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Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, Engages in Fruitful Discussions with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on Green Energy Transition

Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, Engages in Fruitful Discussions with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on Green Energy Transition

 

Renowned business leader and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, recently participated in two days of insightful conversations with Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. The discussions revolved around collaborative efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s private sector engagement in a green energy transition, ultimately fostering economic growth and prosperity.

Mr. Elumelu expressed his delight in reconnecting with Ajay Banga, harking back to their initial encounter during Banga’s tenure as CEO of Mastercard. The discourse primarily centered on the pivotal role the World Bank Group can assume in driving the private sector’s participation in Nigeria towards sustainable, green energy solutions.

The culmination of this exchange was a private luncheon hosted by Mr. Elumelu and his wife, where Ajay Banga and his spouse, Ritu Banga, were guests of honor. This exclusive event unfolded at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja, setting the stage for the continuation of pivotal conversations. During this occasion, the visionary leaders continued to deliberate on the World Bank Group’s strategic developmental plans for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The topics covered an array of subjects, including shared philanthropic endeavors and an endearing update on the well-being of each other’s families.No alternative text description for this image

Mr. Elumelu eagerly anticipates a strengthened rapport and an even deeper collaboration with the World Bank Group. He firmly believes in the necessity of a unified approach to fully harnessing Nigeria’s potential, and by extension, the potential of the African continent as a whole.

In his own words, “Cheers to a mutually beneficial relationship!” As an advocate of “Africapitalism,” Mr. Elumelu reaffirms his commitment to driving sustainable development in Africa through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. The hashtag #TOEWay further underscores his unique approach to fostering positive change.

Tony O. Elumelu is a visionary entrepreneur, economist, and philanthropist, renowned for his unwavering commitment to transforming Africa’s economic landscape. As the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, his endeavors span various sectors, propelling sustainable development and prosperity across the continent.

Heirs Holdings is an African proprietary investment company, actively contributing to the advancement of key sectors and industries in Africa. Guided by the principles of “Africapitalism,” the company seeks to drive economic growth and social development through strategic investments and collaborations.

The World Bank Group is a vital global institution dedicated to alleviating poverty, promoting shared prosperity, and fostering sustainable development. With its vast expertise and resources, the World Bank Group plays an instrumental role in empowering nations and communities worldwide.

 

 

 

 

“Cheers to a mutually beneficial relationship!” As an advocate of “Africapitalism,” Mr. Elumelu reaffirms his commitment to driving sustainable development in Africa through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. The hashtag #TOEWay further underscores his unique approach to fostering positive change.

MOH Partners MDAs to curb ongoing Diphtheria outbreak

MOH Partners MDAs to curb ongoing Diphtheria outbreak

 

 

The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with NPHCDA, NCDC, the states and partners, is mobilizing all the necessary resources to respond effectively to an outbreak of Diphtheria cases in 4 states of the country.

A comprehensive response plan has been activated to ensure early detection, containment of cases, as well as preventing further transmission through a multi-phased response strategy. Available real-time surveillance data is currently showing active diphtheria outbreaks in 25 LGAs in four (4) states, namely Bauchi, Katsina, Yobe and Kaduna.

Furthermore, 171 LGAs in 14 States are at high risk of further spread of the diphtheria outbreak. The 171 LGAs include all 144 LGAs in Kano, Katsina, FCT, Yobe, Kaduna and Bauchi states, twenty (20) contiguous LGAs in 6 neighboring states (Gombe, Jigawa, Borno, Nasarawa, Plateau & Zamfara); and seven (7) LGAs in Lagos and Osun states.
The partnership aimed for an intensified mass vaccination of the identified populations at risk to curb the ongoing diphtheria outbreak are in two (2) Phases. The immediate phase one response (5-days reactive catch-up campaign) is planned for the affected 25 LGAs in 4 states from 7th August 2023 and will target children less than 14 years of age. Children 6 weeks – 4 years would be administered pentavalent vaccine, while children more than 4 – 14 years would be administered Td vaccines during the campaign.

One hundred and seventy-one (171) LGAs in 14 States are being prioritized for full 3 rounds of catch-up campaign using Pentavalent vaccines (for children less than 4 years) and Td vaccines (for children 4 – 14 years). The 14 states for the phase 2 response are: Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, FCT, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Borno, Nasarawa, Plateau, Zamfara, Lagos and Osun. The 3 rounds of the phase 2 response catch-up campaigns are tentatively scheduled for 21st August 2023 (1st Round), 18th September 2023 (2nd Round) and 16th October 2023 (3rd Round) respectively.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease caused by an exotoxin-producing bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheria, which spreads mainly by direct contact with an infected individual or exposure to airborne droplets. It is a deadly disease that can affect people of all ages, especially children who are unvaccinated against the disease.

