NIGERIA, INDIA JOIN FORCES TO ACCELERATE INNOVATION, DIGITAL ECONOMY GROWTH

NIGERIA, INDIA JOIN FORCES TO ACCELERATE INNOVATION, DIGITAL ECONOMY GROWTH

 

In a significant move towards bolstering collaboration in the realm of digital economy in order to fulfil President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of creating one million digital jobs for Nigerians by 2025, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, met with Dr. M.M. Tripathi, the Director-General of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), India.

The meeting, which was part of the Federal Government‘s participation at the G20 Summit in India, was aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the Indian digital economy and explore avenues for knowledge sharing and collaboration. The discussions covered topics ranging from digital skills development to cybersecurity and innovation.

Speaking on behalf Dr Tijani, Inuwa expressed his optimism about the prospects of mutual growth, while underscoring the importance of leveraging India’s vast expertise in digital technologies to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy.

Leaders from both Nigeria and India emphasised that this partnership is not only about bilateral cooperation but also about contributing to the broader global digital ecosystem. They believed that by joining forces, they can accelerate their respective digital transformations while also playing a more influential role in shaping the global tech space.

In a related development, the Nigerian delegation also paid a working visit to the headquarters of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). Mr. Shivendra Singh, Vice President, Global Trade Development, welcomed the Nigerian team and engaged them in fruitful discussions regarding potential areas of collaboration in the tech ecosystem.

Mr. Singh highlighted India’s thriving software and service industry, which has earned a global reputation for excellence. He expressed his enthusiasm for working with Nigeria to identify trade partners and explore synergies that could benefit both nations.

Kashifu Inuwa, representing Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to building a robust digital economy. He spoke about the government’s initiatives to support tech innovation and foster a vibrant startup ecosystem in Nigeria and the need for international partnerships to accelerate Nigeria’s progress in the digital space.
On his part, Mr. Shivendra Singh acknowledged Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s tech ecosystem and expressed a willingness to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange between Nigerian and Indian tech companies.

Following the positive meetings, the Nigerian and Indian teams agreed to build an execution plan on the identified areas of cooperation, which include skills development, technology transfer, and business partnerships. The aim is to strengthen bilateral relations and promote sustainable digital economy development.

Canon introduces the CR-N100 4K PTZ camera and RC-IP1000 professional PTZ controller

Canon introduces the CR-N100 4K PTZ camera and RC-IP1000 professional PTZ controller

Canon (https://www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces the CR-N100 indoor 4K pan-tilt-zoom camera – the sixth model in the PTZ lineup designed to achieve high quality video capture and seamless integration into a multi-camera system. In addition to the latest camera release, Canon introduces the RC-IP1000 professional PTZ controller for broadcast and live events. Canon also launches its new Multi-camera Management Application to facilitate the management workflow of multiple PTZ cameras.

 

With the addition of the CR-N100 to Canon’s lineup of remote cameras, customers now have greater choice of products that support a wide range of uses, from professional video production to video content use by enterprises, local governments, and educational institutions.

CR-N100

The CR-N100 excels in image quality, offering unparalleled versatility and performance for its price point. The camera is equipped with a 1/2.3-type 4K CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV6 processor and a powerful optical zoom lens of 20x, delivering crystal-clear 4K UHD resolution footage with exceptional detail and oversampled HD video. As online meetings, lectures, events, and seminars become increasingly commonplace, there is a growing need for livestreaming and video recording technology.

The CR-N100 camera includes four different ‘scene modes’ – Portrait, Sports, Low-light and Spotlight – which users can choose to create the best possible visual expression based on their subject. The Hybrid Auto Focus system combines contrast AF with external phase-detection AF, delivering rapid and accurate focusing of the subject even in low light conditions, assisting the camera operator.

The CR-N100 is compatible with Canon’s Auto Tracking App [1] as an add-on application offering unparalleled flexibility, enabling the camera to automatically track the main speaker, without the intervention of a camera operator. The camera also supports the Multi-camera Management App that enables batch setting configuration, management and monitoring of up to 200 cameras, making possible efficient operation of large-scale systems in such environments as enterprises, local governments, and educational institutions. These features, combined with the price point of the camera, deliver a budget-friendly but high-quality automated solution.

