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Tag: cybersecurity

  • Cybersecurity analyst highlights growing importance of digital protection

    Cybersecurity analyst highlights growing importance of digital protection

    As technology continues to weave its way into every aspect of daily lives, the need for cybersecurity is becoming more critical than ever, says IT specialist and cybersecurity analyst, Abuh Ibrahim Sani.

    In his recent discourse titled “Navigating the Cybersecurity Industry: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities” at the Legacy Lab: Digital Edge Series webinar, Sani delved into the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, shedding light on emerging threats, trends, and the untapped potential within the industry.

    Sani highlighted the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding digital systems, data, and networks. “As individuals and businesses store vast amounts of data online, the need to protect this information from unauthorised access and cyber threats has become paramount,” Sani stated. “This vital field aims to protect not only personal data but also the integrity of global financial systems, healthcare information, government operations, and more.”

    He further explained how ransomware has become one of the most concerning attacks for businesses. Attackers encrypt data and demand ransom payments for its release, often using social engineering tactics to exploit human behaviour and manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information. This approach is commonly seen in phishing, vishing, and other schemes aimed at bypassing security systems.

    Citing examples such as WannaCry and Maze, which demonstrate the severe impacts of such incidents, Sani urged the cybersecurity industry to address this constantly evolving array of threats.

    Moreover, vulnerabilities in Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become major targets for attackers, who exploit these weaknesses to steal data or take control of the devices. Geopolitical tensions have also intensified nation-state cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, making them a growing threat. Insider threats, whether deliberate or accidental, pose significant risks as well, with the recent breach at the Central Bank of Uganda, caused by insider collaboration, highlighting the dangers that organisations face from within.

    Sani emphasised that cybersecurity is the backbone of modern organisations, providing the foundation for safeguarding data, network infrastructure, and critical systems. “While the industry presents significant challenges, it also unlocks opportunities for career growth, innovation, and global collaboration,” he noted. “The profession offers not only career fulfilment but also financial rewards.”

  • NLC rejects CBN’s cybersecurity levy

    NLC rejects CBN’s cybersecurity levy

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the recent directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of 0.5 (0.005) per cent Cybersecurity Levy on electronic transfers.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President stated the NLC position in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Ajaero was reacting to a recent circular issued by the CBN, mandating banks and payment service operators to effect the deductions, effective in two weeks.

    The CBN has said that the move, ‘ostensibly aimed at bolstering cybersecurity measures, threatens to exacerbate the financial strain already faced by the populace’.

    Ajaero said the NLC vehemently condemned the directives and therefore called for immediate stoppage and reversal of the policy.

    According to him, this levy, to be implemented by deduction at the transaction origination, is yet another burden on the shoulders of hardworking Nigerians.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress recognises the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age.

    “However, imposing such a levy on electronic transactions, without due consideration for its implications on workers and the vulnerable segments of society, is unjustifiable.

    “This levy stands as another tax too much for Nigerians, burdening them with additional financial responsibilities.

    “We see in this levy as another gang up by the ruling elite to continue its extortion and exploitation of hapless and helpless workers and the masses,”he said.

    He noted that while the CBN had exempted interbank transfers and loans transactions from the levy, the broader impact on everyday transactions would not be overlooked.

    He added that such deductions directly affect the disposable income of workers and further diminish the purchasing power of the common citizen.

    The NLC president also noted that domestic manufacturers and other businesses were already shuttering as a result of the stifling socioeconomic environment.

    He added that, yet, instead of creating a business-friendly environment to encourage greater investments in the economy, the opposite seems to be what is being practised.

    Ajaero therefore, called on the Federal Government to reconsider the directives and prioritise policies that alleviate the financial burdens of Nigerians.

    “We urge a collaborative approach between the government, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to develop sustainable cybersecurity measures that do not unduly burden the populace.

    “We reiterate our commitment to championing the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and masses,”he said.

  • CBN introduces new transfer charge for cybersecurity

    CBN introduces new transfer charge for cybersecurity

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all financial institutions in the country to begin the implementation of a new transfer charge known as cybersecurity levy.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that beginning from May 20 any electronic transactions made by banks customers would attract a charge of 0.5% of the transferred amount.

    Deduction of the cybersecurity levy on all electronic transactions effective May 20, 2024, is coming six years after the CBN first issued the directive.

    The deductions were to be remitted to the National Security Fund, which is being administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    The deductions were to be effected on all electronic transactions consummated through commercial banks, merchant banks, non-interest banks, payment system banks, Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) mobile money operators and payment service providers. Failure to comply and remit within the stipulated time frame will lead to a penalty of two per cent of the annual turnover of the institution.

