E-Business
Check Point Cybersecurity Predictions Expect More Global Attacks, Government Regulation, and Consolidation in 2023
Check Point® Software Technologies, a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, has released its cybersecurity predictions for 2023, detailing the key security challenges that organisations will face over the next year.
Globally, cyberattacks across all industry sectors increased by 28% in the third quarter of 2022 compared to 2021. Check Point predicts a continued sharp rise worldwide, driven by increases in ransomware exploits and in state-mobilised hacktivism driven by international conflicts.
Additionally, Check Point Research has found that cyber threats targeting companies across Africa outnumber those in other parts of the world. Adding further pressure to the volatile environment, organisations’ security teams will face growing pressure as the global cyber workforce gap of 3.4 million employees widens further, and governments are expected to introduce new cyber-regulations to protect citizens against breaches.
The dearth of cybersecurity professionals across Africa means it is more important than ever for the private sector to partner with government and tertiary education institutions to develop relevant education programmes.
These cybersecurity skills programmes can filter through the entire educational environment and create an enabling environment where a much-needed gap can be addressed.
In 2022, cyber criminals and state-linked threat actors continued to exploit organisations’ hybrid working practices, and the increase in these attacks is showing no signs of slowing as the Russia – Ukraine conflict continues to have a profound impact globally.
Meanwhile in Africa, most cyberattacks are targeting the ISP and communication sector, with more than 5 600 attacks per week identified.
Organisations need to consolidate and automate their security infrastructure to enable them to better monitor and manage their attack surfaces and prevent all types of threat with less complexity and less demand on staff resources.
Check Point’s cybersecurity predictions for 2023 fall into four categories: malware and phishing; hacktivism; emerging government regulations; and security consolidation.
Hikes in malware and hacking exploits
- No respite from ransomware: this was the leading threat to organisations in the first half of 2022, and the ransomware ecosystem will continue to evolve and grow with smaller, more agile criminal groups forming to evade law enforcement.
- Compromising collaboration tools: while phishing attempts against business and personal email accounts are an everyday threat, in 2023 criminals will widen their aim to target business collaboration tools such as Slack, Teams, OneDrive, and Google Drive with phishing exploits. These are a rich source of sensitive data given most organisations’ employees continue to often work remotely.
Hacktivism and deepfakes evolve
- State-mobilised hacktivism: in the past year, hacktivism has evolved from social groups with fluid agendas (such as Anonymous) to state-backed groups that are more organised, structured, and sophisticated. Such groups have attacked targets in the US, Germany, Italy, Norway, Finland, Poland, and Japan recently, and these ideological attacks will continue to grow in 2023.
- Weaponizing deepfakes: in October 2022, a deepfake of US President Joe Biden singing ‘Baby Shark’ instead of the national anthem was circulated widely. Was this a joke, or an attempt to influence the important US mid-term elections? Deepfakes technology will be increasingly used to target and manipulate opinions, or to trick employees into giving up access credentials.
Governments step up measures to protect citizens
- New laws around data breaches: the breach at Australian telco Optus has driven the country’s government to introduce new data breach regulations that other telcos must follow, to protect customers against subsequent fraud. We will see other national governments following this example in 2023, in addition to existing measures such as GDPR across the European Union and POPIA in South Africa.
- New national cybercrime task forces: more governments will follow Singapore’s example of setting up inter-agency task forces to counter ransomware and cybercrime, bringing businesses, state departments and law enforcement together to combat the growing threat to commerce and consumers. These efforts are partially a result of questions over whether the cyber-insurance sector can be relied upon as a safety net for cyber incidents. Cross-Africa collaboration and the potential establishment of a continental cybersecurity body could benefit all member states and companies both in terms of common laws and regulations, but also when it comes to providing a unified response to cyberthreats.
- Mandating security and privacy by design: the automotive industry has already moved to introduce measures to protect the data of vehicle owners. This example will be followed in other areas of consumer goods that store and process data, holding manufacturers accountable for vulnerabilities in their products.
Consolidation matters
- Cutting complexity to reduce risks: the global cyber-skills gap grew by over 25% in 2022. Yet organisations have more complex, distributed networks and cloud deployments than ever before because of the pandemic.