CR-N100 key features:

  • 4K30P high-image-quality video capture
  • 20x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 29.3m – 601mm (35mm film equivalent)
  • Hybrid Auto Focus with face detection and tracking
  • Intelligent Auto Tracking [1]
  • In-built protocol support, including Canon XC [2], RTMP [3] /RTMPS and RTP/RTSP, NDI|HX [4] and SRT [5] , making the CR-N100 extremely flexible out of the box.
  • Compatible HDMI and USB-C connectivity
  • Includes additional support tools such as Camera Search Tool, Remote Camera Control Application, and Webcam Driver

 

RC-IP1000

The RC-IP1000 is a powerful professional broadcast PTZ controller with a host of features aimed to capture every moment with utmost precision – perfect for busy studios and production teams.

The new products will be showcased at IBC 2023 on 15th – 18th September 2023 at the RAI, Amsterdam, for tech enthusiasts to explore and experience

The controller has been designed to perfectly complement Canon’s high-end PTZ models for the broadcast market and is compatible with both IP and serial communication to access and control PTZ cameras remotely. The input monitoring feature enables users to view their feeds on the 7-inch LCD screen, built on the controller, without the need to connect to an external monitor.

The launch of this controller is a direct response to broadcasters’ demands and sports a professional control interface for comfort, paired with a high-quality ergonomic joystick. The RC-IP1000 also features a large touchscreen LCD which enables the user to intuitively access multiple camera settings and features including setting the focus point for cameras. With unrivalled control and no requirement for a PC, this professional PTZ controller has 12G-SDI and HDMI input/outputs up to 4K 60P, enabling operation and monitoring up to 200 cameras via IP.

RC-IP1000 key features:

  • IP video and input monitoring (up to 200 cameras)
  • PC-less setup of cameras from RC-IP1000
  • HDMI Out, 12G-SDI in/out, Serial RJ45, LAN/POE+, two USB ports and two GPIO D-Sub 25pin channels
  • 7-inch multi-function touchscreen LCD
  • Ergonomic joystick and zoom rocker for precise control
  • Multiple camera control function – group cameras and apply the same settings
  • Arrow buttons for easy menu navigation
  • Advanced pre-set and trace control – control other camera during trace

 

Matthew Koshy, Product Marketing at Canon Europe, said: “This new line-up represents a seamless blend of innovation and versatility, expanding the offering and empowering users to unlock a whole new world of dynamic control and precision in their visuals. With the CR-N100’s fluid movement and unrivalled image quality for the price point, we have aimed to create a product that widens the range selection available to corporate and education sectors. Meanwhile, our RC-IP1000 controller provides the ultimate professional workflow, pushing live productions to unprecedented heights of excellence.”

The new products will be showcased at IBC 2023 on 15th – 18th September 2023 at the RAI, Amsterdam, for tech enthusiasts to explore and experience.

Click here to learn more about the products- https://apo-opa.info/3ZhtI6K, https://apo-opa.info/3PCzOeW

 

[1] Auto Tracking Application (RA-AT001) requires a paid license

[2] Canon’s proprietary extended IP designed to control Canon’s video production devices

[3] Real-Time Messaging Protocol. A protocol that supports livestreaming and replay of video and audio. Developed by U.S.-based Adobe Inc.

[4] A protocol that supports live-video-operation workflows using IP networks. Developed by U.S.-based NewTek, Inc. NDI is a registered trademark of NewTek, Inc in the U.S. and other countries and regions.

[5] Secure Reliable Transport. An open-source video transmission protocol developed by Haivision and supported by the SRT Alliance.