    On June 25, 2018, the apex bank had released guidelines for the collection of a 0.005 per cent levy on electronic transactions for the National Cybersecurity Fund, directing that the levy will take effect from 1st of July 2018. The directive however did not take off.

    Consequently, in a circular dated May 6, 2024 and jointly signed by the CBN director of payments systems management, Chibuzor Efobi and Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Haruna Mustafa, the CBN directed that banks in the country begin the deductions for onward remittance.

    According to the circular, following the enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (amendment) Act 2024 and pursuant to the provision of Section 44 (2)(a) of the Act, “a levy of 0.5% (0.005) equivalent to a half percent of all electronic transactions value by the business specified in the Second Schedule of the Act”, is to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund (NCF), which shall be administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    “Accordingly, all Banks, Other Financial Institutions and Payments Service Providers are hereby required to implement the above provision of the Act as follows: The levy shall be applied at the point of electronic transfer origination, then deducted and remitted by the financial institution.

    “The deducted amount shall be reflected in the customer’s account with the narration: “Cybersecurity Levy”. Deductions shall commence within two (2) weeks from the date of this circular for all financial institutions and the monthly remittance of the levies collected in bulk to the NCF account domiciled at the CBN by the 5th business day of every subsequent month.

    “System reconfigurations towards ensuring complete and timely submission of remittance files to the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) Plc shall be completed within four weeks of this circular – Commercial, Merchant, Non- Interest and Payment Service Banks; and Mobile Money Operators.

    “Within eight weeks of this circular – all Other Financial Institutions (Microfinance banks, Primary Mortgage banks, Development Finance Institutions). Exemptions – To avoid multiple application of the levy on the same transaction/transfer, Appendix 1 (attached) captures transactions currently deemed eligible and are exempted from the application of the levy.

    “Section 44 (8) of the Act prescribes that failure to remit the levy is an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than two per cent of the annual turnover of the defaulting business, amongst others.”

  • NCC receives cybersecurity award, seeks safer Internet usage

    NCC receives cybersecurity award, seeks safer Internet usage

    The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) at the weekend received a cybersecurity promotion award from the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigerian (CSEAN) and called on relevant stakeholders to join hands with NCC to promote safer Internet experience in Nigeria.

    The award was conferred on the Commission in recognition of NCC’s sterling contributions to the protection of telecom consumers from all forms of cybercrimes. The conferment ceremony took place at the maiden edition of Cybersecurity Merit Awards (CMA-2022) organised by CSEAN in Lagos.

    Receiving the 2022 Cybersecurity Award for Best Public Sector Organisation at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who was represented by a delegation led by the Director, New Media and Information Security (NMIS), Dr. Alhassan Haru; and Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, thanked the orgainser for the recognition.

    He told the audience that tackling the menace of cybercrime in the country has become even more imperative as the success of the implementation of digital economy policy and strategy depends on a strong foundation of cybersecurity architecture in Nigeria.

    Danbatta said one of the key pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, is Soft Infrastructure, which is premised on harnessing policy and regulatory initiatives to create an enabling environment that focuses on increased protection for users of digital products and services in the country. “The Commission is committed to ensuring that the Nigerian cyberspace is protected against the nefarious activities of cybercriminals that endanger unsuspecting Internet users in the country,” he said.

    The EVC said it is in recognition of the strategic role the cyberspace plays in the advancement of digital economy that the Commission created NMIS department in charge of several activities, initiatives and programmes pivoted on collaboration to enhance cybersecurity and information security in the Nigerian cyberspace. “We have continued to be part of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), promote Child Online Protection as well as create awareness on cyber threats through the NCC’s Computer Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT), which constantly monitors the cyberspace and publishes advisories on identified cyber threats,” the EVC said.

    Danbatta said as the regulator of telecom sector, the main carrier of cyber communication, the NCC has leveraged NDEPS to work with relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment where Internet users are able to navigate the cyberspace without being abused, attacked or losing money. The Chief telecom regulator appealed to all stakeholders to join hands with the Commission in tackling every manifestation of cyber threat.

    The CMA 2020 is organized to recognise individuals, startups, private businesses, Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government, as well as state governments for excellence, innovation, and effective leadership in promoting cybersecurity ecosystem in Nigeria.

