E-Business
Ransomware: Microsoft Gives Details of Attack, Decries Govts’ Inaction
Microsoft has stressed the need for urgent collective action to keep people safe online, following the world’s biggest cyberattack at the weekend, sending countries into ‘disaster recovery mode.
In a blog post, ‘Lessons from last week’s cyberattack’, Brad Smith, president and chief legal officer at Microsoft, said the global tech giant takes every single cyberattack on a Windows system seriously.
Starting first in the United Kingdom and Spain, the malicious “WannaCrypt” software quickly spread globally, blocking customers from their data unless they paid a ransom using Bitcoin.
The WannaCrypt exploits used in the attack were drawn from the exploits stolen from the National Security Agency, or NSA, in the United States, Smith said. “That theft was publicly reported earlier this year. A month prior, on March 14, Microsoft had released a security update to patch this vulnerability and protect our customers. While this protected newer Windows systems and computers that had enabled Windows Update to apply this latest update, many computers remained unpatched globally. As a result, hospitals, businesses, governments, and computers at homes were affected.
“All of this provides the broadest example yet of so-called “ransomware,” which is only one type of cyberattack”.
He lamented that, unfortunately, consumers and business leaders have become familiar with terms like “zero day” and “phishing” that are part of the broad array of tools used to attack individuals and infrastructure.
“We take every single cyberattack on a Windows system seriously, and we’ve been working around the clock since Friday to help all our customers who have been affected by this incident. This included a decision to take additional steps to assist users with older systems that are no longer supported. Clearly, responding to this attack and helping those affected needs to be our most immediate priority.
“At the same time, it’s already apparent that there will be broader and important lessons from the ‘WannaCrypt’ attack we’ll need to consider to avoid these types of attacks in the future. I see three areas where this event provides an opportunity for Microsoft and the industry to improve.
“As a technology company, we at Microsoft have the first responsibility to address these issues. We increasingly are among the first responders to attacks on the internet. We have more than 3,500 security engineers at the company, and we’re working comprehensively to address cybersecurity threats.
“This includes new security functionality across our entire software platform, including constant updates to our Advanced Threat Protection service to detect and disrupt new cyberattacks. In this instance, this included the development and release of the patch in March, a prompt update on Friday to Windows Defender to detect the WannaCrypt attack, and work by our customer support personnel to help customers afflicted by the attack.
“But as this attack demonstrates, there is no cause for celebration. We’ll assess this attack, ask what lessons we can learn, and apply these to strengthen our capabilities. Working through our Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) and Digital Crimes Unit, we’ll also share what we learn with law enforcement agencies, governments, and other customers around the world.
“Second, this attack demonstrates the degree to which cybersecurity has become a shared responsibility between tech companies and customers. The fact that so many computers remained vulnerable two months after the release of a patch illustrates this aspect.
“As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, there is simply no way for customers to protect themselves against threats unless they update their systems. Otherwise they’re literally fighting the problems of the present with tools from the past. This attack is a powerful reminder that information technology basics like keeping computers current and patched are a high responsibility for everyone, and it’s something every top executive should support.
“At the same time, we have a clear understanding of the complexity and diversity of today’s IT infrastructure, and how updates can be a formidable practical challenge for many customers. Today, we use robust testing and analytics to enable rapid updates into IT infrastructure, and we are dedicated to developing further steps to help ensure security updates are applied immediately to all IT environments.
“Finally, this attack provides yet another example of why the stockpiling of vulnerabilities by governments is such a problem. This is an emerging pattern in 2017. We have seen vulnerabilities stored by the CIA show up on WikiLeaks, and now this vulnerability stolen from the NSA has affected customers around the world.
“Repeatedly, exploits in the hands of governments have leaked into the public domain and caused widespread damage. An equivalent scenario with conventional weapons would be the U.S. military having some of its Tomahawk missiles stolen. And this most recent attack represents a completely unintended but disconcerting link between the two most serious forms of cybersecurity threats in the world today – nation-state action and organized criminal action”.
Smith noted that the governments of the world should treat the attack as a wake-up call. “They need to take a different approach and adhere in cyberspace to the same rules applied to weapons in the physical world. We need governments to consider the damage to civilians that comes from hoarding these vulnerabilities and the use of these exploits.
“This is one reason we called in February for a new ‘Digital Geneva Convention’ to govern these issues, including a new requirement for governments to report vulnerabilities to vendors, rather than stockpile, sell, or exploit them. And it’s why we’ve pledged our support for defending every customer everywhere in the face of cyberattacks, regardless of their nationality. This weekend, whether it’s in London, New York, Moscow, Delhi, Sao Paulo, or Beijing, we’re putting this principle into action and working with customers around the world.