Security teams need to consolidate their IT and security infrastructures to improve their defences and reduce their workload, to help them stay ahead of threats. Over two-thirds of CISOs stated that working with fewer vendors’ solutions would increase their company’s security.
Predictions From Check Point Executives:
Issam El Haddioui, Head of Security Engineering, EMEA – Africa, Check Point Software: “The frontier between the cyber world and our everyday lives has become vanishingly small and the impact of a cyber threat can have multiple faces.
“Impact ranges from financial implications caused by ransomware attacks to the disruption of organisational profit flow, to the inability to bring goods and services to citizens. The cyber threat landscape is an evolving environment and therefore cyber security posture enhancement needs to be a continuous journey, with measures that need to be evaluated and adapted to new realities.”
Charnie-Lee Adams-Kruger, Country Manager for Southern Africa at Check Point: “Cybercrime is a global problem that has affected South Africa, both in the private sector and in government. Financial losses have been in the billions and could continue to increase if stricter measures are not put in place. The main target of the African continent is mainly South Africa due to its high connectivity rate, wealth, and GDP per capita.”
Mark Ostrowski, Office of the CTO, Check Point Software: “Deepfakes will go mainstream with hacktivists and cybercriminals leveraging video and voicemails for successful phishing and ransomware attacks.”
Maya Horowitz, VP of Research, Check Point Software: “We are entering a new era of hacktivism, with increasing attacks motivated by political and social causes. Threat actors are becoming increasingly shameless and will turn their attention to critical infrastructure.”
Micki Boland, Office of the CTO, Check Point Software: “We will see a nation-state lead a sustained and lengthy attack against the USA’s power grid, leading to power disruptions impacting critical business and societal functions.”
Deryck Mitchelson, EMEA CISO, Check Point: “Cloud transformation will slow due to cost and complexity, with many firms considering bringing workloads back in-house or to private data centres to reduce their overall threat surface.”
Deryck Mitchelson, EMEA CISO, Check Point Software: “We will see much more debate around and push for security regulation, as the current carrot and stick approach has not worked.”
Dan Wiley, Head of Threat Management, Check Point Software: “The cyber insurance industry is undergoing major tectonic shifts. Companies will most likely not be able to rely on insurance as a safety net for cyber incidents.
Like we have seen with the auto industry, policymakers will act to protect their constituents with legislation holding makers accountable for software defects that create cyber vulnerabilities. In turn, this will put the onus on software vendors to build in security validations.”
Jeremy Fuchs, Research Analyst, Avanan, a Check Point company: “While email and phishing go hand-in-hand and will still be dangerous and proliferate, in 2023 cyber criminals will also turn to business collaboration compromise, with phishing attacks used to access Slack, Teams, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.
“Employees are often loose with sharing data and personal information while using these business apps, making them a lucrative source of data for hackers.”
Jony Fischbein, CISO, Check Point Software: “In our multi-hybrid environment, many CISOs struggle to build a comprehensive security program with multiple vendors. In 2023, CISOs will decrease the number of security solutions deployed in favour of a comprehensive, single solution to reduce complexity.”
Oded Vanunu, Head of Products Vulnerability Research, Check Point Software: “Dramatic increase of digital scams, due to a global economic slowdown and inflation. Cyber criminals will increasingly turn to social media campaigns via Telegram, WhatsApp, and other popular messaging apps. There will also be more cyber-attacks on Web3 blockchain platforms, mainly to overtake platforms and their users’ crypto assets.”
Converting Bitcoin (BTC) to Naira has become increasingly popular in Nigeria, and choosing the right platform for this task can make a big difference in maximising your returns while keeping your funds secure.
With numerous options available, it’s essential to know which features set a great BTC-to-Naira conversion site apart from the rest. This guide breaks down the key features you should look for and includes a trusted recommendation: Breet.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Site to Convert BTC to Naira
1. Security and Trustworthiness
Security should be the top priority when choosing a BTC-to-Naira conversion platform. A reputable site should have strict security measures, such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity. To ensure the platform’s legitimacy, verify that it’s licensed or regulated.
2. Conversion Rates
Getting the best possible conversion rate means more Naira in your pocket. Rates can vary across platforms, so it’s worth comparing them to get the most value for your BTC. However, be mindful of platforms that advertise unusually high rates, as they may come with hidden fees or tricky terms.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to the platform’s fee structure. Some may charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage, which can significantly impact your earnings.
