hosted at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, brought together global tech leaders, professionals, and exhibitors showcasing innovations in AI, IoT, cybersecurity, fintech, and more.
In collaboration with IBM operated by MIBB, TD Africa demonstrated its commitment to empowering individuals and businesses across Africa through technology and innovation. Their joint presence at the exhibition drew significant attention from industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators alike.
One of the defining moments was the visit of the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to the TD Africa–IBM booth. Governor Sanwo-Olu was warmly received by Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa, who highlighted the company’s impact and vision.
The Governor applauded TD Africa’s innovation, tenacity, and longevity in Africa’s technology ecosystem.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ekeh expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support and reiterated TD Africa’s unwavering commitment to advancing digital transformation across the continent: “It’s not a coincidence for GITEX to have taken place in Nigeria, as the world is becoming aware that this is where the energy of Africa collides with the ambition of the future.
“As long as TD Africa stands strong behind global brands like IBM and others we represent, we can only go further, stronger, and better.”
Also visiting the booth was the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who emphasised the importance of collaboration in shaping Africa’s digital future.
Adding to the momentum, Mr. Vishnu Taimni, General Manager of IBM operated by MIBB, stressed the need for sustained innovation and partnership: “Africa’s digital journey cannot be achieved in isolation.
“Our collaboration with TD Africa at GITEX is proof that when global expertise meets local strength, we unlock the future of technology for businesses, governments, and communities across the continent.”
The booth was further honoured by the presence of Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, who commended TD Africa and IBM for their steadfastness and consistency in driving growth and innovation in Africa’s technology sector.
The successful participation of TD Africa at GITEX Nigeria 2025, in partnership with IBM, reinforces its position as a pillar of Africa’s digital transformation journey.
By standing strong with global partners and local stakeholders, TD Africa continues to shape the future of technology in Africa, driven by resilience, innovation, and impact.
According to Kaspersky data, there were 29% more attacks on Android smartphone users in the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024, and 48% more compared to the second half of 2024.
In 2025, Kaspersky detected prominent mobile threats such as SparkCat, SparkKitty and Triada, but there were other active threats as well, including apps with adult content that could launch DDoS attacks and a VPN app that intercepted login codes sent through text messages.
In the second quarter of 2025, attackers embedded functionality for dynamically configured DDoS attacks into applications for viewing adult content. This trojan enables sending specific data from the infected device to the attackers at specified time intervals.
Kaspersky also recently detected a fake VPN client that hijacks different user accounts: instead of providing the declared functionality, it intercepts one-time password codes from various messengers and social networks by monitoring notifications and sends them to the attackers via a Telegram bot.
The most popular malicious apps
Malicious apps that mobile users most frequently encountered were Fakemoney scam applications, banking trojans and preinstalled malware.
Fakemoney scam apps on smartphones are fraudulent applications that deceive users into believing they can earn real money or rewards through tasks, games or investments, but then steal personal information, money or deliver no actual payouts.
Pre-installed trojans like Triada and Dwphon were also frequently detected. These are examples of malicious software embedded in the firmware of Android devices during manufacturing, enabling data theft, unauthorised actions and persistence even after factory resets.
Mobile banking trojans
The number of mobile banking trojans detected in the first half of 2025 is almost four times more than in the first half of 2024 and over two times more than in the second half of 2024.
“The first half of 2025 saw a surge in Android malware attacks compared to 2024. There are different attack vectors, and sideloading apps from outside app stores is one of them. Google’s recent initiative to verify developers even for sideloaded apps is an attempt to counter malware spread via APK files outside official app stores.
“However, this step is not a silver bullet. Malware continues to infiltrate even the Google Play Store, where developer verification has long been in effect. Malware infiltrates Apple’s AppStore as well. Attackers will likely find ways to bypass verification, that underscores the need for users to combine robust security solutions, cautious app sourcing and regular OS updates to stay ahead of evolving threats,” comments Anton Kivva, Malware Analyst Team Lead at Kaspersky.
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