  • Meaning and benefits of using cybersecurity mesh solutions

    Meaning and benefits of using cybersecurity mesh solutions

    The increased attention to cybersecurity has never been more evident. We use dozens of apps, services, and digital products daily for work, learning, relaxing, enjoying, meeting people, etc. Naturally, we need to protect each such activity and guarantee that our information and identity do not get compromised.

    Online services have become increasingly sophisticated, gathering and analyzing complex data to deliver the most personalized experience possible. However, this also means that there’s an increasing number of threats people face online. Furthermore, many users question whether it is ethical to use certain users’ information for personalization.

    In 2021, many types of cyberattacks increased, and we see a similar trend in 2022. Sadly, we can expect similar growth beyond 2022. In other words, we need to pay attention to security as individuals and organizations. Luckily, there are solutions we can all use if we want to.

    Today we will introduce cybersecurity mesh and how it can help.

    Cybersecurity mesh defined

    Cybersecurity mesh is a strategy that secures all devices within its network independently while using unique perimeters like network security tools and firewalls. Many security strategies adopt a single perimeter for securing the entire IT infrastructure, while cybersecurity mesh has a holistic approach. According to Gartner, businesses integrating mesh architecture can potentially minimize the financial damages of security incidents by 90%.

    This approach has grown in popularity because of the increased number of cloud solutions and remote work since they include many scattered devices in different locations. That has led to other data access, new technologies, and control policies.

    A cybersecurity mesh needs user-focused and new endpoint solutions to secure all individual machines. Setting up a single solution to protect all the devices in your network is no longer possible. All devices need to be authenticated to ensure complete security across the network.

    Companies use various solutions to secure individual devices as well as all their environment endpoints:

    Monitoring tools to detect threats.

    Remote access gateways that limit users based on privilege.

    Virtual Private Networks for protecting data and communications.

    Wipe tools for securing lost endpoints.

    Data and disc encryption solutions.

    User identity verification, including multi-factor authentication.

    Benefits of using a cybersecurity mesh

    Here are some of the top advantages of using a cybersecurity mesh architecture:

    Less demographic bias

    Many companies use document-centric strategies to recognize spoofing. The increased remote work has also increased gender, race, and other biases within the online work environment.

    That might cause many problems for companies worldwide, and they will pressure identity-proofing organizations to give evidence about minimized biases.

    Improved identity data management

    Many companies struggle to ensure assurance and privacy because they have centralized identity data management. Mesh models combined with blockchain technology provide a decentralized approach for better privacy while requiring minimum information for validating users.

    Using a standardized cybersecurity mesh in a decentralized fashion gives companies more visibility as they can monitor all the traffic coming in or out and recognize threats before they harm your network. It allows companies to respond more quickly in case of attacks or incidents.

    Using multiple solutions that work in cohesion increases efficiency and reduces complexity while reducing management costs. On top of that, this also lets organizations add new security layers without disrupting existing ones, leading to improved scalability.

    Improved security testing and compliance

    Security and compliance are crucial for any company using an IT infrastructure, especially when there are robust security and compliance testing stages. Still, companies often miss major security concerns and don’t prepare for them until they’ve been breached.

    That often happens because of manual security system deployment. Cybersecurity mesh lets companies quickly check compliance and security issues and allow security departments to be involved during the whole process with automated solutions at their disposal.

    Increased productivity and safer work environments

    All networks face a constant threat of cyberattacks. Compromised systems and individual devices hinder your productivity and lead to costly replacements that cause downtime and increase costs. Viruses can impede the performance of devices and make them unproductive.

    When you consider that most networks have individual devices that rely on each other to complete processes, it becomes clear how unique failures can hinder business operations. Cybersecurity mesh keeps your security system operational and your devices safe for optimal performance.

    For instance, many people already get a VPN for Windows to safeguard their work or personal computers. A Virtual Private Network encrypts internet traffic and guarantees safer access to online resources. Besides computers, such security software should also be installed on smartphones or other compatible devices.

    Promotes consolidation for denying adware and spyware

    A good IT security solution will protect your whole organization from various threats. Companies use content filtering solutions, wireless security tools, anti-spam protection, anti-virus software, firewalls, etc.

    Spyware is one of the threats constantly causing issues to organizations as they track activity and report to hackers, allowing them to use this information to exploit weaknesses in your network. Quality cybersecurity mesh solutions can protect computers from spyware by doing what it does and keeping your operations more confidential and discreet.

    Conclusion

    The cybersecurity mesh strategy is reinventing enterprise digital security. We expect to see a growing number of enterprises using this approach as a standard, significantly since remote work is still growing. Physical security is another challenge without a proper answer – this approach can also help.