This disease targets mostly the respiratory system of affected individuals and is characterized by signs & symptoms which include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, neck swelling and difficulty in breathing. These signs and symptoms, if left untreated, could eventually lead to death; and the risk of death is higher in partially vaccinated / unvaccinated children. Every individual (and their wards) with the above-mentioned signs and symptoms should please immediately report at the nearest hospital for urgent attention.

Dirty and crowded environment is also breeding ground for disease outbreaks. The risk of death is higher in children living in crowded areas with poor sanitary conditions. There is therefore an urgent need for us to ensure we always keep our environment clean.

Since diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease, keeping up to date with recommended pentavalent vaccines before a child is one year old is the best protection against diphtheria. In Nigeria, pentavalent vaccine is given to children at age 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks (and during campaigns as the need would arise) to prevent diphtheria.

Routine immunization performance in Jigawa state has been outstanding and most of the eligible children in the state are fully vaccinated due to the exceptional political commitment and leadership at the state and LGAs. This is shown by the fact that none of its LGAs is currently having active cases of diphtheria outbreak, compared to all its surrounding neighboring states that have several active cases. Other states are requested to take necessary actions to ensure their eligible children less than 14 years are fully vaccinated against diphtheria and other vaccines preventable diseases.

Parents and caregivers in the states for the planned campaigns are kindly requested to ensure that their eligible children and wards are fully vaccinated with the pentavalent or Td vaccines and other vaccines, appropriate to their age during the exercise. Parents and caregivers in the other states that are not involved in the planned campaigns are also requested to take their eligible children to the nearest health facility for their routine immunization vaccination.

In conclusion, the Ministry implores every one to join hands with the Government and the healthcare workers across the nation in this battle against Diphtheria. Stay informed, follow health guidelines, and ensure that you and your loved ones are vaccinated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATIMS AWARDS: Kanye Tagbo-Okeke, a Nigerian Prodigy, Shines in New York

ATIMS AWARDS: Kanye Tagbo-Okeke, a Nigerian Prodigy, Shines in New York

 

In a remarkable achievement that shines a spotlight on extraordinary talent and perseverance, young Nigerian prodigy Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke has once again brought honor to his homeland, this time in the bustling heart of Times Square, New York.

At the tender age of 13, Kanyeyachukwu has achieved a milestone that cements Nigeria’s presence in the global art scene – he is now the youngest recipient of the esteemed Atims Top 60 Art Masters Award.

Among the captivating artworks showcased in the center, Kanyeyachukwu’s distinctive talent in abstract painting has earned him the endearing title of “the young Picasso of Nigeria.” This moniker is a testament to his exceptional finesse and expertise that are showcased in his artwork.

What makes Kanye’s journey even more poignant is his remarkable triumph over adversity. Living with autism, he has garnered widespread acclaim for his exceptional artistic creations, which grace galleries across the world – from Canada and the United States to airports and his home country of Nigeria.

Kanye’s creative talents began to manifest at an early age. He is a student at Aduvie International School and receives additional support from the Zeebah Foundation Autism Center and Olg Autism Center.

Hailing from the town of Amichi in Nnewi South, Anambra, Kanye is the beloved son of Silvia and Tagbo Okeke. His inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring artists and individuals facing similar challenges.

This achievement not only celebrates Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke’s remarkable artistic talents but also highlights the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in the world of art.

The ATIMS Awards is a prestigious recognition in the field of art, celebrating exceptional talents from around the world. The Top 60 Art Masters Award acknowledges artists whose work demonstrates outstanding creativity and skill, contributing to the global art landscape.

Manufacturing Partnering Group (MPG) LLC inks agreement with Harrybeat International Services Limited to Deliver turnkey services in energy sector

Manufacturing Partnering Group (MPG) LLC inks agreement with Harrybeat International Services Limited to Deliver turnkey services in energy sector

Harrybeat International Services Limited recently signed a partnership agreement with foremost and industry leading organization in procurement Manufacturing Partnering Group (MPG) LLC in the area of providing turnkey oilfield services in Nigeria.

