Telecom
Cisco Urges Businesses to Adopt Advanced Methods of Cybersecurity
Cisco has called on businesses to adopt security measures and to take a comprehensive approach across people, process, technology and policy to protect their businesses from hackers and cyber criminals.
The company made this call at an event held at the Cisco Office, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday.
The company said that this became necessary following the findings reported in the recently released Cisco 2018 Annual Cybersecurity Report which identified the evolution of ransomware as one of the most significant threat developments over the past year.
The report also highlighted that malware had become more vicious and harder to combat and that attackers are developing more skill in creating malware that can evade traditional sandboxing.
It also revealed that adversaries are increasingly embracing encryption – meant to enhance security – to conceal command-and-control activity and that nearly half of the security risk that organizations face stems from having multiple security vendors and products.
Olakunle Oloruntimehin, General Manager of Cisco Nigeria, Speaking at the event, explained the need for businesses and enterprises to adopt advanced methods of cybersecurity.
He said, “Security is getting more complex and the scope of breaches is expanding.
“Several companies are hit by cyber breaches and attacks every year causing losses in millions of naira and stealing highly classified information.
“It is therefore imperative that any organization that desires to stay safe and minimize risk or loss address cybersecurity at the top, with executive leadership setting the tone and engender a ‘security-first-always-and-everywhere’ culture that flows throughout the organization.”
The Cisco 2018 Security Capabilities Benchmark Study reveals that 94 percent of companies in the Middle East and Africa suffered a breach in the past year and that 34 percent of breaches in resulted in more than half of systems being impacted.
The study also indicated that nearly a quarter of organisations in the region manage more than 21 vendors and cite lack of security personnel as one of the biggest obstacles to security.
Corroborating the importance of robust cybersecurity practices, Tomi Amao, Systems Engineer and Security expert at Cisco, said “Cisco researchers observed a two-fold increase in malicious web traffic volume in roughly over 12-months.
“This alone demonstrates that cyber adversaries continue to learn and evolve.
“The time to raise the bar in cybersecurity is now. That is why at Cisco we take pride in being able to educate and provide businesses with the solutions and best practices required for effective cybersecurity.
“Our threat researchers have a reputation for timely, accurate and innovative work, and our network of talented teams are devoted to driving impactful outcomes for our customers.”
The Cisco 2018 Annual Cybersecurity Report, now in its eleventh year, offers security industry data, analysis and insights about attacker behavior over the past year.
The report highlights findings and insights derived from threat intelligence and cybersecurity trends observed over the past 12-18 months and provides recommendations designed to help organizations and users defend against attacks.
Cisco has an integrated and comprehensive portfolio of security technologies to provide advanced threat protection.
Cisco technologies include next generation firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), secure access systems, security analytics, and malware defense; which work together to deliver effective network security and incident response.
Telecom
AMN Activates Starlink Cellular Backhaul Connectivity in Nigeria
Africa Mobile Networks Group (AMN) has said that its first of its base stations in Nigeria to connect to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation is now live and using the LEO satellite network for backhaul connectivity.
It’s the first AMN base station to connect to Starlink since AMN and SpaceX signed a commercial deal in July 2023 to use Starlink for remote base station backhaul connectivity across Africa.
AMN said in a statement that Starlink’s low-latency connectivity enables its multi-carrier RANs to sustainably provide 2G, 3G and 4G services in remote, rural areas of Nigeria. AMN also said it also paves the way for the launch of 5G services, which AMN plans to do before the end of this year.
AMN, which builds, owns, operates and maintains mobile network infrastructure for African mobile network operators, currently operates 1,600 base stations across Nigeria.
The company said it will continue to install new sites throughout 2024 in Nigeria, as well as Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Madagascar, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin and Rwanda. AMN also has operations in Bissau, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sudan, and Zambia.
Starlink has been commercially available to consumers and enterprise customers since January 2023. Last week, according to a report from Nairametrics, Starlink slashed the price of its internet router by 45%, although its monthly subscription rate remains unchanged. No reason was given, but the report suggests the move may be related to the naira’s recent appreciation against the US dollar and other foreign currencies.
According to figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Starlink had over 11,200 subscribers in the country as of the third quarter of 2023 – which also makes it one of the top ISPs in Nigeria, the report said.
Telecom
6 Ways Gemini can support your job Search in the Nigerian job Market
The Nigerian job market is a competitive jungle, rich with potential and brimming with energy. From bustling tech hubs to burgeoning green energy sectors, there’s an incredible opportunity out there waiting for you. But navigating this dynamic landscape can feel overwhelming. How do you cut through the noise, showcase your unique strengths, and land your dream job?
That’s where Gemini, Google’s collaborative AI-powered tool, comes in as your ultimate career companion, guiding you every step of the way. Imagine having a seasoned career coach, research assistant, and skills advisor right at your fingertips!
