E-Business
LockBit Expands its Reach, Targeting MacOS
LockBit, one of the world’s most prolific ransomware groups, has recently upgraded its operations with enhanced multiplatform functionality, according to cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky.
LockBit gained notoriety for its relentless targeting of businesses globally, leaving a trail of financial and operational devastation in its wake. This recent report by Kaspersky showcases LockBit’s determination to expand its reach and maximise the impact of its malicious activities.
In its early stages, LockBit operated without leak portals, double extortion tactics, or data exfiltration before encrypting victim data.
However, the group has continuously developed its infrastructure and security measures to protect its assets against various threats, including attacks on its administration panels and disruptive distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
The cybersecurity community observed that LockBit is adopting code from other infamous ransomware groups, such as BlackMatter and DarkSide. This strategic move not only streamlines operations for potential affiliates but also broadens the range of attack vectors employed by LockBit.
Recent findings by Kaspersky’s Threat Attribution Engine (KTAE) shed light on the fact that LockBit incorporated approximately 25% of the code previously used by the now-defunct Conti ransomware gang, resulting in a new variant known as LockBit Green.
In a significant breakthrough, Kaspersky researchers uncovered a ZIP file containing LockBit samples specifically tailored to multiple architectures, including Apple M1, ARM v6, ARM v7, FreeBSD, and more.
Through analysis and investigation using the KTAE, they confirmed that these samples originated from the LockBit Linux/ESXi version previously observed.
While some samples, like the macOS variant, require additional configuration and are not signed properly, it is evident that LockBit is actively testing its ransomware on various platforms, indicating an imminent expansion of the attacks.
This development underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures across all platforms and an increase of awareness within the business community.
“LockBit is a highly active and notorious ransomware group known for its devastating cyberattacks on businesses worldwide. With its continual infrastructure enhancements and incorporation of code from other ransomware gangs, LockBit poses a significant and evolving threat to organisations across various industries.
It is imperative for businesses to reinforce their defenses, regularly update security systems, educate employees on cybersecurity best practices, and establish incident response protocols to effectively mitigate the risks posed by LockBit and similar ransomware groups,” comments Marc Rivero, senior security researcher at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria has launched a new digital identity verification tool called the NIN Authentication (NINAuth) application.
The initiative, which forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to strengthen the country’s national digital identity management framework.
The launch builds upon Nigeria’s comprehensive unified digital identity system that has been transforming access to financial services and government programs.
The NINAuth application introduces several key features focused on data security and privacy.
The platform requires explicit user consent before sharing identity information for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, giving individuals greater control over their personal data.
The system provides seamless access to various government services, including SIM card registration, immigration applications, passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions.
The development follows significant investment in Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure, including a $45.5 million support from the World Bank as part of the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.
As the official service for integration with NIMC’s backend infrastructure, NINAuth enables secure verification processes across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The application is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple iOS App Store for users of the National Identification Number (NIN).
The rollout represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to digitize government services and strengthen identity verification processes.
“NINAuth is a cutting-edge suite of services including web, API, and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services,” said Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC.
“The platform introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information.”
The implementation supports the objectives of the recently established Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee, which oversees the country’s digital identity initiatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the launch of the NINAuth app and directed its use for verification and authentication across all MDAs.
The application provides a secure single sign-on solution for accessing government services and social protection programs while maintaining strict data privacy controls.
The centralized approach to digital identity management represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to modernizing government services.
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has set in motion a machinery to checkmate the booming copyright piracy market in the country.
Copyright piracy is said to cost Nigeria an annual loss estimated at billions of naira.
Despite the absence of a coordinated or official statistics to gauge the quantum of loss, John Asein, director general, NCC, said as far back as 2019, Nigeria lost N918 trillion ($3 billion) annually to digital piracy.
The financial damages severely impact local businesses and innovation efforts.
The commission, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), has started a project to develop strategies and tools to address the menace.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on the WIPO project to address online copyright piracy in Nigeria, Asein said digital technologies have unlocked tremendous opportunities for the creative and innovation sectors.
The NCC boss said technology also poses serious challenges, including online piracy, which he said is growing rapidly.
He said: “Pirate sites continue to emerge rapidly, with statistics indicating a 6.7 per cent increase in user visits. A significant percentage of these users are students aged between 18 and 24, with social media and messaging platforms becoming major gateways for accessing pirated content.”
He added: “No industry is immune. The most affected sectors include television (43.6 per cent), publishing (27.5 per cent), film (12.9 per cent), music (7.0 per cent), and software (6.2 per cent).
“Far beyond mere statistics, the victims are no longer only foreign right owners. Many Nigerians in these sectors have also been bruised and their creative enterprises ruined.”
Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has signed an international mail partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for improved delivery access to over 200 countries without middlemen.
Tolani Odeyemi, postmaster-general and chief executive officer of NIPOST, described the deal as a “major milestone” for the country’s logistics and postal sector.
In a statement on X on Monday, Odeyemi explained that the new agreement marks NIPOST’s first direct international airline partnership for several years.
“For a long time, NIPOST operated without any direct partnerships with international airlines, relying heavily on multiple third-party handlers,” the Postmaster-General stated. This often resulted in delays, higher costs, and uncertainty around the delivery of packages.”
She explained that under the new arrangement, KLM will directly handle all outbound international mail from Nigeria, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
“This translates to faster and more reliable delivery, reduced risk of loss or damage, lower handling charges, and access to over 200 countries through KLM’s global network,” the Postmaster-General stressed.
According to Odeyemi, NIPOST’s breakthrough came after it began settling long-standing debts owed to international carriers, a step she said was key to “rebuilding global trust” in Nigeria’s postal system.
She revealed that talks were also ongoing with Ethiopian Airlines to bolster regional and continental logistics, particularly on African and Eastern routes.
“Our goal is clear and unwavering: to connect Nigeria regionally and globally, efficiently, securely, and affordably,” Odeyemi asserted.
The NIPOST CEO described the development as a significant win for Nigerian businesses and small and medium-scale enterprises that rely on international shipping, stating, “You now benefit from quicker, more affordable international shipping, greater peace of mind with improved reliability, and new potential to reach and grow in global markets.”
Odeyemi commended the teams behind the scenes and pledged continued improvements in service delivery, adding that the deal signals a turning point for the agency.
Nigerians May Pay More for Calls, Data as Senate Okays 5 Percent Excise Duty
W’Bank Says Cash Transfer Missed Millions of Needy Nigerians
EFCC Tells Nigerians to Shun Ponzi Schemes Like CBEX, Others
NIMC Launches NINAuth Digital Identity Verification App for Govt Services
NCC to Checkmate $3Bn Digital Piracy Market
E-Business2 days agoNIN: FG Increases DoB Update Fee by 75Percent to N28,574
Broadcasting2 days agoAfreximbank Unveils Third Edition of Short Film Competition ‘Creative Africa Nexus’
General News2 days agoNIMASA Embraces Technology to Strengthen Regulatory Mandate
E-Business2 days ago10 Percent of Nigerians Affected by Data Breaches since 2004
Telecom2 days agoMTN Commits $10Bn to Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure
E-Financial2 days agoSEC Intensifies Fight Against Ponzi Schemes With Market
News2 days agoSERAP Challenges CBN to Publish Local Government Allocations
News2 days agoCFUIS Expands to Nigeria, Boosting U.S. Immigration and Business Opportunities