E-Business
Top 5 Tips to Strengthen SME Cybersecurity

As the global community commemorated the United Nations’ ‘Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day’ yesterday, June 27, Kaspersky called on SMEs across Africa to rethink their approach to cybersecurity.

Whether a tech startup, small bakery, or a plumber, SMEs are reliant on either a computer or smartphone for some aspects of their business.
The possibility of having data and systems compromised by cybercriminals is something that can have potentially devastating consequences for any SME, as reiterated in the latest Kaspersky Threats to SMB report.
SMEs are significant contributors to economic growth and employment for many African nations. In fact, across sub-Saharan Africa there are upwards of 44 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)¹ which constitutes over 90%² of all enterprises and accounts for most jobs across the region.
Whether it is leaving passwords on sticky notes, or sharing them between employees, not having backups in place or lacking cybersecurity protection entirely, SMEs often neglect this essential part of their business.
Even small businesses with limited IT resources still need to protect all their working devices and company data from cyber threats.
“Cybercriminals are already way ahead of the curve, so much so that virtually every organisation will experience a breach attempt at some point. Our ongoing research continues to demonstrate how the cyber threat landscape is expanding, and no one or enterprise is beyond reach.
“These enterprises must therefore see cybersecurity not as a choice, but a necessity in the digital age,” says Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Client Lead at Kaspersky in Africa.
In fact, the latest Kaspersky Threats to SMB report shows that the number of SME employees globally encountering malware or unwanted software disguised as legitimate business applications has remained relatively steady year-on-year (2,478 in 2023 compared to 2,572 in 2022), and cybercriminals are persisting in their efforts to infiltrate these businesses.
Fraudsters are employing a multitude of methods, including exploiting vulnerabilities, employing phishing emails, deceptive text messages, and even utilising seemingly harmless YouTube links, all with the aim of gaining unauthorised access to sensitive data.
Furthermore, according to the Kaspersky report, the total number of detections of these malicious files aimed at SMEs globally during the first five months in 2023 reached 764,015. Exploits were the most prevalent threat to SMEs, accounting for 63% (483,980) of all detections.
To navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape, Kaspersky shares five must-have suggestions every SME should consider:
- Endpoint Security: A key vulnerability in many businesses is the endpoint – the laptops, smartphones, and other devices that employees use every day. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) technology is designed to protect these access points from potential cyber threats, keeping data safe.
A SME’s EDR may include tools like advanced detection engines, real-time analytics, and the ability to hunt, investigate, and centrally respond to evasive threats across the protected infrastructure. There should be applied threat intelligence and visibility into endpoints.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN enables a secure connection over the Internet, protecting data from cybercriminals and hackers. For SMEs who have employees working remotely, a VPN is essential to maintain secure connections.
These solutions are especially useful when using public Internet connections, such as in coffee shops, airports, or guest houses which can be vulnerable to hackers. A VPN gives users a secure connection which separates hackers from the data they are hoping to steal.
- Cybersecurity awareness training: Education is the first line of defence. Continuous cybersecurity awareness training can significantly reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks. Employees who can identify phishing scams, use strong passwords, and follow secure online practices are valuable assets in the ongoing fight against cybercrime.
This is where a series of interactive trainings through solutions like the Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform can be a good starting point to instil in employees the importance of cybersecurity and give them advice and recommendations.
- Backups: Backups ensure that in the event of a cyberattack the business can recover quickly and with minimal disruption. Backups should be performed regularly and stored off-site or on the cloud for maximum protection.
- Cloud security: As more SMEs embrace the cloud, securing these environments is critical. Using a trusted cloud service provider and employing cloud-specific security measures to protect data is something that SMEs must understand is non-negotiable.
A SME is still responsible for getting their data into the cloud and they need to take the necessary steps to keep it safe while doing so.
“The digital landscape is complex and always evolving. By focusing on these five critical areas, SMEs can protect themselves and their customers from a significant number of potential cyber threats. Cybersecurity is an investment that pays off by safeguarding a company’s reputation and customer trust,” Opil concludes.
Kaspersky encourages all SMEs to act this ‘Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day’ by reevaluating their cybersecurity measures, investing in their future, and ensuring they are doing their part in contributing to a secure and resilient digital Africa.
E-Business
NDPC Commits to Balancing Data Privacy, Protection Information

Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has expressed its commitment to balance information around data privacy and protection.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC, stated this in Abuja, at the National Data Privacy Summit with the theme, “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies,” organised by the commission.
Olatunji said the NDPC, at the moment, was looking at balancing information around data privacy and protection.
“What we are doing is just to look at how to balance information around privacy and protection, which is really important, because as we are innovating, at the same time, we have to consider issues around privacy and protection,” he stated.
He added that the commission has been very bold in taking risks that would bring about growth.
“Our starting point is growing at a very alarming rate, and we are not afraid of anything. We can take risks. And that is why a lot is happening in Nigeria, and this is the level of clarity,” he explained.
In his address, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stated that Internet of Things holds promise for Nigeria’s economy.
The EVC, who was represented by Abraham Oshadami, executive commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), noted that, “in an era in which digital assets, Internet of Things, future digital computing and other transformative technologies are key, and both a cornerstone of building trust for the adoption and a prerequisite for sustainable progress.
“Emerging technologies hold immense promise for Nigeria’s grand economy, but they also introduce complex risks to personal and individual rights.
“So, balancing innovation through post-ethical safeguards and public trust is the first step to ensuring that global digital advancement benefits all Nigerians without compromising their privacy or their security,” he added.
“As we just heard from the Nigeria Police, telecom operators have a vast amount of sensitive historical information daily, including connectivity apps and collaboration on privacy, security, and number protection, both to their and their inheritors,” he said.
Dr. Bako Shurkuk, commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Plateau State, who represented Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, said, emerging technologies can be harnessed to attain sustainable growth.
E-Business
OADC Lagos Reinforces Commitment to Local Data Hosting and Digital Transformation @ NDPC’s National Privacy Week Summit

Open Access Data Centres (OADC) Lagos has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s data protection and digital transformation agenda through its sponsorship and active participation in the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC) National Privacy Week Summit.

The National Privacy Week Summit, organised by the NDPC, convened policymakers, regulators, technology providers, and industry stakeholders to promote data privacy awareness, strengthen compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), and advance conversations around data security, sovereignty, and responsible data governance.
As a sponsor of the event, OADC Lagos demonstrated its continued support for the Federal Government’s drive toward local data hosting and data domiciliation, which are increasingly critical to safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing regulatory compliance, and building trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Through its carrier-neutral, Tier III Design certified data centre in Lekki, Lagos, OADC provides secure, resilient, and compliant infrastructure that enables government institutions and private sector organisations to host and manage data locally while meeting international best practices.
Commenting on the engagement, Adesola Adesugba, Country Marketing Manager, Open Access Data Centres Nigeria, said: “We are proud to have supported the Nigeria Data Protection Commission through the National Privacy Week Summit and to stand alongside the government in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation objectives.
“Strengthening local data hosting and domiciliation is fundamental to national data sovereignty, improved security, and sustainable digital growth, and OADC Lagos remains committed to enabling this future.”
OADC’s participation at National Privacy Week Summit underscores its role as a trusted digital infrastructure partner to government and enterprise, supporting secure cloud connectivity, regulatory compliance, and the long-term development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Open Access Data Centres is part of the WIOCC Group and operates open-access, world-class data centres across Africa, serving cloud providers, network operators, enterprises, and public sector institutions.
E-Business
Kaspersky Launches OT Calculator to Align Cybersecurity Investments with Business Goals

Kaspersky’s new online tool has been specially developed for industrial organisations to assess the potential costs associated with insufficient operational technology (OT) security.

By offering detailed financial forecasts, the calculator empowers senior management to make well-informed decisions regarding security investments.
Industrial organisations increasingly depend on interconnected systems, elevating cybersecurity to a critical factor in business resilience and profitability.
According to VDC Research, over 60% of industrial companies last year reported that cybersecurity breaches had led to significant costs. Despite this, a persistent disconnect remains between security teams and executive leadership as security professionals focus on minimising risk, while executives must balance cybersecurity concerns with broader business objectives. This misalignment often results in competing priorities and underfunded security initiatives.
To bridge this gap, Kaspersky has launched the OT Cybersecurity Savings Calculator, an innovative online tool designed specifically for industrial organisations to assess the potential costs of inadequate operational technology (OT) security¹.
The primary aim of this tool is to translate cyber risks into tangible financial metrics and support strategic discussions around priorities and budget allocation. By entering details such as their sector, sub-sector, region, company size, breach history, and existing cybersecurity measures, organisations can estimate their potential cost savings and receive customised, actionable recommendations.
The calculator benchmarks performance against industry peers and highlights the company’s position within the current threat landscape.
“We believe this calculator is a powerful resource for transforming complex cyber risk data into straightforward financial insights. It enables OT leaders, security professionals, and executive teams to develop clear, data-driven business cases and recognise the value of cybersecurity investments. With actionable guidance, it promotes a comprehensive approach to resource management and strengthens overall organisational resilience,” comments Andrey Strelkov, Head of Industrial Cybersecurity Product line at Kaspersky.
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