Telecom
Sophos Launches MDR for Microsoft Defender
Sophos, a global leader in innovating and delivering cybersecurity as a service, today launched Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) for Microsoft Defender, a fully-managed offering that provides the industry’s most robust threat response capabilities for organizations using Microsoft Security.
Sophos MDR for Microsoft Defender adds a critical layer of 24/7 protection across the Microsoft Security suite of endpoint, SIEM, identity, cloud, and other solutions to safeguard against data breaches, ransomware and other active adversary cyberattacks.
“Baseline security technology alone is not enough to defeat determined attackers who will find a way in, as evidenced by the cases our incident response team manages. Attackers are extremely persistent, and organizations need a human layer of security to conduct threat hunts, identify attacker behaviors attempting to evade security tools, and respond to stop attacks with speed and precision,” said Raja Patel, senior vice president of products and managed services at Sophos.
“Rather than forcing them to rip and replace existing technologies, we support organizations with what they need, how and where they need it – regardless of what security solutions they already use. For channel partners delivering Microsoft Security offerings, there’s tremendous opportunity to ensure customers are fully protected and maximizing value from their existing deployments.”
Sophos MDR for Microsoft Defender integrates telemetry from a broad range of Microsoft Security tools. Unlike other MDR offerings that limit support to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or Microsoft Sentinel and provide minimal threat response capabilities, Sophos MDR fortifies the broader Microsoft Security suite, including:
§ Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
§ Microsoft Defender for Identity
§ Microsoft Defender for Cloud
§ Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
§ Identity Protection (Azure Active Directory)
§ Office 365 Security and Compliance Center
§ Microsoft Sentinel
§ Office 365 Management Activity
Telemetry from these sources is automatically consolidated, correlated and prioritized with insights from the Sophos Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem and the Sophos X-Ops threat intelligence unit of more than 500 security analysts, threat hunters, responders, data scientists, and other specialists across Sophos worldwide. This enables the Sophos MDR operations team to identify and stop more threats than Microsoft Security tools – or any security technology – can on their own.
“Sixty-five percent of organizations have had a significant ransomware event in the last 12 months despite significant investments in cybersecurity tools, according to IDC research. It is often not a tool but a people problem. Most IT and security teams are generally overworked, understaffed and under resourced.
“They cannot triage and address the daily deluge of alerts and issues to get the desired protections promised from their current tool investments,” said Frank Dickson, group vice president for IDC’s Security and Trust research practice.
“For organizations leveraging the Microsoft security stack, Sophos MDR assists those to realize the outcomes hoped for from their existing cybersecurity investments.”
“Our guiding principle is to deliver the best security outcomes possible for our customers. Advancements in technologies like extended detection and response (XDR) and generative AI are driving efficiencies in security operations, but the human element remains a critical component to stopping advanced threats,” said Kieron Newsham, chief technologist – cyber security at Softcat.
“We’re really pleased with how Sophos MDR is helping our customers overcome the increasing talent shortage and widening skills gap to deliver the best cybersecurity outcomes possible, independent of the customer’s size, structure or previous technology investments.”
Sophos MDR is the most widely used MDR offering with more than 17,000 customers of all sizes and across all industries, and is the top-rated and most reviewed MDR solution on Gartner Peer Insights and G2. It is the only MDR service that can be delivered across end users’ existing third-party security deployments as well as Sophos offerings. In addition to Microsoft, organizations can also integrate telemetry sources from dozens of other vendors, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, Okta, Darktrace, and many others, through the Sophos Marketplace.
Availability
Sophos MDR for Microsoft Defender is available now to all Sophos MDR Essentials customers using security technologies included in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licenses. The customizable offering with different threat response options is available through Sophos’ global channel of reseller partners and Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
Airtel Nigeria, as part its ongoing commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional retail experience for its customers has launched its new Company-Owned-Company-Operated (COCO) retail store in Sangotedo, Lagos, on Friday, 24th January 2025.
The new retail store aligns with Airtel’s dedication to providing topnotch experience for its customers, offering end-to-end customer support, instant activation of new SIM cards, bill payments, data plan subscriptions, device purchases, and troubleshooting services.
Speaking during the launch, Femi Oshinlaja, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, reiterated Airtel’s commitment to delivering world-class service to its customers.
“At Airtel, our mission has always been to delight our customers by delivering unmatched satisfaction and we understand that connectivity is the lifeblood of modern business and everyday life. This is why we are passionate about ensuring that every customer’s journey with us is seamless, convenient, and rewarding,” he said.
“We are proud to be part of the Sangotedo community and excited to deepen our partnership with the people and businesses in this vibrant part of Lagos. This shop is a reflection of our belief that access to excellent telecommunications services should be within everyone’s reach,” he added.
The launch event was attended by senior Airtel executives and included a guided tour of the cutting-edge facility, showcasing the innovative features and personalized services that customers can now enjoy. Leveraging the latest retail technologies and best practices, the store sets a new benchmark for customer service excellence in the telecommunications industry.
In her closing remarks, Human Resources Director, Airtel Nigeria, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias emphasized Airtel’s goal in promoting quality customer service.
“At Airtel, we understand the importance of having a conducive environment for effective customer service and with the launch of this new shop, we have made provisions for 24 seats to accommodate everyone.
“Every customer who walks in is assured of receiving top notch quality customer care. We would continue to be the reason to imagine and look forward to achieving even greater milestones,” she said.