“We should take from this recent attack a renewed determination for more urgent collective action. We need the tech sector, customers, and governments to work together to protect against cybersecurity attacks. More action is needed, and it’s needed now. In this sense, the WannaCrypt attack is a wake-up call for all of us. We recognize our responsibility to help answer this call, and Microsoft is committed to doing its part”.
Brad Smith is Microsoft’s president and chief legal officer. Smith plays a key role in representing the company externally and in leading the company’s work on a number of critical issues including privacy, security, accessibility, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion, among others.
Kaspersky’s new platform, ‘Cyber Pathways’, offers a comprehensive look into the essential cybersecurity roles, skills, and tools, to empower professionals to chart their career paths with confidence.
Featuring an interactive guidance test and personalised learning recommendations, the resource helps users to discover their ideal cybersecurity role. This platform is equally useful for newcomers to cybersecurity, IT generalists, seasoned experts and corporate organisations.
According to a global Kaspersky study, a staggering 41% of companies report that their cybersecurity teams are significantly understaffed, primarily due to a shortage of qualified professionals capable of handling complex challenges.
This talent gap is further echoed by the fact that 49% of cybersecurity experts see a pressing need for more practical training opportunities to enhance their skills and venture into new, more demanding areas.
Recognising the crucial role of expertise in closing this gap, Kaspersky introduces its new digital project ‘Cyber Pathways’, a comprehensive interactive platform designed to empower cybersecurity professionals at all levels.
‘Cyber Pathways’ is a digital platform that offers an in-depth overview of key cybersecurity spheres and spotlights the vital hard and soft skills essential for success in each area.
It highlights core responsibilities and introduces key tools and solutions utilised in these roles. It also offers practically oriented educational courses tailored to expand knowledge and sharpen skills in a chosen cybersecurity field.
Key cybersecurity spheres are reviewed in the ‘Kaspersky Cyber Heroes’ part, each embodying a vital area of cybersecurity: threat intelligence, malware analysis, security operations, security assessment, network security, and information security research.
These heroes are designed to help professionals understand the unique characteristics of each role and identify the key competencies required to succeed in them.
Career guidance test in an engaging and interactive form enables professionals to assess their current expertise level and identify the cybersecurity role that best matches their strengths and aspirations.
The platform offers three tailored test options, catering to different levels of expertise: for beginners in cybersecurity, for advanced professionals, and for organisations.
Building on nearly three decades of unmatched experience and extensive historical data, Kaspersky has developed a unique expertise that not only protects against the most dangerous cyber threats and guarantees top-tier product quality, but also empowers cybersecurity professionals worldwide to enhance their knowledge and stay ahead of cybercriminals.
Rooted in this expertise, the educational recommendations provided on this platform combine highly practical, hands-on programmes from Kaspersky Cybersecurity Training and Kaspersky Academy.
Designed to equip professionals with the critical skills needed to combat sophisticated threats, these initiatives ensure that their skills remain sharp, current, and ready for any challenge.
Additionally, these recommendations include valuable resources for corporate organisations, featuring online tools from Kaspersky Security Awareness that promote cybersecurity-conscious behaviours within teams and foster a resilient security culture.
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced Monday, January 5, 2026, as the final deadline for full compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online, and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that the Regulations took effect on July 21, 2025, pursuant to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
According to the statement, the new framework is designed to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s expanding digital lending ecosystem.
To facilitate compliance, the Commission has also released an accompanying instrument, the Guidelines on the Digital, Electronic, Online, and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, issued under Sections 17 and 163 of the FCCPA.
“This document provides practical direction for lenders and intermediaries, explains the documentation required, and introduces updated Forms 1 and 3 based on feedback received from stakeholders,” the statement noted.
The FCCPC added that applicants with pending submissions may supplement their filings with any additional information required under the new Guidelines without waiting for formal requests.
It assured them that applications would continue to be processed promptly and transparently.
Speaking on the compliance timeline, Mr Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman of the FCCPC, underscored the importance of adhering to the January 5 deadline.
“Full compliance is not only a legal requirement but an important step in protecting consumers and ensuring that the sector continues to grow in a fair and responsible manner,” Bello said. “Operators have had ample time to adjust to the Regulations and the additional guidance now provided. We expect all obligations to be met before the deadline.”