3. Transaction Speed
In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, timing is crucial. A platform that offers quick processing times can help you secure the rate you want and avoid delays due to market fluctuations. Some platforms offer instant transactions, which is ideal if you need immediate access to your funds.
Pro Tip: If speed is a priority, look for platforms with a reputation for quick confirmation times and real-time processing.
4. Ease of Use
Not everyone using a BTC-to-Naira service is a crypto expert, so an intuitive interface can make the process stress-free. A clean, user-friendly layout ensures you can navigate the site or app with ease, regardless of your crypto experience.
Bonus Tip: A mobile app can be a game-changer, allowing you to convert BTC to Naira from anywhere, anytime. Don’t forget to check for accessible and responsive customer support, as they’ll be crucial if you have questions or run into issues.
5. Payment Methods Available
The best BTC-to-Naira platforms offer direct Naira bank transfers, which allow you to receive your funds without hassle. Verify if the platform has daily or weekly withdrawal limits that fit your intended transaction size. This ensures you won’t run into unwanted restrictions when it’s time to withdraw your funds.
6. Transaction Fees and Limits
Be sure to check each platform’s transaction fees. A flat fee might be more beneficial for smaller transactions, while a percentage-based fee might be better for larger transfers. Additionally, make sure the withdrawal and daily limits meet your needs.
7. Reputation and Community Trust
Word of mouth and community endorsement go a long way in the crypto world. Platforms with high ratings from seasoned users in forums or social media groups are often reliable. Look for transparency in their terms and policies, and be cautious of any red flags, such as rates that seem too good to be true or a lack of user reviews.
Recommended Site to Convert BTC to Naira: The Breet App
After reviewing several options, Breet stands out as a highly recommended site to convert 1btc to naira today. Here’s why:
- Competitive Rates: Breet offers competitive conversion rates with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Zero Trading Fees: Breet doesn’t charge a transaction fee, so you can perform as many transactions as you want, all at no cost to you.
- Instant Naira Payouts: The platform ensures fast, direct payouts to your Nigerian bank account, making it ideal for those who need immediate access to their funds.
- User-Friendly Experience: Breet’s interface is intuitive and designed with all users in mind. It’s simple enough for beginners and robust enough for advanced users.
- Community Trust: Known for transparency and reliability, Breet is well-regarded in the Nigerian crypto community and is backed by excellent customer support.
How to Convert BTC to Naira on the Breet App
Ready to convert your BTC to Naira on Breet? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Register & Verify: Download the Breet app, sign up, and complete verification for secure access.
- Check Rate & Confirm: View the btc to naira rate. If satisfied, proceed with your sale.
- Deposit Bitcoin: Transfer your Bitcoin to your unique Breet wallet address by copying it or scanning the QR code.
- Transaction Processing: Breet will detect and automatically process your transaction once it’s confirmed on the blockchain.
- Receive Naira: Your Naira balance updates instantly, ready for quick withdrawal—no delays or extra steps.
Conclusion
Selecting the best platform for converting BTC to Naira requires careful consideration of essential features, such as security, conversion rates, transaction speed, ease of use, and payment options. Breet is a trusted option for those who value simplicity, speed, and competitive rates.
For those new to converting BTC or seasoned traders looking for reliability, Breet offers a comprehensive solution that’s secure, convenient, and transparent. Try Breet today, or use our checklist above to find the platform that best suits your needs.
Cybercriminals are increasingly using Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate content for large-scale phishing and scam attacks, Kaspersky’s AI Research Center experts have discovered.
As threat actors attempt to generate fraudulent websites in high volumes, they often leave behind distinctive artifacts – such as AI-specific phrases – that set these sites apart from those created manually. So far, most phishing examples observed by Kaspersky target users of cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets.
Kaspersky experts analysed a sample of resources, identifying key characteristics that help distinguish and detect cases where AI was used to generate content or even entire phishing and scam websites.
One of the prominent signs of LLM-generated text is the presence of disclaimers and refusals to execute commands, including phrases such as “As an AI language model…”. For instance, two phishing pages targeting KuCoin users contain this type of wording.