Airtel remains committed to enhancing its retail footprint across Nigeria, ensuring customers have convenient access to superior telecommunications services.
For decades, Nigeria’s power sector has been on shaky ground — struggling with unreliable electricity supply, aging infrastructure, and an overdependence on fossil fuels. Grid collapse has become a recurrent experience, forcing households and businesses to rely on expensive and polluting generators. Amid these challenges, past and present governments always paint a hopeful picture of reforms and investments aimed at improving the grid.
Yet, in a world rapidly shifting towards renewable energy, true progress will not come from patching up a failing system but from embracing a sustainable, green energy future. Indigenous brands like iPower are already leading the way, proving that Nigeria does not have to be left behind.
The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformation. In fact, with the Paris Agreement, more than 110 countries have committed to a net zero emissions target by 2050. Renewable energy has become the new frontier as nations race to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Solar farms are stretching across the Sahara, wind turbines are rising along coastlines, and battery technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Countries like China, Japan, and the US, which once relied on coal and crude oil, are now investing heavily in clean energy solutions — not just for environmental reasons but because renewables are proving to be more economically viable in the long run.
Africa, with its vast untapped solar and wind resources, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this shift. Countries like Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco are already harnessing these resources to power industries, businesses, and homes by investing substantially in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Kenya, for instance, generates nearly half of its energy supply from geothermal energy. The question is: Will Nigeria seize this opportunity or remain trapped in outdated energy policies?
One of renewable energy’s biggest advantages is that it provides off-grid solutions — a crucial benefit for remote villages where electricity grids are non-existent. Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro mini-grids are offering lifelines to communities that have long been neglected by traditional energy providers.
Beyond environmental benefits, renewable energy presents a strong economic case. Traditional power sources come with high fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and environmental levies. In contrast, solar and wind energy offer long-term savings, reduced reliance on imports, and the potential to create thousands of jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
A stable power supply means extended operating hours and increased productivity for small businesses, uninterrupted medical care for hospitals, and access to digital learning tools even after sundown for students. Energy access is not just about convenience — it’s about economic empowerment.
Nigeria cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Forward-thinking companies like iPower, which has a vision to power Africa sustainably, are proving that clean energy solutions can be accessible, affordable, and effective. Unlike generic imports, iPower’s renewable energy products are specifically designed to meet Nigeria’s unique energy needs — factoring in extreme weather conditions, infrastructural gaps, and affordability.
iPower’s product lineup includes solar home systems that provide uninterrupted power for households, portable energy solutions for businesses and remote areas, and advanced battery storage technologies to ensure consistent electricity supply even during peak usage hours. Beyond just providing products, iPower is shaping the future of renewable energy in Africa by investing in education and awareness campaigns, ensuring that more people understand the benefits of switching to clean energy. By integrating innovative financing models and local partnerships, iPower is making it easier for Nigerians to transition to clean, reliable energy solutions without the burden of high upfront costs.
For Nigeria to become a key player in the global renewable energy sector, both private enterprises and government action must align. Companies like iPower are already making strides, but government support is essential to scale these efforts.
The government can play a critical role by providing incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies for renewable energy projects, investing in infrastructure to support large-scale solar and wind energy farms, partnering with private companies to expand access to affordable clean energy solutions, educating the public on the benefits of renewable energy adoption.
The world is moving towards a clean energy future, and Nigeria has a choice: act now and lead the transition in Africa or risk being left behind. With iPower at the helm, the vision of a sustainable, self-sufficient Nigeria is no longer a distant dream — it is an achievable reality.
The future is not in generators that guzzle fuel or diesel and pollute the air. The future is in the power of the sun, the strength of the wind, and the innovation of homegrown companies like iPower. The time to act is now.
Galaxy Backbone (GBB) proudly recognizes the outstanding efforts of its employees, whose dedication and innovation have significantly contributed to the organization’s success and recognition in recent times.
These achievements underscore GBB’s unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery and pioneering technological solutions that advance Nigeria’s public sector.
The development, launch, and implementation of the GBB GovMail Email Platform in November 2024 by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, marked a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. GovMail provides Civil and Public servants across the public sector with a secure, efficient, and reliable platform for official communication.
By fostering seamless collaboration and ensuring the integrity of government data, GovMail directly supports the federal government’s vision for a digitally enabled public sector that prioritizes accountability and efficiency.
This groundbreaking initiative was driven by an exceptional teamwork, led by GBB’s, Head of Cloud Operations and supported by GBB’s team of Cloud Solution Specialists. Their innovation and “can-do spirit” embody GBB’s commitment to delivering cost-effective technology solutions that empower governance and enhance service delivery to citizens.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the team members were formerly recognized and commended by GBB’s Executive Management, led by the Managing Director/CEO, Professor Ibrahim A. Adeyanju. The expressed delight by the team’s spirit, commitment and dedication and encouraged other members of Staff to emulate their great work for GBB, the Public sector and the nation at large.
In a similar way, GBB also commended a member of its Datacentre Team for his exceptional skill and dedication in responding to a critical incident at the National Shared Services Centre (NSSC) in 2024. His swift actions safeguarded critical infrastructure, and ensured uninterrupted business continuity. These Individuals have in their unique ways, shown professionalism and technical expertise, which aligns with GBB’s core values.
These commendations highlight GBB’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and recognition. Through initiatives like GovMail and the unwavering efforts of its talented workforce, GBB continues to lead the charge in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and strengthening governance through cutting-edge technologies.
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