Telecom
Sub-Saharan Africa Faces New APT, Cyber mercenary Risks

Cyber mercenaries have become the latest risk amid the main threat actors targeting organisations around the world. This is according to Maher Yamout, senior security researcher, Global Research & Analysis Team at Kaspersky, who was speaking during a Kaspersky webinar this week.

Yamout said Kaspersky researchers have detected an increase in cyber mercenary activity this year.
He explained that where cyber criminals usually want to steal data to immediately monetise it, cyber mercenaries typically take data on behalf of someone else, who then uses it to better understand the marketplace to gain a competitive advantage.
Outlining recent threat trends in sub-Saharan Africa, Yamout said there had been a decrease in certain types of attack, but an increase in others – indicating that cyber criminals were adapting to the changing conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Nigeria, PornoBlocker dropped 72.8%, GandCrypt dropped 28.3%, but STOP increased 84%. In South Africa, for example, the incidence of WannaCry decreased by 87%, but PornoBlocker increased by 72% and STOP increased by 94%. STOP propagates using cracked software adware bundles, and its spread may be the result of remote workers using cracked software, he said.
In recent months, the top targeted sectors in SA, Nigeria and Kenya have been government, diplomatic, education, healthcare and the military – often with APT groups targeting one sector and pivoting to use the compromised sector to target another entity. “So sometimes you are the victim, and sometimes you are the target,” Yamout said.
Among the threat actors targeting these industries in sub-Saharan Africa are TransparentTribe, Oilrig, MuddyWater and Unknown. Yamout said: “TransparentTribe is an interesting APT group, presumed to be Asian, which steals targets’ information and data possibly to be used for national security purposes.”
He said this group’s tools, techniques and procedures include macro-based malicious documents, open source tools (Peppy RAT/CrimsonRAT), and they also have the capability to steal data from air gap networks using USBs.
Also a threat in these sectors are Oilrig, which steals sensitive information by exploiting server-based backdoor with stolen credentials and malicious documents with macros droppers; MuddyWater, which uses custom and in-house built toolsets, native Microsoft tools for stealth, and open source tools such as ‘secure socket funnelling’; and Unknown, which uses a shortcut-based dropper using a COVID-19 theme, delivery method over Telegram Messenger and delivery through compromising legitimate Web sites.
Artem Karasev, senior product marketing manager at Kaspersky, noted that endpoints are the most common entry points into an organisation’s infrastructure, with 68% of organisations having fallen victim to endpoint attacks.
“We have observed an overall decrease in the number of attacks, but they are becoming more sophisticated and devastating. At the same time, we see a growing gap in IT security expertise in the market,” he said. Kaspersky said as a result, organisations needed a comprehensive and adaptive cyber security strategy.
In the year ahead, Kaspersky expects to see an increase in cyber mercenaries and APT attacks. “We may see more use of cyber mercenaries to make attribution harder; as well as cyber criminals increasing targeted ransomware deployment through channels such as cracked software, or by exploiting the supply chain, IT or managed services,” Yamout said.
“Data breaches could become more common because everyone is rushing to expose their databases and servers to the Internet. In addition, remote services will remain a major weakness because everyone is exposing their services to the Internet and not everyone is able to cope with security and availability at the same time; while threat actors keep evolving with complex toolsets.”
Telecom
Vitel Wireless Lures Subscribers with “Data that Never Expires” Campaign

Vitel Wireless, pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched an audacious “data that never expires” campaign designed to address consumer pain points in the market.

