Telecom
Warning! Mobile Security Woes Hit 733% Acute Level in 5yrs
Mobile devices are bringing endpoint security threats to an acute level: 68% of IT. Meanwhile, IT security professionals in a recent survey said that their mobile devices have been targeted by malware in the last 12 months.
And over the last five years, there’s been a staggering 733% increase in concern over mobile devices in the workplace.
The Endpoint study conducted by the Ponemon Institute showed that 71% of the respondents said that endpoint issues have become more difficult to stop or mitigate in the last two years.
And three-quarters (75%) see mobile devices as the source of the greatest rise in IT security risks for 2014, up from just 9% in 2010.
And yet, almost half (46%) of respondents said they do not manage employee-owned mobile devices.
“We’ve seen the threat landscape fundamentally change over the last five years,” said Larry Ponemon, founder of the Institute.
“Trending data shows increasing concern, year over year, over the explosion of mobile devices on the network. It’s now IT’s greatest risk. And unfortunately, 46% of our respondents report no efforts are in place to secure them.”
Targeted attacks, or advanced persistent threats (APTs), are also increasingly concerning for survey respondents. This year, 39% reported APTs as one of their most concerning risks, up 55% from 2009.
While 40% report they were a victim of a targeted attack in the last year, another 25% say they aren’t sure if they have been, revealing many organizations don’t have security mechanisms in place to detect such an attack.
For those that have experienced such an attack, spear phishing emails sent to employees were identified as the number one attack entry point.
Respondents also report the volume of malware continues to be an escalating problem. The survey found that 41% say they experience more than 50 malware attacks a month, up 15% from those who reported that amount three years ago.
And malware attacks are costly, with 50% saying their operating expenses are increasing and 67% saying malware attacks significantly contributed to that rising expense.
“As the endpoint environment evolves, so must IT security strategy,” said C. Edward Brice, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at study sponsor Lumension, in a statement. “Rubber-stamping the security portfolio of years past shouldn’t be an option given how fluid an organizations’ data has become. Security technologies should be reviewed for this emerging threat landscape. User education is also critical.”
And despite rising costs, IT budgets have not increased for the majority. While 65% report they prioritize endpoint security, IT budgets do not reflect this shift. Just 29% say their budgets have increased in the past 24 months.
EMOSIM, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has partnered with Tata Communications to power its entry into the Nigerian telecommunications market.
This collaboration will help EMOSIM launch a MVNO and Nigeria’s first travel eSIM for outbound travellers and provide seamless connectivity and telecom services across the region.
according to the companies, leveraging the industry leading MVNE platform with key features like Integrated KYC, Digital onboarding, interoperability and more by Tata Communications MOVE™, EMOSIM aims to deliver unmatched network reliability, seamless user experiences and fast-track digital adoption in Nigeria.
“Our collaboration with EMOSIM underscores a shared vision for digital inclusion and technological advancement, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to innovation in telecommunications”
Telecom
Google Launches Hustle Academy 2025: Empowering SMBs in Africa with AI-Powered Training and Mentorship
Google on Thursday announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Hustle Academy program, designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Building on the success of previous years, the program will continue to emphasize AI-powered business training, alongside the launch of a new season of the popular “Hustle Academy Brings You” speaker series.
Despite their critical role in driving Africa’s economic growth, SMBs across the continent often face significant hurdles. Limited access to funding, inadequate business resources, and a lack of specialized skills hinder their ability to scale and thrive. Google’s Hustle Academy directly addresses these challenges by providing practical training, expert mentorship, and a robust entrepreneurial network, enabling SMBs to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.
Since 2022, Google’s Hustle Academy has provided critical support to over 15,000 SMBs who have completed the bootcamp. The 2025 program will further equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to scale their businesses in today’s digital landscape.
“We are thrilled to launch the 2025 Hustle Academy, continuing our commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs,” said Kristy Grant, Head of B2B Marketing, SSA at Google. “This year, we are reinforcing our focus on AI-powered business training, enabling SMBs to leverage cutting-edge technology for growth. We are also excited to bring back ‘Hustle Academy Brings You’, featuring inspiring stories from successful African business leaders.”
The free, virtual Hustle Academy 2025 bootcamp will provide participants with in-depth training on:
AI Integration: Learning how to incorporate AI into operations, marketing, and customer engagement.
Core Business Fundamentals: Covering business strategy, financial management, digital marketing, and leadership development.
To be eligible, SMBs must have been operating for at least one year in Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa and be seeking to expand their business. Participants will benefit from expert mentorship, practical case studies, and networking opportunities.
Complementing the bootcamp, the new season of “Hustle Academy Brings You” will feature candid conversations with prominent African entrepreneurs, including:
Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble
Brian Jura, Founder & CEO, Home 254 Apparel
Foluso Ogunwale, Founder of i-Fitness Gym and Wellness Center
Nobukhosi Mukwevho, Founder and CEO of Khosi Nkhosi Fashion House
Yolanda Odida, Founder of Pure Purple
These episodes, available on the Google Africa YouTube channel, will offer valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building businesses in Africa.
“By combining practical training with inspiring stories, we aim to provide SMBs with the tools and motivation they need to succeed,” added Grant.
Applications for Hustle Academy 2025 are now open at g.co/hustleacademy.
Technology company, Globacom, has introduced e-SIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module), allowing new customers to switch to the Glo network without needing a physical SIM card.
As a bonus, customers who activate an e-SIM and purchase a data plan of N1,500 or more will receive 5GB of free data.
The e-SIM is a digital chip built into smartphones or wearable devices, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This innovation enables seamless switching between numbers without a physical SIM, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
The e-SIM comes with several benefits including enhanced security, which makes it harder to ne removed from devices thus reducing the risk of SIM theft and Eco-friendliness, in which e-SIMs reduce plastic waste and minimize environmental impact.
Glo’s e-SIM launch caters to high net worth individuals and enterprise customers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing future-ready services.
Customers can enjoy “SIM-less” freedom with the Glo eSIM, ensuring that they enjoy Glo products and services through an additional SIM.
To activate e-SIM, customers can check their device’s compatibility by dialling *#06#. If an EID number reflects on the mobile screen, the device is e-SIM compatible and the customer will then visit the nearest Gloworld shop or Glo Dealer outlet to migrate to e-SIM, in an activation process that takes only a few minutes.
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