General News
Preventing Your Network From Becoming a Botnet
By Harish Chib, vice president, Middle East & Africa, Sophos
“Not having sufficient network protection may allow your organization’s devices to be part of the next cyber-attack”
Botnets are large volumes of distributed networked computers and devices that have been taken over by a cybercriminal.
Botnets, also referred to as bots, are usually taken over by malicious software to enable remote control by a threat actor.
They are set up and developed by a hacker to provide a powerful and dark, cloud computing network to conduct cyberattacks of a criminal nature.
The growth in mobile and network devices has created large scale social and productivity benefits for us. We can now remotely access computers, security systems, cameras, appliances, and a growing list of devices, interconnected with cloud. Collectively this is referred to as the Internet of Things or IoT.
A worrying aspect of the growth of Internet-connected devices is the absence of basic security precautions.
Most end users rarely change factory defaults, which can be exploited by hackers to take control of the devices.
Another door for cybercriminals to take control of connected devices is called the back-door entry. This is a manufacturer’s access to the device through an undisclosed connection, used for remote testing and updates.
This large distributed, network of computers, under the control of threat actors, represents an aggregation of computing power that can be used for a devastating effect.
Inside the network
Malicious software designed to exploit IoT devices are usually not sophisticated. They operate by scanning network ports, looking for access opportunities, and gaining access through default credentials, or brute-force hacking to gain access.
This software is much easier to defend against, as it merely requires configuring the network firewall protection devices.
Similar to other malware, botnets can enter an organization through multiple points of entry. This includes email attachments, hacked web sites, connected sensors and other IoT devices, and USB sticks.
Once a malicious software has entered an organization, it will call home – the hackers command and control server – to register its success in gaining entry and to request further instructions.
It may be told to lie low and wait, or be instructed to move laterally on the network to infect other devices, or to participate in an attack.
This attempt by the malicious software to call-home represents an opportunity to detect infected systems on the network that are becoming part of a botnet.
Once an attack has got underway, the attack itself can be difficult to detect. From a network traffic point of view, the device will simply be sending emails out as spam, transferring data or mining bitcoins, or performing DNS lookups and a variety of other requests, usually seen in large scale attacks. In isolation, none of these types of activities are noteworthy.
Building protection
The most important ingredient for effective protection from botnets is the organization’s network firewall. The following can help to get best protection from the firewall.
· Advanced Threat Protection can identify botnets already operating on the network. Ensure the firewall has malicious traffic detection, botnet detection, and command and control, call-home traffic detection.
· Intrusion prevention can detect hackers attempting to penetrate and take over the network. Ensure the firewall has next-gen intrusion prevention system that is capable of identifying attack patterns inside the network.
· Sandboxing can pick up the latest malicious software before it reaches the organization’s computers. Ensure the organization firewall offers advanced sandboxing that can identify suspicious web or email files and activate them in a safe environment.
· Effective web and email protection can prevent malware from getting onto the network. Ensure the firewall has behavioral-based web protection that can simulate JavaScript code in web content to determine behavior before it reaches the browser.
· Ensure the firewall has top-shelf anti-spam and antivirus technology to detect malware in email attachments.
· Web Application Firewall can protect servers, devices, and business applications from being hacked. Ensure the firewall offers WAF protection for any system that requires remote access.
Best-practices
· Change the password for all your network devices to a unique complex password, and use a password manager if necessary.
· Minimize use of IoT devices and update all essential connected devices. Also disconnect unnecessary devices from the network and upgrade older devices to newer models.
· Avoid using IoT devices that require ports to opened in the network firewall or router to provide remote access. Instead, use cloud-based devices that connect only to the cloud provider’s servers and do not offer direct remote access.
· Do not enable UPnP on your firewall or router. This protocol enables devices to open ports on the firewall on demand without your knowledge increasing the surface area of attack.
· Use secure VPN technologies to manage your connected devices remotely.