Kenneth Nwabueze, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless
Fast-depleting data is a major issue for mobile users, particularly in Nigeria, with numerous complaints against network providers alleging that data plans exhaust prematurely.
But Vitel Wireless said it is now addressing the situation after extensive engagement with Nigerian consumers, particularly young people and small businesses.
Kenneth Neabueze, chairman of Vitel Wireless, said “What we’re saying to Nigerians is this, you buy the data, and you keep the data for as long as you want. There’s no more. You bought 2GB for two days, and it expires. If you buy that data under our scheme, it stays with you forever,” he said.
He added that the model promotes transparency and cost efficiency. “So it’s saving us money, it’s giving us transparency, and it’s giving us the ability to have control over how we spend and use our data,” he stated.
He noted that the concept was inspired by research into the everyday challenges Nigerians face.
“We talked to students who would tell us that in the middle of doing a project, they would be told that the data had expired, and we asked, ‘ How do we innovate?” We have analysed it, and we know, given the current economic conditions in Nigeria, you should buy the data with discounts of almost 40 per cent, and that’s why we are transparent”
The company has also unveiled a suite of products and services aimed at redefining connectivity, including its flagship Vitel Xphone.
The company explained that its services are available via both physical SIMs and eSIMs, with the 0712 number offering global use.
According to the firm, users can retain existing mobile numbers or migrate seamlessly, while enjoying nationwide coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with full GSM services including voice, SMS, USSD, and mobile data.
Chudi Nwabueze, chief operating officer of Vitel Wireless, described the firm as a technology telecom focused on innovation beyond traditional voice and data services.
“We’re coming in with a lot of innovation to activate applications and create tools that people can use in their businesses, homes, and daily lives,” he said.
He added that eSIM technology allows users to operate multiple lines on compatible devices, while introducing a range of digital solutions aimed at enhancing communication, safety, and business operations, anchored by its flagship Xphone.
Hence, the platform combines GSM and VoIP technologies to deliver seamless voice, video, and messaging services, along with cost-saving benefits and nationwide connectivity.
It is complemented by the Oga App, which enables real-time staff monitoring, automated payroll, and performance tracking to improve organisational efficiency.
Similarly, the network also rolled out SecureMe and Asset Tracker to address security and asset management needs.
While SecureMe provides GPS tracking and emergency alerts for personal and workplace safety, Asset Tracker helps businesses monitor and manage physical assets in real time.
Vitel Wireless noted that on pricing, challenged consumers to compare daily data costs across operators, while adding that the network offers discounts for higher volumes without imposing expiry limits.
Also speaking, Chinenye Adebayo, relationship partnership manager, outlined opportunities for Nigerians to join the company’s distribution network by visiting the website and becoming a mobile agent or sun-agents in any state.
The company noted that its offerings, including Close User Group (CUG) services and high-speed wireless network, are designed to provide integrated digital solutions for individuals and enterprises, as it seeks to position itself as a disruptive force in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
Telecom
Nigeria, Ghana Trigger Stunning 45 Percent Surge in MTN Dividends

MTN Group delivered impressive financial and operational achievements for 2025, boosted by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, as well as solid earnings from MTN South Africa.

The three core markets of Africa’s largest mobile provider enhanced profitability, free cash flow, and shareholder dividends by 45%.
IT Web Africa reported that Ralph Mupita, group CEO and president, MTN, highlighted that the telecoms giant’s robust commercial momentum across key markets capped the final year of its Ambition 2025 strategy, while laying the foundation for a new long-term growth phase under Ambition 2030.
“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone,” he said.
MTN revealed that it now serves more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 African markets, reflecting the continent’s growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.
The operator credited its results to disciplined commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure, with R38 billion spent during the year to expand capacity, improve coverage and enhance service quality.
The group reported that data traffic surged 27%, while average monthly data consumption per user climbed to 12.5GB, up from 10.8GB a year earlier, reflecting Africa’s fast-growing appetite for digital services.
Financially, the performance was driven by MTN’s largest markets.
In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria grew service revenue by 54.9%, while MTN Ghana increased service revenue by 35.9%.
Meanwhile, MTN South Africa recorded 2% growth, demonstrating operational resilience in one of the continent’s most mature and competitive telecom markets.
MTN Group service revenue rose nearly a quarter to R218 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbed to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies.
Mupita stressed that the strong results translated into robust free cash flow and improved return generation, allowing the board to declare a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents the previous year.
“This comfortably exceeds the minimum dividend of 370 cents we had previously guided,” he said.
The group also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework aimed at delivering stronger long-term returns.
Alongside its results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy centred on three platforms, connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure, as it seeks to capture the next wave of growth driven by data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.
“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential. We are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” said Mupita.
Source: IT Web Africa
Telecom
ATCIS Urges FG to Ensure Safety of Consumers Data

Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) non-profit consumer rights group dedicated to protecting the rights, interests, and welfare of telecommunications subscribers, has urged the Federal Government to ensure safety of telecom consumers’ data hosted by government agencies.

Dr Sina Bilesanmi, president of the body stated this World Consumers Day in Lagos.
He alleged that said subscribers” data are being jeopardised by some of its agencies.
Bilesanmi urged government to ensure that every subscriber in Nigeria can use digital service without fear of physical, financial, or data-related harm.
The ACTIS president said safety in the telecommunication sector extends beyond physical hardware to include data privacy and protection from cyber fraud.
“We call for stricter enforcement by the Standard organization of Nigeria (SON) to eliminate substandard mobile devices and Cable Tv equipment that pose fire or electric hazards.
“We also want safe services from telecoms that are transparent – free from hidden charges and misleading advertisements”, he said.
He urged subscribers to utilize platforms like ACTIS as well as NCC and even FCCPC web portal when they encounter service failures.
He also tasked FG on hosting Nigerian Data Privacy in the country.
He said: “We ask for more robust surveillance and swifter penalties for entities that violate consumer safety standards. We admonish the subscribers to be aware and speak out, a vigilant consumer is a protected consumer.”
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