Nigeria Data Protection Act: NDPC Inaugurates National Committee for General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID)

Nigeria Data Protection Act: NDPC Inaugurates National Committee for General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID)

 

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission on Monday, 4th September, 2023 inaugurated the National Committee for NDP Act GAID. NDP Act GAID is one in a continuum of vital, regulatory measures being taken by the Commission to ensure smooth compliance procedure under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

The work of the Committee will, among others, address providence guidance on technical and organizational measures data controllers and data processors are expected to take in order to ensure privacy of data subjects, data security and data sovereignty. Furthermore, the GAID, will among others, provide clarity on the definitions of critical terms and concepts such as Child Consent, Data Subjects’ Rights, Lawful Basis of Data Processing and Registration of Data Controllers and Data Processors and Cross Border Data Transfers among others.

The Committee which comprises 8 members is chaired by the Commission’s Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq.,with Mr. Tokunbo Smith of the Association of Licensed Data Protection Organizations of Nigeria as Co-Chair. Hauwa Hadejia, Esq is to serve as the Secretary. Other members of the Committee include Ozoemena F. Nwogbo, Esq., Mr. Gbenga Sesan,Mr. David Daser, Femi Daniels, Esq. and Ifeoma Peters, Esq.

Itunu Dosekun
Head, Media Unit, NDPC.

Big 5 Construct Nigeria opens its third edition, connecting 8,000+ buyers with 140+ exhibitors from 25 countries

Big 5 Construct Nigeria opens its third edition, connecting 8,000+ buyers with 140+ exhibitors from 25 countries

 

 

  • ·       The flagship construction event returns to Lagos today and runs until 7 September 2023 at the Landmark Centre
  • ·       Key officials from International Facility Management Association, Dubai Chamber, and Austrian Embassy, along with the organizers dmg events, grace the opening ceremony
  • ·       Renowned brands such as CDK Industries, Sana Group, Saint-Gobain, BAUER, MASA, Caprari, Sika, Promax, HMD/ Schwing Stetter, Cormart-Fosroc, and Doka, among others, headline the event

 

Lagos, Nigeria, 6 September 2023: Nigeria’s construction market has immense potential for growth, as it collaborates with international expertise to propel the industry forward. At this year’s Big 5 Construct Nigeria, which opened its doors yesterday and runs till 7 September 2023 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, local and international companies come together to support the development of upcoming and existing projects.

 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the event, where Eng. Sheriff Daramola,

Vice President of the International Facility Management Association was joined by Irene Oyarekhua, Chief Representative – Nigeria, Global Markets Sector at the Dubai Chamber; Barbara Lehninger, Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy; and Ben Greenish, Senior Vice President – Construction at dmg events.

 

“We are thrilled to open this year’s Big 5 Construct Nigeria to facilitate 8,000 buyers the chance to meet with exhibitors and procure cutting-edge construction materials, equipment, and services to streamline the supply chain and contribute to project efficiency. The event presents innovative technologies and sustainable practices, offering construction professionals in Nigeria the opportunity to readily integrate these solutions for the enhancement of their ongoing projects,” said Greenish.

 

The event features groundbreaking products and services under construction sectors such as building interiors, finishes, materials, and tools to HVAC R, solar solutions, urban design landscaping, MEP services, digital construction, smart buildings, and others. The blend of local and international exhibitors will provide a veritable platform for business engagements to over 140 exhibitors from 25 countries, including Nigeria, Germany, Belgium, Italy, UAE, Austria, Poland, Singapore, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, among others.

 

Among Nigerian exhibitors, Cormart Construction Chemicals shares innovative solutions for construction chemical products, while CDK Industries showcases its new collection of porcelain tiles to transform interior spaces. JMG, another exhibitor based in Lagos, showcases a holistic approach called ‘from power to plug’, emphasizing their unparalleled expertise in the realms of power, cooling, mobility, and air compressors.

 

European companies such as AGRU from Austria presents semi-finished products as well as technologically optimized injection-moulded fittings, while BRUCHA exhibits panels for the construction of cold and freezer warehouses, and large-scale industrial and agricultural buildings. Spain’s HIDROSTANK presents 100% recycled polypropylene pull boxes to enable faster execution reducing logistics, manpower and machinery through their Nigerian distributor, WNM Limited. France’s Saint-Gobain showcases light and sustainable construction products; Germany’s MASA, presents its specialization in the design and production of plants and machinery for the building materials industry; and BAUER, exhibits its construction & machinery manufacturing expertise.