Botnets have a massive slowdown effect on the global Internet traffic. They can also have a devastating impact on an organization, if the objective of the attack is to steal sensitive information. Even if the botnet operating on the organization’s network is not after its data, it could be using devices and network resources to cause devastating harm to another organization.
Do not let your network become part of the next global botnet attack.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has sought to harness the innovation and expertise of Nigerians across the globe with the launch of the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-Up Challenge and the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, described the initiatives as timely and transformative, noting that they are strategically designed to tap into the creativity, enterprise and professional strength of Nigerians in the diaspora.
She said the Start-Up Challenge, themed “Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria,” aims to energise innovators abroad by promoting knowledge transfer, enterprise development and strategic investment to support Nigeria’s rapidly expanding economy.
According to a statement by NiDCOM, the challenge, which offers cash prizes of up to ₦1 million, is targeted at spotlighting exceptional ideas and supporting impactful ventures created by Nigerians living overseas.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s overarching goal of engaging the diaspora community as key partners in national progress.
She further announced that the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event will take place on December 19, 2025, in Lagos, and will bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, technology leaders and strategic partners for critical discussions on Nigeria’s future.
Kadiri Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour and is expected to speak on the importance of collaboration between government and the diaspora in accelerating development.
NiDCOM also revealed that notable contributors from the global diaspora community and Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem will enrich the sessions and help shape new pathways for meaningful engagement.
Dabiri-Erewa said their support remains invaluable in driving the success of the initiative. She emphasized that their continued collaboration helps unlock the potential of Nigeria’s global talent pool and fosters sustainable economic growth.
The Commission called on stakeholders across both the public and private sectors to support the initiative, stressing that the opportunities for innovation, collaboration and nation-building are immense.
NiDCOM urged young Nigerians and diaspora returnees to participate actively in the Start-Up Challenge, reminding them that entries close on December 12, 2025.
The December event will also feature a Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair, aimed at connecting diaspora returnees with internship opportunities offered by DOWA partner organisations.
NiDCOM said the fair will further strengthen talent exchange and deepen the country’s development capacity.
The programme timeline includes the opening of applications for the Start-Up Challenge from November 18 to December 12, followed by public voting on Instagram from December 13 to 17.
The winner will be announced on December 18, ahead of the final presentation at the JK Randle Centre in Lagos on December 19.
NiDCOM encouraged interested participants to follow the provided registration details and take advantage of the platform created to connect, innovate and contribute to national advancement.
Indigenous printing company, PromoPrint Ventures Ltd, celebrated 25 years of operations in the country on Tuesday 2nd December, at an event held at the Lagos Motor Boat Club in Lagos.
The evening saw business executives, clients and stakeholders in the printing space gathered to attest to the dexterity and Nigerian resilience demonstrated by Mrs. Patricia Ojora, the Founder and Chief Executive of the company in sustaining the growth of PromoPrint over the last 25 years.
Amongst many things on display that evening were PromoPrints very first t-shirt printed in the year 2000. Guests also cheerfully adorned custom-made patterns done by Promoprint on our indigenous cotton fabric (Funtau).
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Patricia Ojora recalled the past 25 years of operation in Nigeria at the helm of PromoPrint. While not easy, she says:
“We’ve been able to do it and we enjoy it. There’s nothing better than creation. To create something from nothing and do it so well, it’s a passion for me. It’s something that I really, value. I’m a great supporter of Nigeria, so I believe that we should be able to do things well in Nigeria. We don’t need to always import, that’s why we’re doing this today, to be able to collaborate with people. Most of the people here are people we’ve collaborated with and have worked hard to build Nigeria back up”.
She recounts how she was able to change the narrative of many Nigerians that were printing outside of the country who are now printing with PromoPrint Ventures. “People used to print outside the country because they didn’t trust the quality that was here in Nigeria,” Patricia explains with an understanding that “we can produce good quality here within Nigeria.”
