Telecom
Sidmach, Sophos Enlighten CybersecurityEexperts on Latest Attackers’ Antics
Information technology security experts have highlighted the growing and persistent threat of malware, especially on mobile, stating categorically that Malware is not slowing down.
This implies that cybercrime is big business and hackers are continually looking for new attack vectors as SophosLabs team see 400,000 new malicious samples every day.
The speakers at one-day Sophos/Sidmach Lunch & Learn event held at Radisson Blu Lagos on Thursday said that the traitors are not resting on their oars to unleash damages to companies’ networks.
Leading the discussions, the Country Manager, Sophos Nigeria, Mr. Jimi Falaiye, said though the new malicious software do not necessarily imply 400,000 programmers writing code, however, it is a heavily automated system that results in bespoke malware – “a virus written just for you”.
He said, while best endpoint technologies will protect organisations against the majority of malware and threat impacting their systems, the threat landscape evolves and cybercriminals continue to morph attacks and work to find new security holes to access organisations, the unknown minority becomes important.
To this end, he opined that with Sophos’ deep learning enabled Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools, organisations will add an additional layer to their security posture.
Also speaking, Nathanael Odofin, Market Intelligence and Research Analyst, Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited, said that mobile devices are increasingly subject to malicious activities, pushing malware apps to phones, tablets, or other devices, particularly in the era of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) hence organisation must engage the services of renowned IT vendors to assist them tackle the challenges.
According to him, an estimated 54% of companies globally experience at least one cyber-attack every year.
In Nigeria, 60% of firms suffer cyber-attacks. Incidentally, only 38% of global organizations claim they have the infrastructure to handle a sophisticated cyber-attack.
Expatiating on the growing trends of cyber-attacks, Chris Odutola from Sophos cited what the Company termed manual techniques to delivering a ransomware known as SamSam as significantly raised the stakes by charging ransoms from $10,000 to more than $50,000 per attack.
“SamSam choose machines with relatively weak passwords, accessible from outside the organization’s security perimeter. Using this machine as a foothold, the criminals sniff for Domain Admin credentials, waits for the right moment to strike.
“The attacker has the ability to work through impediments like pushing commands, running additional software, that would otherwise prevent the attack”, he said.
Chris noted that this has led, in some cases, to run-and-gun battles between the ransomware criminals and alerted IT staff.
With that reality, he strongly suggested that the best line of defence is to use a multi-layered security strategy to work to protect organisations against both known and unknown threats.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Sidmach Technologies, Mr. Peter Arogundade, said that Lunch and Learn event was aimed at assisting IT experts in different organisations to understand cost effective security dynamics, and tools that mitigate latest threats, while receiving insights to have complete visibility and control of their IT Infrastructure.
The MD, who spoke through the Head of Marketing, at Sidmach, Olanrewaju Adelanwa, described the sessions as crucial as they offered the experts new perspective on better architectures for end-to-end networks threats management with a one-stop-solution that Sophos brings.
“We are not referring to security for just the hardware, the emails and everything within your network protocol that requires protection.
“This even, basically, was organised to bring these professionals together and expose them to insights about what is happening in Nigeria and across the world; for them to see what experts in other climes are doing in the IT security space”, he said.
He warned that businesses that are reluctant to embrace IT security are seated on a keg of gunpowder that may explode any minute.
Lebara Nigeria has become a member of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) as it expands operations in the West African country.
The membership places Lebara Nigeria within a global network of more than 1,000 mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology companies and digital service providers.
Through the GSMA, the company will have access to industry research, technical standards, policy engagement and industry initiatives.
Lebara Nigeria said the move reflects its participation in the wider telecommunications ecosystem as it develops its operations in Nigeria’s mobile market.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector plays a central role in the country’s digital economy, with more than 170 million active mobile subscriptions supporting services such as digital payments, e-commerce, education and healthcare.