Speaking to the media pertaining to the groundbreaking partnership, Mr. Agha Abani, the Chief Executive and Chairman of Harrybeat International Services Limited said that Harrybeat International Services Limited  is leveraging on the world-class expertise of MPG to deliver services in the energy sector. He said that this strategic alliance brings together deep skills in business and technology development within the sector and with the aim of providing exceptional services in the industry.About Us – MPG Partnering

In his words “MPG has built a solid reputation as a global brand in procurement and supply chain management of products such as spare parts and chemicals from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) globally. We have also established ourselves as reliable service providers of safety equipment supplies and heavy duty leasing for operations in the oil and gas sector.”

“In this partnership, we recognize MPG expertise and deep understanding of the Nigerian energy market. This collaboration will also leverage the strength and capabilities of both companies. Enabling us to deliver rapid and comprehensive solutions that will satisfy our clients in Nigeria. :

“We at Harrybeat International Services Limited are bringing extensive knowledge, established relationships and commitment to meeting requirements of the Nigerian energy ecosystem. With the support of MPG, we are confident that our services will be delivered seamlessly in line with the highest industry standards.

The partnership has been lauded by industry players and stakeholders, describing it as a welcomed development, buttressing the leading position of MPG as a trusted brand in procurement and supply chain management.

Speaking for the MPG, Clara Chekwube, an Executive  of MPG, said, “We are excited with this partnership. Harrybeat International Services Limited  has been one of the people we have worked with over the years and this partnership is a clear demonstration of the level of confidence Harrybeat International Services Limited  and other players in Nigeria’s energy sector have bestowed upon us over the years. We will continue to deliver world-class services not only to Harrybeat International Services Limited but to the industry.”

NCC, BPSR to Embark on Digitization of Govt Processes

NCC, BPSR to Embark on Digitization of Govt Processes

 

 

For a start, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta and the Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki Arabi have penned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly work towards accelerating the digitisation reform process in government.

 

Speaking at the event, which took place at the NCC’s Head Office in Abuja recently, Danbatta said collaboration between the two organizations is consistent with NCC’s Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) to  partner and collaborate with relevant stakeholders.

 

He noted that the MoU will enhance efficiency and productivity as it adequately captured the roles of enabling policies and implementing institutions, which are key features of digital transformation.

 

He also said the Commission will continue to drive broadband penetration, which provides the backbone upon which such process will thrive.

 

According him, “It is for this reason that the Nigerian National Broadband Plan document, made adequate provisions for the deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country. It is this same infrastructure that will drive services that will result in the transformation of governance as well as the key services sector in the economy,” he said.

 

Danbatta said at the completion of the process, governance will be paperless, chief executive officers would be able to deal with their mails without necessarily signing most things offline because virtually everything will be done online.

 

“Indeed, the transition will be worth it, as the process is associated with efficiency, which naturally results from operating a paperless system of governance or administration at the level of entities such as the Bureau for Public Service Reforms and the Nigerian Communications Commission,” he said.

 

“We attach a lot of importance to the way and manner we collaborate with sister agencies of government to give translation or to ensure the actualisation of that important item of our Strategic Vision Plan that is strategic collaboration and partnership, it explains why we are signing this an Memorandum of Understanding.

 

In his response, Arabi revealed that the Bureau took the decision to work with the Commission in driving the reforms for the adoption of emerging technologies as a result of NCC’s  emergence as the first organization to win the  Platinum Award of BPSR, exceeding expectations in the way it conducts its businesses.

 

“Historically speaking, this partnership had begun in 2016 when the Commission became the first agency of government to undergo the BPSR online Self-Assessment Tool (SAT). Remarkably, at the end of the assessment, NCC emerged as the first agency to be rated Platinum Organisation by the Tool, having exceptionally exceeded expectations in all good practices built around nine domain areas” Dasuki stated.

 

Underscoring his submission, Arabi said, “Given the successful outcomes of the workshops and conferences NCC organized in collaboration with BPSR on the Distributed Ledger Technologies (the Blockchain) in 2022 in Lagos and Abuja, the MoU is providing a window of opportunity to consolidate efforts to deliver strong and resilient public service that will lead a well-functioning federal system wherein zero tolerance for corruption is made practicable.

 

“The MoU will also help in fostering of a high degree of cooperation between Federal and State governments in improving service delivery and addressing Transparency International Corruption Perception Index to significantly improved safe and secured environment that encourages economic growth and investment.”