 

Companies from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabian exhibitor Al Kuhaimi Metal Industries showcases metal doors for industrial, security and military applications. Meanwhile, Roofings Middle East from the UAE supplies pre-engineered steel buildings and sandwich panels in the GCC and African markets.

 

 

The event is hosting CPD-accredited Industry Talks, with the opening day including Taiwo AIYEPE, Principal Architect at Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, shedding light on design considerations in tropical climates, while Dr. Iyanda Olukunle A, Founder and CEO of BROOT Consulting, explains why design is so crucial for shaping the future of construction.

 

Another prominent speaker, Architect Patrick Ogunleye from the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, discusses using innovation and efficiency as the keys to optimal productivity. Dr. Ibikunle Dashur, President and CEO of CONSTRUCT MACHE GROUP, shares insights on the importance of collaborative working in construction.

 

A panel discussion on the future of project management, moderated by Oluwalobamise Orafidiya, Junior Project Manager at the Project Management Institute, features panelists Gbemi Ibrahim, Editorial Anchor and Head of Workforce Management and Academy at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Joel Makinde, Vice President of the Social Good Initiatives at the Project Management Institute; and Emmanuel Williams, COO of the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Company.

 

Don’t miss further CPD Talks at the event delving deeper into efficient project management, technology, architecture & design, and facilities management.

 

“Big 5 Construct Nigeria offers inspiration, education, and affiliation, with ample opportunities to connect, share ideas and ultimately realize the full potential of Nigeria’s thriving construction sector,” Greenish concludes.

 

Big 5 Construct Nigeria is sponsored by CDK Industries as the Platinum Sponsor, and Sana Group as the Lanyard Sponsor, with associations and organizations, including The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), BIM Africa, Project Management Institute (PMI) and OSH Association also supporting the event.

 

Nigeria: Economic Diversification of Job Creation: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Partners Set to Deliver MSME-Focused Interventions for 1.3M Beneficiaries in 17 States, FCT

Nigeria: Economic Diversification of Job Creation: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Partners Set to Deliver MSME-Focused Interventions for 1.3M Beneficiaries in 17 States, FCT

In a bid to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the economy and create more jobs, a group of partners in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) space are set to execute various MSME-focused interventions, targeting 1.3 million beneficiaries across 17 States and FCT.

 

The MSME and Job Creation Unit of the Vice President’s Office which is coordinating the interventions has disclosed that the interventions are geared towards ensuring the realisation of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to job creation and economic diversification with the MSMEs playing critical roles.

The interventions which are to be completed in 17 States and FCT are Shared Centres for MSMEs providing 4 markets with 300kva Solar Panels and Mini grids to provide 8 hours of electricity a day to 6 Fashion Hubs and 2 Furniture Clusters.

The States to benefit from the interventions include Abia,Rivers, Jigawa, Benue, Borno, Lagos, Ekiti, Niger, Sokoto, Enugu, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Yobe, Ondo, Osun, Bayelsa, Imo and FCT

Other interventions are for car painting/ drying hubs and cold rooms for sea food storage among others.

Following Vice President Kashim Shettima’s directives on the speedy execution of the projects, five of the interventions will be completed and delivered by December 2023.

12 other interventions are scheduled for completion before December 2024.

The States to benefit from the interventions include Abia, Rivers, Jigawa, Benue, Borno, Lagos, Ekiti, Niger, Sokoto, Enugu, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Yobe, Ondo, Osun, Bayelsa, Imo and FCT.

MSME partners collaborating with the Office of the Vice President to execute these interventions include Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among others.

Danbatta Lauds Swedish Government, Ericsson for Sustained, Remarkable Partnership

Danbatta Lauds Swedish Government, Ericsson for Sustained, Remarkable Partnership

 

 

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has commended the Swedish Government and Ericsson for their commitment and consistency in a strategic partnership with NCC on capacity building which has strengthened the Commission’s regulatory activities.