Here are 5 ways Gemini can be your ultimate career ally:
Crafting a Standout Resume
Your resume is your first impression, and Gemini ensures it’s a dazzling one. Need help translating your customer service experience into impressive problem-solving skills? Gemini can rephrase it for you! Wondering how to highlight your leadership experience powerfully? Ask Gemini to suggest strong action verbs that showcase your skills. Before submitting your resume, ensure it’s error-free by asking, “Can you review my resume for grammatical errors and suggest ways to improve clarity?”. You can even ask Gemini to help draft a compelling cover letter based on a job description!
Interview Confidence Boost
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but Gemini helps you walk in feeling prepared and confident. Get a quick rundown of a company’s latest projects and overall mission by asking, “Summarise [Company Name]’s latest developments and approach to employee well-being.” Not sure how to answer those tricky behavioural interview questions? Gemini can guide you with practice questions like, “Give examples of common behavioural interview questions for a marketing position in South Africa.” To impress your interviewers, have insightful questions ready: “Help me formulate questions to ask about the company’s future direction.”
Keeping Skills Sharp
In today’s fast-evolving job market, continuous learning is key! Let Gemini help you stay ahead of the curve. Identify those in-demand skills that employers are looking for by asking, “What are the top 3 tech skills companies in Kenya are seeking in software developers?” If you’re looking to switch fields, Gemini can help you find accessible learning resources: “Find free online courses in data analysis for beginners interested in a career transition into finance.” Even if you’re a visual learner, Gemini’s got you covered. Simply ask, “Recommend YouTube channels that teach the fundamentals of graphic design software.”
Networking Made Effortless
Building a strong professional network unlocks incredible opportunities. Gemini simplifies the process by helping you optimise your online presence and target relevant events. Craft an impactful LinkedIn bio that attracts the right recruiters with a request like, “Help me write a compelling LinkedIn bio that showcases my skills and experience in project management.” Seeking out opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals? Ask Gemini, “What tips will you give for connecting with the vibrant Artificial Intelligence community at tech conferences?”. Even if you’re unsure how to approach networking, Gemini offers support with queries like, “How can I make a good first impression when reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn?”
Remote Work Made Simple
Remote work is revolutionising the African job market, offering incredible flexibility and the potential to work with global companies. If you’re eager to explore remote roles that match your skills and aspirations, Gemini can help streamline your search. Start by asking, “Show me reputable websites specialising in remote job listings for African candidates.” Want to know more about a company’s remote culture before applying? Ask Gemini, “How can I get a feel for a company’s remote culture?” To ace those remote interviews, get tips with a query like, “Help me prepare for a remote interview – what are some essential points to remember?”
Embrace the Journey with Gemini by Your Side
Let Gemini be your secret weapon – equipping you with the insights, skills, and confidence to stand out from the crowd and achieve your career aspirations. So, fire up gemini.google.com and discover the power of Gemini!
Telecom
FG Plans EO to Criminalise Fiber Cable Damage Costing Telcos Billions
Nigeria will criminalize the destruction of broadband fiber cables following repeated complaints by MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and other telecommunications companies that they are losing billions of naira, according to people familiar with the matter.
Federal ministry of works, which supervises federal road constructors, is finalizing the regulation that will be signed as an executive order by President Bola Tinubu, said the people, asking not to be identified as they weren’t authorized to comment.
While there are presently laws against vandalism, the authorities are aiming to regulate construction firms more closely.
The order will enforce stiff penalties on offenders, said the people, declining to provide more details or say when it will be signed.
“Telecom assets are critical backbone that supports the economy across sectors,” said Temitope Ajayi, a senior presidential aide, who noted that the Association of Telecommunications Companies (ATCON) has been demanding the classification for years.
New rules will provide “further assurance that the Nigerian government will protect their investments against vandals and criminal elements.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) estimates that the sector will make up more than a fifth of the country’s gross domestic product by the end of 2027, up from 13.5% in the third quarter of last year.
The move will help alleviate pressure on the telecoms sector, which is facing increased operating costs and sales pressures from a sharp depreciation in the currency and a threefold increase in energy prices.
Repairs and revenue losses from damaged cables is estimated to have cost the sector almost 27 billion naira ($23 million) last year alone, documents seen by Bloomberg show.
MTN Nigeria, the biggest wireless operator in Africa’s most-populous nation, and Airtel Africa Plc bore the brunt of the costs, the documents show.
MTN suffered more than 6,000 cuts on its fiber cable last year, the documents show. On Feb. 28, a cut on its network in three different locations by a road construction firm, an oil serving company and someone burning rubbish in a manhole meant customers faced more than five hours of data and voice outages.
The operator relocated 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) of vulnerable fiber cables between 2022 and 2023, at a cost of more than 11 billion naira – enough to build 870 kilometers of new fiber lines to areas without coverage.
A presidential order on the matter would be welcomed, said Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria.
“When it comes to communication infrastructure, they are destroyed at will, so we are eagerly awaiting the president’s order,” he said. “It would be a great boost to the industry, and it will also encourage investment.”
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