Another distinctive indicator of language model usage is the presence of concessive clauses, such as: ‘While I can’t do exactly what you want, I can try something similar.” In other examples targeting Gemini and Exodus users, the LLM declines to provide detailed login instructions.
“With LLMs, attackers can automate the creation of dozens or even hundreds of phishing and scam web pages with unique, high-quality content,” explains Vladislav Tushkanov, Research Development Group Manager at Kaspersky. “Previously, this required manual effort, but now AI can help threat actors generate such content automatically.”
LLMs can be used to create not just text blocks but entire web pages, with artifacts appearing both in the text itself and in areas like meta tags: snippets of text that describe a web page’s content and appear in its HTML code.
There are other indicators of AI usage in creating fraudulent sites. Some models, for instance, tend to use specific phrases like “delve”, “in the ever-evolving landscape”, and “in the ever-changing world”. While these terms are not considered strong indicators of AI-generated content, they may still be viewed as signs.
Another feature of text generated by a language model is the indication up to which the model’s knowledge of the world extends. The model typically articulates this limitation using phrases such as “according to my last update in January 2023”.
LLM-generated text is often combined with tactics that make phishing page detection more complicated for cybersecurity tools. For instance, attackers may use non-standard Unicode symbols, such as those with diacritics or from mathematical notation, to obfuscate text and prevent matching by rule-based detection systems.
“Large language models are improving, and cybercriminals are exploring ways to apply this technology for nefarious purposes. However, occasional errors provide insights into their use of such tools, particularly into the growing extent of automation. With future advancements, distinguishing AI-generated content from human-written text may become more challenging, making it crucial to use advanced security solutions that analyse textual information along with metadata, and other fraud indicators,” said Vladislav Tushkanov.
E-Business
Jumia Nigeria Expands E-commerce Access Nationwide as it Kicks Off 2024 Black Friday Campaign
Jumia, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, has launched its highly anticipated Black Friday campaign, running from November 1st to November 30th.
L-R: Robert Awodu, Regional Head of Public Relations and Communications (Sub-Saharan Africa); Richmond Otu, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Jumia Nigeria; and Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria, at the recent Jumia’s Black Friday roundtable.
This year’s theme, “No Too Calculate,” highlights Jumia’s commitment to creating a simpler, stress-free shopping experience for Nigerians amid economic challenges, allowing consumers to enjoy great savings without budgetary worries.
This year’s Black Friday campaign is supported by Xiaomi as the platinum partner, alongside renowned brands such as Oraimo, Nivea, Infinix, Tecno, Itel, Haier Thermocool, Binatone, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Bacardi, Hikers, Ecoflow, Skyrun, Glamstar, Ledrop, Unilever, Macallan, LG, and others.
“We are excited to launch another Jumia Black Friday. For us, this campaign is about making e-commerce more accessible to consumers in Nigeria.
“We recognize the current economic situation and have worked closely with our brand partners to offer the best possible deals to consumers during this period.
“Additionally, our expanding network of Pickup Stations ensures that even more consumers, regardless of their location, can benefit from the convenience of online shopping.
“As we grow, our focus remains on creating real value for both our consumers and sellers through our extensive ecosystem,” said Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria.
The Black Friday campaign serves as a powerful platform for international and local brands as well as SMEs to expand their reach and boost sales.
Furthermore, with Jumia’s extensive logistics network, which partners with hundreds of local logistics service providers, delivery to all corners of Nigeria, including smaller towns and rural areas is guaranteed.
“At Xiaomi, we believe that everyone deserves access to the latest cutting-edge technology. Jumia Black Friday is the perfect opportunity for consumers to experience our innovative products at unbeatable prices.
“Our Black Friday deals reflect our commitment to making advanced, high-quality technology accessible to all.
“Whether you’re upgrading your smartphone or enhancing your smart home, Xiaomi offers products that are not only powerful but also beautifully designed, helping you stay connected in smarter, more efficient ways,” said Xingyu Yang, Country Manager, Xiaomi Nigeria.
Since Jumia introduced Black Friday to Nigeria in 2014, the company has continued to unlock new opportunities for both consumers and businesses. With online shopping in Africa projected to reach $75 billion by 2025, Nigeria will play a pivotal role in this e-commerce growth.
Shoppers can visit Jumia’s website or app starting November 1st to take advantage of these exclusive Black Friday deals.
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