The Commission emphasised that all affected operators, including digital lending platforms, service partners, and intermediaries, must complete their compliance obligations before the stated date.
It warned that enforcement actions will commence immediately after the deadline, including restricting non-compliant entities from operating, directing partners or platforms to cease dealings with them, and imposing other sanctions permitted under the law.
Copies of the Guidelines, Forms, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the FCCPC websit: www.fccpc.gov.ng, as well as at the Commission’s offices nationwide.
Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has urged Nigerian youth to take the lead in driving Africa’s digital transformation, emphasising that the nation’s young population holds the key to a prosperous and inclusive future.
Delivering his opening remarks at the three-day Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Inuwa extended heartfelt appreciation to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his presence, describing it as a powerful demonstration that this administration cares deeply about our youth.
The conference provides a dynamic platform for ecosystem stakeholders to showcase their work and explore emerging trends aimed at transforming the nation and continent’s digital future.
Organised by NITDA, the Digital Nigeria Conference serves as a platform that bridges government and industry, fostering collaboration between policymakers, innovators, and private-sector leaders. It aims to harmonise regulatory frameworks, promote public–private partnerships, and drive the effective implementation of Nigeria’s national digital strategies for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Inuwa noted that the conference’s theme, Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic diversification through digitalisation, industrialisation and innovation.
Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, also speaking at the event reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy, calling on stakeholders across sectors to work together to achieve Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.
Dr Tijani described the annual gathering as more than a conventional technology conference. According to him, Digital Nigeria serves as a national platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies that will shape the country’s future in the digital era.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to Digital Nigeria 2025, something I consider to be a dialogue, but also collaboration and action towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy for our nation. This event reminds us of what digital truly means for our past as a people, our present reality, and the future we are striving to build,” he mentioned.
Dr Tijani took the audience on a reflective journey through Nigeria’s digital history, noting that the liberalisation of the telecommunications industry in 1999 was a bold, transformative decision that changed the trajectory of the nation’s economy.
“That decision marked the beginning of a new economy built on ideas and innovation. The introduction of mobile connectivity reshaped how Nigerians live, work, and connect, fuelling a digital revolution that continues to expand opportunities for millions,” the Minister explained.
He emphasised that the ripple effect of that single reform continues to be felt across sectors and further noted that the digital economy now contributes about 18 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a clear demonstration of the sector’s growing importance as a driver of national growth and economic diversification.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s global leadership in financial technology (fintech) innovation, citing the country’s advanced digital payment systems and thriving startup ecosystem.
“Today, Nigeria boasts one of the most efficient and responsive payment systems in the world. Transactions that take hours or even days elsewhere are completed instantly here. This innovation has produced five of Africa’s nine technology unicorns, companies each valued at over a billion dollars,” Tijani stated.
Senator Kashim Shettima, the Nigerian Vice President, in his remarks stated that the country is on the cusp of a historic transformation as the government advances toward passing the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill into law.
He described the bill as a cornerstone of the nation’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy powered by digital innovation. Emphasizing its significance, he noted that the bill represents more than legislative reform—it is “a strategic leap toward embedding technology into the fabric of governance, economic planning, and national development.”
Drawing a compelling parallel with Nigeria’s cashless policy, which catalysed the fintech revolution, the Vice President said the anticipated impact of the new bill would ignite a govtech revolution.
“Just as the cashless policy unlocked the fintech revolution, this new bill will unlock the govtech revolution—an era of smarter governance, greater transparency, and inclusive service delivery,” he declared.
He explained that this new era would be defined by smarter governance, greater transparency, and inclusive service delivery, all driven by digital tools and infrastructure. He stressed that the bill is part of a broader national strategy to position Nigeria as a global leader in digital innovation, with the potential to transform every sector of society.
He highlighted that Nigeria, with over 220 million people and an average age of 18, stands at a critical crossroads, one that could either unleash unprecedented prosperity or deepen socio-economic challenges if the nation fails to harness the creativity of its youth.
“If we harness the energy, the creativity and talent of our youth, we are not just going to power Nigeria, but we can power the entire Africa into a new era of prosperity. But if we fail to do that, if we fail to skill our youth, if we fail to provide a platform for them to create value, we are stunting the most valuable asset we have as a nation,” he noted.
The NITDA DG revealed that the 2025 edition of the conference has attracted over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 Nigerian states, making it both a national and international gathering of innovators, policymakers, and investors.
He said, “This year’s event features 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, five workshops, and two expert masterclasses across five thematic tracks.”
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