E-Business
Experts Ring Fear as Cyber Thieves Exploit Security Lapses

Experts in IT security have warned of a possible cyber racket insurgence in Nigeria, unless controls needed to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure from abuse by insiders are firmly installed, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report. The independent Oracle users’ group survey, which first revealed that attackers exploited legitimate database access through SQL injection and stolen credentials, said laxity in the industry remains since the 2011 report. The Independent Oracle Users Group had more than 300 database and information security professionals recently surveyed on their data security practices with disturbing results. 60 per cent of respondents say data breach was most likely. Hamilton Iyoha, pre-sales consultant, Oracle Corporation, Nigeria, said over one billion records have been breached from database serves over the past six years. Iyoha said at a one-day ‘Data Security and Optimisation Summit’ hosted by Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), that the figure doubles every two years. He noted that ICT revolution in Nigeria would spur latent hullabaloo and cyber crime owing to porous nature of companies’ database in the country. Iyoha said hackers usually deploy SQL injection technique to attack databases through a website usually carried out by including portions of SQL statements in a web form entry field in an attempt to get the website to pass a newly formed rogue SQL command to the database. SQL injection is a code injection technique that exploits a-security vulnerability in a website’s software. The vulnerability happens when user input is either incorrectly filtered for string literal escape characters embedded in SQL statements or user input is not strongly typed and unexpectedly executed. Thus, unprotected site oftentimes dump the database contents to the attacker. Iyoha said: “With the fast growth in data generation, demand for data security will also increase in manifold. Actually, 48 per cent of data breaches are caused by insiders, 89 per cent records stolen using SQL injections. Hackers use stolen credentials; all this call for stringent security applications. “As it is now, existing IT security is not addressing database security, because only 20 per cent of companies that participated in the survey have a kind of forecast estimate,” he noted. Iyoha said CWG/Oracle partnership has provided the society with a preventive and detective control security solution that demands authentication, access control and auditing capable of blocking threats. “About 75 percent of organizations genuinely doing business encrypt their database traffic. Another 22 per cent encrypt only their database backup files; however, Oracle Advanced Security (OAS) was produced in such a way that it protects data from unauthorized users, particularly on enterprise solution base,” said Iyoha. Peter Boglo, the senior technology pre-sales consultant, Oracle, despite huge spends on IT security by Nigeria financial institutions, and operators in the oil and gas sector, tangible results are hard to come by because of inappropriate spend. “Nigerian companies, banks, IT firms, those in oil and gas spend more money on information security management and they have not gotten maximum result. So, the Oracle database 11g is an epoch-making event that spans the full range of customers need. Information security is a prerequisite for growth, confidence building and protection of stakeholders in the digital economy,” said Boglo. He notes that the “National Identity Management Scheme requires user provisioning, role management, entitlement management, and risk based access control virtual directive. Therefore, our database must be protected to avoid the impending cyber attacks.” Christy Elendu, manager, Oracle Channels Analyst representing the country manager, said that the company spent about $4.3 billion in 2011 on research and development aimed at producing best software to tackle global security threats. “Oracle has been there since 1971 which we started with proprietary system to open and standard systems and CWG has been a worthy partner. And we are committed to hardware engineering, new opportunities for partners, better solution for customers.
E-Business
Firm Shares Tips for Safer Remote Working

It is holiday season in many parts of the world. These days though, going on holiday does not always mean turning your back on office life – hybrid work cuts both ways.
Today’s widespread connectivity—available at airports, train stations, restaurants, hotels, and most indoor public spaces—makes staying connected easier than ever, with free Wi-Fi in many locations and reliable 4G or 5G coverage elsewhere, helping to facilitate a seamless blend of work and leisure even while on holiday.
This increase in connectivity among travellers has not gone unnoticed by cyber criminals. Kaspersky experts analysed nearly 25,000 free Wi-Fi spots in Paris ahead of the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The analysis revealed that almost 25% of these networks had weak or no encryption, making users vulnerable to personal and banking data theft.
Travellers often have their guard down. The unfamiliar surroundings of a new location or a different language can throw up a useful smokescreen for a cyberattack, meaning additional care needs to be taken when logging on. Fortunately, a few smart tools and habits can help you stay protected while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
Use a VPN for secure connections
A VPN is one of the most effective ways to safeguard users’ online activity, especially when working from unfamiliar locations. By encrypting Internet traffic, a VPN ensures that hackers can’t intercept sensitive data like login credentials or financial details. This is particularly important when accessing work emails or company files on public Wi-Fi, where cybercriminals often lurk.
Switch to an eSIM for reliable, secure mobile data
Another useful digital tool that provides a seamless way to stay connected using local mobile networks with no physical SIM card required is the eSIM. This is a game-changer for international travellers who want to avoid sky-high roaming charges or the hassle of hunting down temporary SIM cards in foreign countries.
With an eSIM, a user can download a local data plan before you even arrive at your destination, ensuring instant connectivity the moment you land. This eliminates the need to rely on unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, significantly reducing your exposure to cyber threats.
Plus, many eSIM providers allow you to manage multiple profiles on a single device, making it easy to switch between work and personal data plans without juggling multiple phones.
Services like Kaspersky eSIM Store enables users to purchase and activate data plans in advance, track usage and top up as needed, all from a single app.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
When travelling, people often leave devices unattended. To protect against unwanted people logging in, travellers should ensure two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on all critical accounts and that passwords are used on all devices.
Final tips for a secure workation
Even with a VPN, eSIM and 2FA in place, your devices still need strong defenses against malware, phishing scams and ransomware. Cybercriminals often target remote workers who may let their guard down while travelling, making real-time protection essential.
Modern antivirus software does more than just scan for viruses, it actively blocks malicious downloads, warns you about phishing attempts and even secures your passwords and financial data.
For the most robust security, consider a solution like Kaspersky Premium, which combines antivirus protection, a VPN and password management into a single, easy-to-use package.
By combining a VPN, eSIM and strong antivirus, you can work from anywhere with confidence, whether you’re sending emails from a poolside or joining a video call from a festival tent.
E-Business
Zequence Digital Boss Calls for Strong IP Laws Enforcement, to Protect Nigeria’s Software Sector