 

Speaking at a workshop jointly organised by NCC and its Swedish partners within the framework of the Swedish Programme for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Developing and Emerging Regions (SPIDER), Danbatta stressed the significant strides made by NCC in the field of ICT.

 

“This workshop signposts the vital role the Nigerian Communications Commission, as a regulator, has been playing in the West African sub-region. It also highlights the unending objective of keeping up with the times and ever-evolving dynamics of the telecommunications sector,” Danbatta stated.

 

The NCC Chief Executive reiterated the enduring commitment of the Swedish Government and SPIDER to the cause of ICT development in emerging regions and acknowledged their roles in improving access to healthcare, education, income generation, and employment opportunities in West Africa, thereby contributing to poverty reduction.

 

“This periodic strategic engagement under the auspices of SPIDER over the years has made the Commission a more effective regulator and enhanced it contribution to the development of the telecommunications sector. This contribution will further support the creation of an ecosystem that is beneficial to the economies and people of the region,” the EVC said.

 

In her speech, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs. Annika Hahn, highlighted the significance of ICT regulation and capacity building as key drivers for economic development and social progress.

 

The ambassador also commended the NCC for hosting the event and fostering collaboration between the two nations. She acknowledged the pivotal role ICT has played in Sweden’s economic growth being the birthplace of Ericsson, one of the world’s oldest and largest ICT companies, with a rich history in the sector.

 

Speaking further, the ambassador stressed the global technological revolution and its potential to catalyse industrial and economic development. She stressed the need for modern and adaptable regulation to navigate this rapidly-evolving landscape.

 

Hahn also stated that, “to cope with this new and swiftly-developing environment, we need to regulate in a modern and adaptable way. Therefore, human capacity building in ICT regulation is crucial for all of us.”

 

The diplomat said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of ICT across the globe, leading to an increase in Internet users as the shift impacted various sectors, including education, commerce, and financial services. She also said that e-learning practices on various platforms played a significant role in the transformation.

 

Speaking further, the Ambassador said Ericsson has reported that there were more than 900 million registered mobile subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022, with a considerable portion of those in Nigeria.

 

The Swedish ambassador said that, in driving growth and contributing to the ambitious goal of over a billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2023 within Sub-Saharan Africa, “education must be an essential part of our regulatory development strategies and policies, hence the need for collaboration in knowledge-sharing and up-skilling of human resources by all stakeholders.”

EVC/CEO RECEIVES BRIEFINGS FROM MANAGEMENT, PLEDGES TO LEARN FROM AND CORRECT PAST MISTAKES

EVC/CEO RECEIVES BRIEFINGS FROM MANAGEMENT, PLEDGES TO LEARN FROM AND CORRECT PAST MISTAKES

 

 

The new Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has charged the management team to commit fully to the new direction being charted for the agency.

 

Halilu stated this Monday, as he began receiving operational briefings from the agency’s management and senior staff. He reiterated that under his watch, NASENI will run an open-door system that welcomes ideas and suggestions.

 

“We will learn from all mistakes of the past, and make adjustments that will be included in our strategic plans for the future. We are not here to witch-hunt anyone, or live in the past,” he stated.

 

During his inaugural management meeting upon assumption of office last week, the new EVC/CEO had asked for the preparation of detailed briefing notes for presentation by management team and senior staff on Monday September 11, 2023.

 

The briefings, which have now commenced, will be followed by a tour of NASENI institutes and facilities around the country, in the weeks ahead. Mr. Halilu was appointed as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 2, 2023.

 

The new EVC/CEO has listed his priorities to include ensuring that NASENI plays a central role in ensuring technology transfer to Nigeria from around the world, as well as achieving successful commercialization of NASENI’s research and innovation.