The company is a one-stop shop for all things printing with all operations happening in-house, from the expertise of crafting graphics and garment production to the t-shirts, roller banners, corporate gifts and more being rolled out on a daily basis. “What we are selling is peace of mind in a chaotic place.” Patricia says, with nearly three decades of successful operations and collaboration under her belt.
Significantly, she makes sure the company remains primed for the future, using AI and the like to remain progressive in strategy and implementation. Patricia proudly states, “Our automated printing carousel can churn out 10,000 tees a day if needed and our many corporate clients can attest to this.”
In attendance was Atedo Peterside (CON), Founder, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, one of many guests in the room who spoke to PromoPrints impact. “There’s something about longevity,” he shares with the crowd, “If you’ve kept the business going for 10 years, I always tell people, it means you’re doing something right. If you get it going for 20 years, you’re doing something very correct. Patricia must be doing something phenomenally right and it’s my sincere hope that she keeps it going, keep building, keep innovating.”
“Patricia can create almost everything,” Peterside remarks, “she has the courage, audacity and the commitment.”
Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Nigerian businesswoman and the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, contextualises the tenacity of Patricia’s efforts rather well. She reminds the room that “when you think of how many big multinationals who have so much that protects them, who have a lot of support systems internationally and locally, who gave up on Nigerian manufacturing, then you have to go back and think about those of us like Patricia.”
Even after 25 years, Nigeria remains in need of more Entrepreneurs, particularly those like Patricia, to boost the SME and manufacturing industry in the country despite the odds. “She didn’t give up,” Awosika says in admiration.
“What is key is that, when we celebrate the likes of Patricia and her company, we know without a doubt that it’s not just because they want to have a celebration. It’s because, in truth, the Nigerian entrepreneur is a star, and even more so, the Nigerian manufacturer.” Awosika concludes.
So, we celebrate Mrs. Ojora and her PPV entire team, and all that has gone into 25 years of hard work, commitment, creativity, we also recognise the passion that does not allow you to give up on the vision, the commitment to not only creating jobs for other Nigerians but creating value within Nigeria. The commitment to innovating a solution for every challenge and every situation. Indeed, it was a worthy celebration.
Mr. Lanre Basamta, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Optimus AI LABS, has unveiled a suite of artificial intelligence innovations poised to transform Nigeria’s financial services industry, aligning with recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directives on consumer protection and fraud prevention.
Optimus AI LABS
Basamta, speaking at a media parley in Lagos, said the company’s flagship product, Omnis, is redefining customer engagement in banking by serving as a virtual assistant embedded within mobile applications.
According to him, the platform is capable of analyzing customer behavior to recommend tailored financial products, effectively functioning as a “digital salesperson” that boosts bank revenues while enhancing customer experience.
He noted that Optimus AI LABS, which began as a modest startup targeting small businesses such as schools, has now identified greater opportunities in serving banks, fintechs, and microfinance institutions.
“The financial sector presents the biggest opportunity for AI to deliver value at scale,” Basamta said.
In response to rising fraud concerns and new CBN regulations mandating resolution of fraud cases within 14 days, Basamta highlighted the company’s AI-powered support platform designed to address customer frustrations over delayed assistance.
The system, he explained, interacts naturally with users, resolves issues promptly, and escalates unresolved cases, thereby strengthening compliance and improving customer satisfaction.
Basamta also recounted the firm’s global expansion, citing its work with Canadian clients, including the development of a dental learning environment for a major dental group.
He said this international footprint demonstrates Nigeria’s capacity to compete globally through homegrown innovation.
Reflecting on the company’s relocation into office space formerly occupied by KUDA, a fast-rising Nigerian fintech, Basamta expressed optimism that Optimus AI LABS is on a similar trajectory toward scaling into a major industry player.
He emphasized that the company’s growth would contribute not only to technological advancement but also to national development.
Basamta concluded by appreciating partners and stakeholders, stressing that “big things can emerge from small beginnings when powered by AI’s transformative capabilities.”
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