Industry analysts say participation in international bodies such as the GSMA supports knowledge sharing and the adoption of industry standards.
Lebara Nigeria said GSMA membership will support its engagement with industry developments and policy discussions in the telecommunications sector.
The company said it remains focused on operating in Nigeria’s mobile telecommunications market as demand for connectivity continues to grow.
GSM Association is the advocacy and lobbying organization for the mobile communications industry, representing more than 1,000 mobile operators as full members and a further 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem as associate members.
Management of Vitel Wireless, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has distanced the company from a fraudulent scheme operating under the name: “Vitel Shares Services.”
In an official statement, the management clarified that Vitel Wireless is not selling shares or running any investment schemes.
They warned that the operators of “Vitel Shares Services” are using unauthorised websites, mobile applications, social media promotions, and bank accounts falsely linked to Vitel Wireless to mislead the public.
The statement reads: “The attention of Vitel Wireless has been drawn to a fraudulent scheme operating under the name ‘Vitel Shares Services.’
“We wish to state clearly that Vitel Wireless has no affiliation with Vitel Shares Services, or any platform claiming to offer Vitel shares, investments, or financial products through unofficial channels.
“We do not solicit investments through agents, social media, websites, apps, or third parties. Any platform claiming to offer Vitel Wireless shares or investments outside our official channels is fraudulent and should be treated as such.
“We urge the general public to remain vigilant and verify all information through official Vitel Wireless communication channels before making any payments or sharing personal data.”
Airtel Nigeria has concluded its second Customer Forum in Abuja, bringing together a large section of customers including high-volume data subscribers, 5G customers, and key stakeholders in another landmark engagement aimed at addressing concerns around data usage, transparency, and customer experience.
The forum themed “Understanding Your Data and Taking Control 2.0.” aimed to strengthen trust in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. The session also featured inputs from representatives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Delivering the Keynote remarks, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, who was represented by Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, emphasised that trust remains the most valuable currency in telecommunications, and Airtel remains committed to strengthening customer confidence through transparency and continuous engagement.
He explained that discussions around data consumption have become increasingly important as digital lifestyles evolve, with smartphones, cloud services, video streaming and emerging artificial intelligence applications significantly influencing data usage patterns.
According to him, Airtel recently introduced the Airtel Data Calculator, an innovative tool designed to help customers estimate their data needs based on online activities such as multimedia streaming, video calls, social media usage, and gaming.
“The purpose of the Airtel Data Calculator is to provide greater visibility, support informed decision-making and place more information directly in the hands of customers. Because transparency should never be viewed as a compliance exercise. Transparency is good business,” he stated.
He further reassured customers that Airtel has no incentive to shortchange subscribers through inaccurate billing, forced spending or unnecessary data depletion, stressing that the company’s growth depends on customer satisfaction, loyalty and trust.
Adeniran also highlighted Airtel’s continued investments in network infrastructure, fibre capacity, digital platforms, artificial intelligence capabilities, customer service systems and workforce development, noting that these investments are aimed at improving service quality and enhancing customer experiences.
Oladokun Oye, Director, Customer Experience, Airtel Nigeria, while welcoming participants to the event, said the forum was created to provide customers with an open platform for education, engagement and problem-solving, noting that the customer remains at the centre of Airtel’s business.
“Data has become central to everyday life, powering work, education, commerce, entertainment, healthcare and countless opportunities. As data usage grows, so too does the desire for greater visibility and understanding.
Today’s conversation is part of an ongoing journey. A journey toward greater transparency. A journey toward deeper understanding. And a journey toward a better customer experience for every Airtel subscriber,” he said.
The forum also featured practical demonstrations on data consumption management, device settings, and usage habits that impact data usage. It also included an interactive session by which Airtel teams provided clarifications and offered feedback to customers.
The Abuja event follows the successful maiden edition held earlier this year in Lagos and aligns with broader industry efforts led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to improve consumer awareness, transparency, and confidence within the telecommunications sector.
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