  • NCC tasks Nigerians on cybersecurity

    NCC tasks Nigerians on cybersecurity

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has urged Nigerians to be cybersecurity-conscious to guarantee online safety for internet users.

    NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said this in a statement signed by Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, the Commission’s Director, Public Affairs, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Adinde said that Danbatta said this at a ceremony heralding the beginning of a series of enlightenment and awareness campaign for the 2020 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).

    “Security is not reserved for a group of people, it is truly everyone’s business; bringing competence and knowledge to help build a safer and more inclusive information society.

    “The month of October every year is NCSAM globally, aimed at raising awareness about cybersecurity, and to provide the public with general knowledge and tools required for online safety,” he said.

    Danbatta said that internet users across mobile networks in Nigeria stood at 149.8 million as at August, 2020, noting that more users were expected online as services in different sectors of the economy were becoming digitalised.

    He said that the increase in digital financial transactions for e-commence activities called for greater responsibility on the part of individuals and corporate internet users to protect themselves against cybercrimes.

    According to Danbatta, as the NCC embarks on various policy initiatives to drive pervasive broadband penetration to achieve increased digital inclusiveness, it is not unmindful of those who use the internet to carry out nefarious and dubious activities in the cyber space.

    “To keep the genuine individual and corporate Internet users safe, the NCC, as regulator of the telecom sector, annually joins the rest of the world to create a lot of enlightenment around cybercrime in the month of October every year.

    “We ensure that consumers are empowered through awareness and sensitisation campaigns, by providing information on both the positive and negative potentials available online, and measures required to safeguard themselves and their loved ones,”he said

    Danbatta restated the commitment of NCC to continually embark on policy initiatives to enhance online security as well as educate and equip the consumers of telecoms services with information they needed to be protected online.

  • NCC commences nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaign

    NCC commences nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaign

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has, again, demonstrated its commitment to making sure that Nigerian children and youth are protected from cybercriminals and their antics, as it commenced a nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaign at a conference attended by students from 24 private and public secondary schools in Abuja.

    The campaign, which held on Tuesday at the 650-seater conference hall of the NCC Head Office Annex at Mbora District, Abuja, gives concrete expression to the Commission’s effort at strengthening Child Online Protection within the country, as the country deepens its embrace of the digital culture.

    The significance of the event was seen in its attendance by three Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They include the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), represented by his Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Dr. Femi Adeluyi; Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, represented by her Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Princess Jummai Idonije; and the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who was also represented by the Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the ministry, Abubakar Isah.

    The event was also attended by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCTUBEB), the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board (FCTSEB) as well as Management and other staff.

    Representatives of the Ministers of Communications and Digital Economy, and Women Affairs applauded the intervention of NCC in not only stimulating accessibility and availability of digital access to Nigerians but also making a priority the sensitization of users, especially the younger generation on the proper use of the Internet and enlightening them on how they can be protected when using the Internet.

    Addressing the students and other participants at the event, Pantami, who commended the NCC leadership for the cybersecurity awareness initiative, stated that as Federal Government is driving digital economy, through the ministry and its agencies, especially the NCC, it also places primacy on proper and continuous education of end-users of telecom services.

    He said together with its various agencies, the ministry is working to implement the eight pillars of its recently-unveiled National Digital Economy Strategy and Policy aimed at unleashing robust digital economy where everything is ICT-driven towards accelerating economic prosperity.

    Earlier in his address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the NCC-sponsored cybersecurity enlightenment programme has a specific interest in online protection of the youth especially the children both in public and private schools.

    “It is an undeniable fact that the Internet has become an indispensable element of everyday life, for that reason, our children and youths are not excluded; they are highly involved in the use of new technology applications, especially since it provides opportunity for research, learning, communication, entertainment, and business for those with entrepreneurial minds,” the EVC said.

    Danbatta explained that the pervasiveness of the Internet and the proliferation of mobile phones make it difficult for parents and guardians to effectively monitor the online activities of their wards in comparison to the old system of connecting to the Internet via desktops and laptops.

    He emphasised that although the Internet provides countless opportunities for children, it also exposes them to potentially harmful content. He cited a United Nation’s report on Nations Populations Estimates and Projections, which looked at Nigeria’s population from 1960-2019, indicating that children and youths constitute a large portion of the country’s population. The report further indicates that the median age of the country is 18.4 years as of 2019.