Mr Adeoye Oludamilola, managing director, Zequence Digital, a digital agency, has said strong enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) laws , protection of Nigeria’s software industry against piracy will encourage innovation and investment.
Adeoye told reporters lately in Lagos that software piracy and the unauthorised use of proprietary technology are widespread in the country.
According to report Intellectual Property (IP) laws in software refers to the legal rights that protect the creations of the mind used in software development.
These rights, which include copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks, grant developers exclusive control over their software and related assets, preventing unauthorised use or reproduction.
Adeoye said that many startups do not protect their innovations, due to a lack of knowledge and the cumbersome legal processes involved.
“IP registration and litigation are expensive and time-consuming, which further discourages developers from protecting their work,” Adeoye said.
He added that the lack of awareness among developers about their IP rights contributed to the problem.
To address these challenges, Adeoye stressed the need for the formation of an IP Protection Consortium, comprising tech firms, legal experts, and regulators, to advocate for stronger IP enforcement.
He also suggested collaborating with legal tech startups to create simplified platforms for fast-tracked IP registration.
The managing director further called for joint initiatives between legal bodies and tech communities to launch IP rights education campaigns.
This, he said, would equip developers with the knowledge they needed to protect their innovations and grow their businesses.
Adeoye emphasised the need for the government and stakeholders to create an ecosystem for development and inclusivity by proactively engaging with regulators.
According to him, this will help ensure that policies are created with the input of concerned agencies and industry experts.
E-Business
PalmPay Partners AXA Mansard Health to Make Digital Insurance Accessible, Affordable

PalmPay, a leading fintech platform and full-stack digital neobank for emerging markets, has partnered with Nigeria’s biggest Health Insurance Company, AXA Mansard Health a member of the globally trusted AXA Group, to provide millions of Nigerians with affordable, accessible digital health insurance.
This strategic partnership enables PalmPay users to seamlessly access a range of health insurance packages from AXA Mansard directly within the PalmPay app. With plans starting as low as N500 per month, users can now choose from flexible insurance options tailored to fit their everyday needs.
The plans are designed to meet a wide range of needs; for example, the AXA Digital Health plan offers access to telemedicine consultations with doctors, N5,000 worth of medications, and up to N40,000 in surgical coverage. Users can also opt for the AXA Mansard MicroHealth plan at N1,000 per month, which provides unlimited diagnostic tests and funeral benefits. Additionally, the AXA Mansard Accident plan, available for N500 monthly, offers comprehensive death cover for both accidental and non-accidental cases.
Speaking on the partnership, Habib Kowontan, Head of Wealth Product at PalmPay, said: “Insurance is a key pillar of financial security, yet millions of Nigerians remain underserved. Our partnership with AXA Mansard Health breaks down long-standing barriers by placing reliable and affordable insurance solutions right at our users’ fingertips.”
In her remarks, Jumoke Odunlami, Chief Distribution Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance said that the partnership with Palmpay presents the AXA with another opportunity to improve health and productivity of Nigerians. “Through partnerships like this, we are covering over 1.8 million Nigerians and ensuring that healthcare is accessible, available and affordable.
“So we are excited about joining forces with a brand like Palmpay to compliment the range of financial possibilities they offer their customers with health plans. It fits well with our mission and our purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters, and we are looking forward to doing even more with Palmpay”, she explained.
This partnership reflects PalmPay’s broader mission to create a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem, one that empowers users to not only manage their money efficiently, but also secure their future.
This partnership reflects PalmPay’s broader mission to create a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem, one that empowers users to not only manage their money efficiently, but also secure their future.
- News3 days ago
Google Hit by AI-driven Cyber Attack
- General News3 days ago
Kuwait Busts Nigerian Cybercrime Ring Targeting Telecom Tower, Banks
- News3 days ago
FIRS Rolls out e-invoicing System for Large Corporate Taxpayers
- E-Business3 days ago
PalmPay Partners AXA Mansard Health to Make Digital Insurance Accessible, Affordable
- E-Business3 days ago
Zequence Digital Boss Calls for Strong IP Laws Enforcement, to Protect Nigeria’s Software Sector
- Telecom3 days ago
MTN Nigeria’s Mega Billion Promo Turns Airtime into Fortune for Thousands Amid Economic Strain
- E-Financial2 days ago
NBS Reports ₦6.72 Trillion VAT Haul as Tax Reforms Pay Off
- Telecom3 days ago
I see Crisis, Resignations @ MTN, Airtel, Others – Primate Ayodele