 

Arabi said that efforts to improve equitable and unhindered access to government information and services through the Federal Government’s Scorecard for ranking websites of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are producing a direct impact on the socio-economic development of the country

Navigating the modern digital landscape: Creating a safer internet for women and girls

Navigating the modern digital landscape: Creating a safer internet for women and girls

 

 

In the interconnected expanse of today’s digital landscape, the internet has woven itself into the everyday fabric of our lives. The web provides the world’s knowledge at our fingertips, connects us with friends across continents, and presents a thriving platform for creativity and expression. The digital world can also reinforce existing gender inequalities and widen the gender digital divide. Despite the challenges, we have an opportunity to create a safer, more equal internet for South African women and girls, says ESET Southern Africa’s CEO, Carey van Vlaanderen.

 

As we get ready to commemorate Women’s Day in South Africa, it’s an important moment to look at ways to ensure that women and girls can make the best of the opportunities the internet provides. According to a UN Women report “a large gender gap continues in technology and innovation, despite recent improvements. Women and girls are underrepresented in industries, academia, and the broader technology sector.” The same report also states that 259 million fewer women worldwide have access to the internet than men, and are disproportionately affected by online harassment, stalking, privacy violations, and other challenges.

 

In its study of 51 countries, UN Women reveals that 38% of women personally experienced online harassment, and that only one in four reported it to the relevant authorities, while nearly nine in 10 women opted to limit their online activity as a result. Both in South Africa and around the world, trafficking is an ongoing concern. Women of all ages remain vulnerable targets for cybercriminals that try to lure them with fake online relationships and promises, grooming them to meet in person.  Several other international reports, surveys and studies also indicate that women are more likely to be confronted with violent and sexist hate speech on social media platforms and video games.

 

Despite the risks, limiting online activity is not the solution. Rather, women and girls can empower themselves and others to navigate the internet without fear. One crucial way women can take control over their online lives is by creating private social media profiles with two-factor authentication, only sharing content with known individuals and limiting personal information that is shared. Women whose careers depend on keeping up a public profile may find it helpful to use multiple accounts; one that represents you professionally and another for personal use.

 

Engaging in open dialogue with young women and girls about their online activities is of paramount importance. While there is a risk of being exposed to cybercriminals, young women and girls are also susceptible to online bullying, and various other pressures that come with social media and other digital platforms.

 

Parents and mentors should consistently highlight the risks of social media, aiming not to instil fear, but to foster an environment of open conversation. Engaging in open, honest and ongoing dialogue about how to be proactive and minimise potential risks is a crucial part of encouraging a responsible online presence and navigating the internet safely.  Parents and teachers can make use of resources and tools like ESET’s Safer Kids Online Digital Matters to share online safety tips. These discussions should empower girls to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

 

Practical tips for staying safe online:

 

  • Use strong passwords and security settings. Make sure your passwords are strong and unique, and use different passwords for different accounts. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
  • Be careful about what you click on. Don’t click on links in emails or messages from people you don’t know. These links could lead to malicious websites that could infect your computer with malware.
  • Save evidence of cyberbullying and report it. Save screenshots of the messages, emails, or recordings of the bullying. Most websites and apps have policies against cyberbullying and will take action if it is brought to their attention.
  • Don’t give out personal information to people you meet online. In the online dating world, things are not always as they seem. Remember the Netflix documentary, Tinder Swindler? Just because someone says they are who they say they are, doesn’t mean they are. If you do decide to meet your online crush in person, make sure to meet in public for the first time, and let a trusted friend or family member know about your plans.
  • Use resources and tools to encourage online safety. There are many resources available to help women, girls, parents and educators navigate through the digital world safely and help their loved ones do the same.
  • Block, mute, remove. Control your digital space and trust your gut. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable online, don’t be afraid to report them or block them. Don’t worry about hurting their feelings, your safety and comfort must always be your number one priority.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re ever uncomfortable with someone online, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you trust for help.

 

As women demonstrate time and time again, our voices can be a powerful catalyst for change. Women can campaign for stricter legislation and protection in the way governments and technology companies deal with online challenges. We also have an opportunity to take a preventative approach to online threats in our own lives by teaching young people, including young men, about respectful, appropriate communication.