 

 

Segun Ayeoyenikan

Breaking Barriers: Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit and Awards Returns for a Transformative 2023 Edition

Breaking Barriers: Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit and Awards Returns for a Transformative 2023 Edition

 

 

Ugochi Emmanuel, the esteemed convener of the Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit and Awards, cordially invites you to a groundbreaking event on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

This year’s summit, themed “Breaking the Glass Ceiling for Women and Girls to Thrive in the Digital Economy,” promises to be a transformative experience for all attendees. As we embark on this journey of empowerment, attendees are encouraged to unlearn, re-learn, and embrace the opportunity to expand their horizons in the tech industry.

The event is set to be both impactful and entertaining, offering valuable insights, education, and entertainment to all participants. It will commence promptly at 9:00 AM at the prestigious Raddison Blu Hotel, located on Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA.

A highlight of the summit will be our distinguished keynote speaker, Madam Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Broadband Officer at MTN. With over 22 years of experience in the telecommunications, logistics, and educational sectors, Madam Onyinye is a respected authority on women in leadership, commercial models, and technology.

In addition to this, the summit will feature a crucial discussion on Cervical Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment by the esteemed Dr. Ayodele Akenzua, addressing the pressing issue of cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria and the fourth most common cancer among women.

Ugochi Emmanuel shared her inspiration for the summit, stating, “I choose to love and not to hate, I choose to gather and not to scatter, I choose to be active and not to sit on the fence or be useless. I choose to impact my society.” She encourages all women to be inspired and choose wisely, recognizing the immense potential they hold.

Ladies, never forget that you are gifted, purposeful, and beautiful inside and out. Join us at the Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit and Awards 2023, where we will come together to empower, inspire, and celebrate the achievements of women in the tech industry.

WEETS is an annual gathering that celebrates and empowers women in the tech industry, providing a platform for networking, learning, and recognition. Established by Ugochi Emmanuel, WEETS aims to break barriers and foster gender diversity in the technology sector.

From overwhelm to oversight: How ContraForce is revolutionising security automation

From overwhelm to oversight: How ContraForce is revolutionising security automation

 

 

Security automation is vital in today’s world and Microsoft Sentinel is a widely adopted, but complex answer. ContraForce is an easy-to-use add-on that automatically processes, verifies and warns of threats, round-the-clock.

 

In a digital world, cybersecurity is absolutely critical, which is why an increasing number of enterprises are adopting Zero-Trust policies. However, without proper technological assistance, this means that security teams will be forced to individually verify every user, endpoint, and application, adding massively to the amount of work on their plates.

 

Automation would appear to be the answer, which is why many companies have invested in Sentinel. This is Microsoft’s native security information and event management (SIEM) and security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) platform, designed to help companies stay ahead of risk.

 

The challenge here, suggests Patrick Evans, CEO of SLVA Cybersecurity, lies in the fact that despite its robust capabilities, Sentinel is a tool that remains incredibly challenging for end-users to utilise.

 

“Bearing in mind that cybersecurity skills remain at a premium globally, what is really required is a solution that can be used as easily by IT generalists, as by experienced cybersecurity professionals. This is why we recommend using ContraForce, a solution designed around this principle and built specifically for the Microsoft environment. Pertinently, it is also an offering that works as well in an organisation of five people or one with 5 000 employees,” he says.

 

How ContraForce works, he explains, is by leveraging Sentinel to process security data, then using automated security monitoring to verify threats – distilling millions of events into thousands of alerts, and then into a handful of incidents. The solution immediately notifies users via email, Teams, or SMS when an alert is verified, thereby providing around-the-clock threat detection and response.

 

“The fundamental and critical difference between ContraForce and Sentinel is that the latter requires a security operations engineering team to constantly manage detection engineering, response engineering, and data pipeline management, to ensure that data costs being ingested into Sentinel don’t get out of control.”

 

“ContraForce, on the other hand, automates the management of these areas, although access is still provided to an expert team of security engineers – on an on-demand basis – to help with modifying rules, creating custom response actions, and connecting any data source required.”

 

Furthermore, he adds, a ContraForce implementation is seamless, with installation and deployment taking place online within minutes. This is significantly faster than Sentinel and will thus also positively impact the deployment economies of scale in your favour.