    Accordingly, and based on other statistics, Danbatta said children and youths are the most active participants online via social media networking sites, making them potential victims of grooming, inappropriate content and exposure to unscrupulous actors in the cyberspace.

    In addressing all of these issues towards protecting the young population against cybercriminals, the EVC said the Commission has instituted various initiatives. One such initiative, he said, is the ongoing awareness campaign to sensitise secondary schools children across the country to cyber-related crimes, such as cyberbullying, Internet fraud, identify theft, online soliciting of minors.

    According to the EVC, this explains NCC’s plan to educate many audiences on the necessary information and knowledge required to safeguard against cyber criminality in line with the Commission’s responsibilities as a regulator that is Irrevocably committed to protecting and empowering consumers of all ages and statuses.

    Other initiatives include collaborating with key cybersecurity stakeholders to foster and engender a robust cybersecurity environment, and the involvement of the Commission in all the collaborative process that culminates in fashioning various cybersecurity policies, strategies and laws.

    It also informed NCC’s involvement in the establishment of a Cyber Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT) as well as the establishment of the Internet Industry Code of Practice by the Commission. The foregoing according to Danbatta was to ensure that industry-wide standards and obligations of minimum cybersecurity provision are implemented for the protection of child online and securing communication infrastructure.

    While noting that the fight against cybercrimes transcends geographic jurisdictions, Danbatta affirmed that the Commission is working to build strategic partnerships and collaborative alliances with stakeholders, agencies, and organisations to ensure safety of the cyberspace for users in Nigeria.

  • EU to pool, network its cybersecurity expertise

    The European Union (EU) is stepping up its capacity to protect Europe against ever-increasing cyber threats by creating a new structure to pool and network its expertise in cybersecurity research, technology and industrial development.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the Council’s Permanent Representatives Committee on Wednesday granted the Romanian presidency a mandate to start talks with the European Parliament on establishing a top knowledge base for cybersecurity called the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Centre and setting up a Network of National Coordination Centres.

    Together, these structures will help secure the digital single market and increase the EU’s autonomy in the area of cybersecurity.

    “It is in the EU’s strategic interest to ensure we have the capacities and capabilities needed to protect our networks and digital services.

    “Structured pooling and sharing of research capacities and rolling out of innovative cybersecurity solutions will give a real push to the competitiveness of the EU’s cybersecurity industry in relation to global players,” said Alexandru Petrescu, Minister for Communications and Information Society of Romania, President of the Council.

    The Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Centre will enhance the coordination of research and innovation in the field of cybersecurity.

    It will also be the EU’s main instrument to pool investment in cybersecurity research, technology and industrial development.

    The Cybersecurity Competence Network will consist of National Coordination Centres designated by member states.

    The national centres will either possess or have access to technological expertise in cybersecurity, for example in areas such as cryptography, intrusion detection or human aspects of security.

    The Centre, in cooperation with the Network, will act as an implementation mechanism for cybersecurity-related financial support from the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programmes.

    Together, they will help increase the competitiveness of the EU’s cybersecurity industry and turn cybersecurity into a competitive advantage for other EU industries.

    Funding for these centres will be provided mainly from the Digital Europe and Horizon Europe programmes, with the possibility of voluntary contributions by member states.

    The proposal also creates a third structure, a Cybersecurity Competence Community, to bring together the main stakeholders to enhance and spread cybersecurity expertise across the EU.

    Its members will include, among others, industry, academic and non-profit research organisations, public entities dealing with operational and technical matters, and, where relevant, actors from other sectors facing cybersecurity challenges.

    The Centre will be established for the period of 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2029. After that it will be wound up, unless decided otherwise through a review of the relevant regulation.

    The EU also has a European Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), which will be upgraded into a permanent EU Agency for Cybersecurity when the draft Cybersecurity Act is formally adopted this spring.

    The activities of the new European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Centre will be complementary to ENISA’s tasks without duplicating any of them.

    Negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament to agree on the final text will kick off today.

     

  • GSMA announces new growth companies to ‘GSMA 100’

    GSMA announces new growth companies to ‘GSMA 100’

    The mobile communications industry body, GSMA has named 18 new growth companies to the ‘GSMA 100’.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the GSMA 100 is a global innovation discovery initiative designed to identify the world’s most promising growth-stage companies and advance the next generation of connectivity and digital services.

    The new companies named after AppOnBoard, Cinarra, Cloudify, CUJOAI, DefinedCrowd, Genus AI, Invisible Systems, IoTium, Jiminy, and KaiOS.