Flapmax Partners with Intel to Accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation in Africa

Flapmax Partners with Intel to Accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation in Africa

Flapmax (https://Flapmax.com/), a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced today its strategic partnership with Intel, the global technology leader, to foster AI innovation and drive economic empowerment in Africa. The collaboration will provide technology access, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs in emerging markets, starting with Africa, through the FAST Accelerator program. FAST is designed to help startups that are building cloud-based and AI-enabled products and services supporting Africa’s communities, companies, and governments.

 

Bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is key to creating meaningful social impact

“Flapmax has been working with Intel to develop sustainable digital solutions that readily expand AI accessibility in underserved communities, and we are excited to build on our momentum with the FAST Accelerator program,” said Dr. Dave Ojika, Founder and CEO of Flapmax. “Bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is key to creating meaningful social impact. Through this partnership with Intel, Flapmax will bring cutting-edge technology and advanced curricula, including generative AI, robotics, and deep tech, to innovators in Africa and other technologically underserved communities.”

Created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, FAST Accelerator combines business development, AI integration, funding, and community building opportunities designed to enable startups to scale more rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 startups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural program. Startup leaders are encouraged to apply to this year’s FAST Accelerator program. The top startup participants will embark on an enriching five-week program in Silicon Valley, California, forging relationships with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners through Flapmax’s vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.

“Intel’s mission to shape the future of computing and enable a more intelligent, connected, and productive world aligns perfectly with Flapmax’s vision to bring AI technology to all aspects of life, inclusive of underserved populations in Africa and other emerging markets,” said Michael Campbell, General Manager, Education Client Division, Intel Corporation. “The partnership with Flapmax will greatly accelerate AI adoption for these communities, driving scalable business growth, optimized operations, and contributing to a more sustainable world.”

Program participants will collaborate closely with Intel through extensive mentorship and coaching, ranging from co-innovation projects to sales & marketing support and go-to-market enablement to expand their reach to a broader audience. Members of the Flapmax engineering team will help startups apply new Intel-optimized AI hardware and software solutions as well as scale and fine-tune their AI models on Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Participants will benefit from additional perks, including Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub (up to $150,000 of cloud credits) and Azure OpenAI (including ChatGPT, DALL·E 2, and other Large Language Models: LLM releases), as well as access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes.

Unleash Youthful Brilliance with TECNO SPARK 10 Pro Magic Magenta Edition

Unleash Youthful Brilliance with TECNO SPARK 10 Pro Magic Magenta Edition

Innovative technology brand TECNO (www.TECNO-Mobile.com) today launched a groundbreaking upgrade to its popular SPARK 10 Series – the SPARK 10 Pro Magic Magenta Edition. The special edition illuminates the youth’s brilliance with an industry-first “Luminous Eco-Leather Technology”, allowing magical color-changing on a sustainable eco-leather. With eye-catching magenta, it encourages every user to unleash their true, brilliant self.

 

The SPARK 10C and SPARK 10 are also upgraded with new color versions. The SPARK 10 is now available in a magenta color, while the SPARK 10C boasts a fresh new orange hue, giving consumers more ways to show their fearless individuality.

Illuminating the Color-Changing Trend with World’s First Luminous Eco-Leather Technology

The SPARK 10 Pro Magic Magenta Edition is the industry’s first smartphone to realize luminous color-changing on eco-leather, illuminating an amazing and surprising new trend that outshines the darkest moments. With this Luminous eco-leather technology, the device absorbs and converts light through a color transformation from vivid magenta to a magical fluorescent glow.

With this Luminous eco-leather technology, the device absorbs and converts light through a color transformation from vivid magenta to a magical fluorescent glow

It celebrates TECNO’s latest achievement in color-changing technologies – following others such as CAMON 19 Pro Mondrian Edition’s Sunlight Drawing and the innovative Chameleon Coloring technologies – and highlights the brand’s “Stop at Nothing” spirit of innovation and its commitment to empowering young-at-heart users around the world.

The realization of this technically complex design is the result of TECNO’s incredible craftsmanship, following over 60 rounds of development and more than 1,200 sample revisions. The exceptional color result is accomplished through an advanced three-layer composition——the base layer is screen printed 4 times with red and white ink to create a bold base; the core layer is luminous ink screen printed 3 times and tech coating 4 times to achieve a luminous base, and a decorative layer adds transparent silicone leather to accentuate the effect.