 

ContraForce works so well, continues Evans, because it not only connects to your existing security investments, but also uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to immediately adapt to each enterprise’s unique environment. This, in turn, enables it to categorise threats accordingly and respond automatically to incidents, as and when then they occur.

 

“The solution can also be applied in the Microsoft 365 environment, the full Azure cloud environment, and even across your firewalls and intrusion detection devices, regardless of who provided them. This vendor agnosticism enables IT teams to condense their technology stack into a single dashboard that makes existing tools easier to use and allows them to take action directly from this one screen.”

 

“In a digital world where the clamour for Zero Trust policies and the demand for around-the-clock threat detection and response, is growing, ContraForce makes perfect sense. It is a tool that automates and simplifies much of the cybersecurity process, delivering complete oversight, understanding, and confidence,” he concludes.

PalmPay Reinforces Commitment to Educate Users through Monthly Wallet Safety Workshops

PalmPay Reinforces Commitment to Educate Users through Monthly Wallet Safety Workshops

As electronic payment platforms gain traction, the need for consumers to be conscious of their online security becomes paramount. Recent data highlights a surge in Nigerians adopting electronic platforms for day-to-day transactions. According to a recent report by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) on Fraud and Forgeries in Nigerian banks for Q2, 2023, fraud cases have jumped to a whopping 276.98%.

 

According to Chika Nwosu, MD/CEO of PalmPay, “With the growing use of digital payment platforms, new risks and concerns emerge for operators and users.”

 

In 2022, PalmPay introduced the Wallet Safety Workshop to ensure the security of user transaction privacy and stable and reliable transactions. This monthly campaign for payment security awareness helps customers improve their overall security knowledge, manage their personal information online, and learn how to spot and avoid e-scammers and fake news.

 

Since the launch of the workshop, PalmPay has been using online and offline channels, including the app, social media, official website, and printed materials, to publicise and expose examples of social media and telecom fraud, as well as how to spot fraudulent behaviour and necessary steps to take to avoid being trapped.

 

In the past year, PalmPay has been educating users and the general public on various aspects of cybersecurity knowledge, such as password and devices management, risk identification, phishing, fraud detection, and payment security.

 

Internally, PalmPay has significantly fortified its security features, aiming to empower users in account protection. The Fintech has taken action against fraudulent accounts through an investigation of internal accounts and has banned thousands of problematic accounts to enhance user account security.

With the growing use of digital payment platforms, new risks and concerns emerge for operators and users

 

The introduction of device management feature allows users to control trusted devices and remove untrusted ones. When accessing the PalmPay app from an untrusted device, a comprehensive security verification process is required, combining OTP and PIN, to ensure top-tier security.

 

Additionally, an automatic logout feature has been implemented, allowing users to set a time limit for inactivity, followed by PIN entry upon re-entry. PalmPay also offers fingerprint and facial ID login options to enhance account access. In 2023, millions of users have linked secure email addresses for seamless receipt of in-app OTPs and future security-related notifications.

 

PalmPay is taking its commitment to user security to the next level by integrating liveness detection and facial recognition capabilities into its transaction scenarios, particularly during withdrawals. This security measure ensures a more accurate identification of potential fraudulent activities and unauthorized access, further safeguarding customer accounts.

 

Recently, PalmPay unveiled the new PalmPay Business App, featuring a comprehensive security upgrade. It now integrates advanced features such as liveness detection and facial recognition. The upgraded system verifies if the user’s actions are performed by the genuine account holder. Even in cases of telecom fraud where sensitive information like OTP/PIN might have been compromised, the system can use facial recognition to confirm the user’s identity, thereby safeguarding customer accounts and financial assets.

 

According to Mr Nwosu, “It’s impressive that these efforts have led to remarkable financial recovery. In the first seven months of 2023, over $677 million has been successfully recovered for more than 853,000 users. This achievement highlights our commitment to safeguarding our customers’ financial interests and assets.” He urged Nigerians who have not embraced e-wallet to do so because it is secure, convenient and accessible.

 

The brand commits to keep educating users and the general public on security guidelines both on online and offline channels.