    Others are Limitless, Litmus Automation, Lumina Networks, Messagenius, SecureHome, UserTribe, Vilynx, and Zeotap.

    “The GSMA 100 companies are leaders in categories that are poised to drive digital transformation and industry growth.

    “We look forward to working with these companies to unlock business development and investment opportunities and champion innovation in our industry,” said Laxmi Akkaraju, Chief Strategy Officer, GSMA.

    According to GSMA, the selected 18 new companies focused on key innovation priorities, including 5G, AI, data analytics, consumer experience, IoT and cybersecurity.

    TNG reports the GSMA 100 is nominated by GSMA operator members, ecosystem partners and leading technology investors and primarily comprises growth-stage, venture-backed companies, some of which are operator portfolio companies.

    The latest additions to the GSMA 100 represent corporate venture investments by companies including AT&T, KPN Ventures, Reliance Jio, Singtel Innov8, SoftBank and Verizon.

    The GSMA 100 represents the innovation priorities of mobile operators around the world.

    Companies are referred into the programme through investment and key partners.

    Contributors to the GSMA 100 to date include: América Móvil, Blumberg Capital, British Telecom, China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, EIT Digital, Etisalat, Telecom Italia, HV Holtzbrinck Ventures, and KPN Ventures.

    Others are MegaFon, MTN Group, Orange, Rogers Communications, Sony Innovation Fund, Telefónica, Telenor Group, Telstra Ventures, US Cellular and Vodafone, among others.

     

  • US intelligence chiefs doubt Kaspersky potency after WannaCry ransomware attack

    US intelligence chiefs doubt Kaspersky potency after WannaCry ransomware attack

    Top US intelligence chiefs on Thursday publicly expressed doubts about global cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky Labs because of its roots in Russia.

    Six leading intelligence officials told a Senate hearing on external threats to the United States of their concerns over the firm’s broad presence, without specifying any particular threat.

    Asked if he was aware of a security threat tied to Kaspersky software, Federal Bureau of Investigation acting director Andrew McCabe replied: “We are very concerned about it and we are focused on it very closely.”

    Defense Intelligence Agency director Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart said his agency is avoiding the company’s products.

    ImageFile: US intelligence chiefs doubt Kaspersky potency after WannaCry ransomware attack
    Heads of the United States intelligence agencies

    “There is, as well as I know, no Kaspersky software on our networks,” he said, adding that the agency’s private sector contractors are also steering clear.

    Also indicating their concerns in brief were the heads of the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the Director of National Intelligence.

    “I am personally aware and involved as director of the National Security Agency in the Kaspersky Lab issue,” NSA head Mike Rogers said.

    Kaspersky was founded in Moscow in 1997 by Eugene Kaspersky, a computer engineer who served in the Russian military.

    The company quickly expanded to a global presence, with 3,600 employees, 400 million users of its software, and revenue of some $620 million in 2015, according to its website.

    Its antivirus programs regularly rank in the top five of such software for personal and business computers.

    But US officials have expressed doubts over its recruitment of some staff with alleged links to Russian defence and intelligence bodies.

    Some worry it might offer Russian intelligence a secret back door into users’ computers. US officials are particularly worried that foreign hackers could penetrate US infrastructure via suspect software and malware.

    However, Kaspersky denied having ties with any government.

    “The company has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyber espionage efforts,” it said in a statement Thursday.

    “Kaspersky Lab believes it is completely unacceptable that the company is being unjustly accused without any hard evidence to back up these false allegations.”

    Commenting on Reddit Thursday, Eugene Kaspersky also said his company had no links to the Russian government, offering to testify in the Senate.

    “I respectfully disagree with their opinion, and I’m very sorry these gentlemen can’t use the best software on the market because of political reasons,” he said, referring to the intelligence chiefs.

    The allegations against Kaspersky come amid heightened US concerns over Russian hacking after what intelligence chiefs say was a significant effort directed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to interfere with last year’s election.

    President Donald Trump’s former national security advisor Michael Flynn is under investigation for his links to Russia, which include being paid $11,250 to speak at a Kaspersky function.

    But Sean Kanuck, a former CIA officer who was the first US national intelligence officer for cyber issues, said the worries about Kaspersky have mainly come from US lawmakers who don’t understand that American companies that compete with Kaspersky are also paid by businesses and US government agencies to have “front-door” access to their systems.

    “That means that any Congressional questions about ‘back doors’ in Kaspersky products reflect a certain naivete, because many of Kaspersky’s clients are intentionally paying for full-content monitoring on their networks.”

     

     

    AFP