Spellbinding Magic Magenta Design Celebrates the Fearless Spirit of Youth

Injected with the energy and passion of Gen Z, the SPARK 10 Pro Magic Magenta Edition’s vibrant magenta hue captures the eye and the imagination. The spectacular vibrancy of the shade empowers users to unleash their creativity and individuality, while the magenta and white patchwork reflect the vitality of today’s youth, who embrace change and refuse to be confined to a single identity. With this trendy color, the device radiates a youthful vibe that encourages the pursuit of joy and freedom.

While the eco-leather accentuates the device’s colorful impact, its premium texture also adds to the fantastic experience. This eco-friendly material is smooth to the touch yet durable, with resistance to sweat, scratches, and corrosion. It also provides a wipe-clean surface to guard against oil, paint, and other dirt stains, while being supremely comfortable in the hand.

The launch of the SPARK 10 Pro Magic Magenta Edition follows the successful launch of the SPARK 10 Pro, which achieved outstanding commercial success with the device quickly selling out in many countries. With the exception of the luminous design, the devices share the same key features, including:

  • A 32MP Ultra-Clear Front Camera, a 50MP High-Resolution Photography System, dual soft lights with adjustable brightness, and smart AI modes for effortless selfies and crystal-clear photos and videos.
  • Smooth gaming, video viewing and daily use empowered by MediaTek’s 8-core Helio G88 gaming processor, while 256GB ROM and 16GB RAM (8GB extended RAM) make it a memory specialist in its price range.
  • An exquisite 6.8-inch FHD display with a high refresh rate of 90Hz, ultra-high resolution, and DCI-P3 color gamut for a rich and colorful viewing experience. It also provides a strong power supply with a 5000mAh super battery and 18W fast charge.

Ransomware attacks in Nigeria increased by 7% in H1 2023 compared to H1 2022

Ransomware attacks in Nigeria increased by 7% in H1 2023 compared to H1 2022

Ransomware remains one of the main threats to information security globally and in the META region. In 2022, the average cost of a ransomware attack was US$4.54 million (according to IBM’s data breach report), and Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) solutions detected over 74.2M attempted ransomware attacks (20% increase to 2021). While the beginning of 2023 saw a decline in the number of ransomware attacks, in Q2 some regions saw an upward trend and even when compared to the same period in 2022. According to Kaspersky Security Network data, in H1 2023 Nigeria saw a 7% increase in ransomware attack attempts on individual and corporate users compared to H1 2022. In Kenya, although there was a 3% decrease when comparing H1 2023 to H1 2022, there has been a 2% increase when comparing Q2 2023 to Q2 2022. All these attempts were blocked by Kaspersky solutions.

 

While ransomware numbers may fluctuate by season and region, it cannot be overstated that ransomware is becoming more sophisticated and targeted (https://apo-opa.info/3Ovy2eY). Ransomware attackers target all types of organisations, from healthcare (https://apo-opa.info/473nWJA) and educational (https://apo-opa.info/3KgWAWu) institutions to service providers (https://apo-opa.info/3Kghd59) and industrial enterprises.

 

At the beginning of 2023 LockBit, one of the world’s most prolific ransomware groups, remained (https://apo-opa.info/3q6MHUC) in the first place among the top five most influential and prolific ransomware groups. REvil and Conti were replaced by Vice Society and BlackCat. The remaining ransomware groups that formed the top five at the beginning of 2023 were Clop and Royal.

 

Installing effective security solutions will likely draw ransomware groups away from an organisation

“Ransomware groups around the world continue to improve their techniques. They are driven by three main factors. First, it is the chances of getting caught when attacking a certain organisation. The second factor is the size of ransom they can potentially receive. Finally, they always estimate the technical difficulty of the attack. If any one of these parameters goes out of line with the plans of the attackers, they reconsider,” comments Dmitry Galov, Head of Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), Russia. “Installing effective security solutions will likely draw ransomware groups away from an organisation. It is a necessary investment, as ransomware attacks can result in disastrous consequences such as permanent loss of information, disruption of business processes, loss of time, harm to reputation, and huge financial losses.”

 

Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business, Kaspersky Small Office Security and Kaspersky Internet Security have demonstrated (https://apo-opa.info/3Y7PzNu) 100% effectiveness against ransomware attacks in Advanced Threat Protection Test assessments by AV-TEST. In 10 different full-chain attacks, the products did not lose a single user file.

 

To combat ransomware and assist those affected, the National High Tech Crime Unit of the Dutch National Police, Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, Kaspersky, and other partners jointly launched (https://apo-opa.info/3OuXz8d) the No More Ransom initiative in 2016. On the official website, participants provide decryption tools, guidelines, and instructions to report cybercrimes, irrespective of the location of the incident. These invaluable resources have helped victims of 173 ransomware families retrieve their data without making any payments. Additionally, the initiative aims to raise awareness about ransomware and preventive measures to avoid infections. As a founding member of No More Ransom, Kaspersky has been a key contributor since the initiative’s inception.

 

To protect yourself and your business from ransomware attacks, consider following the rules proposed by Kaspersky:

  • Do not expose remote desktop/management services (such as RDP, MSSQL, etc.) to public networks unless absolutely necessary and always use strong passwords, two-factor authentication and firewall rules for them.
  • Promptly install available patches for commercial VPN solutions providing access for remote employees and acting as gateways in your network.
  • Always keep software updated on all the devices you use to prevent ransomware from exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • Focus your defense strategy on detecting lateral movements and data exfiltration to the Internet. Pay special attention to the outgoing traffic to detect cybercriminals’ connections.
  • Back up data regularly with special attention to offline backup strategies. Make sure you can quickly access it in an emergency when needed.
  • Avoid downloading and installing pirated software or software from unknown sources.
  • Assess and audit your supply chain and managed services’ access to your environment.
  • Prepare an action plan for reputational risk of your data exposure in the unfortunate event of data theft.
  • Use solutions like Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response Expert (https://apo-opa.info/3OsQQvs) and Kaspersky Managed Detection and Response (https://apo-opa.info/3DvXkDx) service which help to identify and stop the attack on early stages, before attackers reach their final goals.
  • To protect the corporate environment, educate your employees. Dedicated training courses can help, such as the ones provided in the Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform (https://apo-opa.info/3X1m0wN).
  • Use a reliable endpoint security solution, such as Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business that is powered by exploit prevention, behaviour detection and a remediation engine that is able to roll back malicious actions. KESB also has self-defense mechanisms which can prevent its removal by cybercriminals.
  • Use the latest Threat Intelligence (https://apo-opa.info/43V1DnQ) information to stay aware of actual TTPs used by threat actors. The Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal is a single point of access for Kaspersky’s TI, providing cyberattack data and insights gathered by our team for over 25 years.

Moharram and Partners Seek Collaboration with NITDA in Cybersecurity

Moharram and Partners Seek Collaboration with NITDA in Cybersecurity

 

The Vice President of Moharram and Partners, Mr. Mahmoud Ashraf Hatem, along with his esteemed team, embarked on a productive working visit to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) today. The purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration and explore avenues for enhanced cybersecurity measures.

At the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, the delegation was warmly received by the Director General, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, who was represented by Dr. Usman Abdullahi Gambo. During the cordial meeting, both parties engaged in constructive discussions on strengthening information security in the digital landscape.

As a valued client of Kaspersky, a renowned leading anti-virus firm specializing in comprehensive protection against various information security threats associated with devices, Moharram brings to the table a wealth of expertise and over 25 years of experience in the cybersecurity industry. With a global presence in over 200 countries and a remarkable 400 million customer product use, Kaspersky has garnered widespread acclaim for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding digital ecosystems.

The visit served as an excellent opportunity to explore potential avenues of cooperation between Moharram and Partners and NITDA in bolstering cybersecurity measures, particularly in the realm of information technology and data protection. Both parties expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of jointly addressing the evolving cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations and individuals in Nigeria.

Mr. Mahmoud Ashraf Hatem, Vice President of Moharram and Partners, stated, “We are excited to collaborate with NITDA in our mutual commitment to ensuring a secure cyberspace. Our partnership endeavors aim to harness our combined resources and expertise to address emerging cybersecurity threats and enhance the resilience of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.”

NITDA’s representative, Dr. Usman Abdullahi Gambo, expressed appreciation for the visit and emphasized the Agency’s dedication to promoting a safe and secure digital environment for all citizens. “Collaborating with reputable cybersecurity entities like Moharram and Kaspersky aligns with our vision of fortifying the nation’s cybersecurity framework. Together, we can empower businesses and individuals with the necessary tools to safeguard their digital assets,” he stated.

As both Moharram and Partners and NITDA share a common goal of safeguarding Nigeria’s digital landscape, this visit sets the stage for future cooperation and strategic alliances in the fight against cyber threats.