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IDC Plans ICT Capacities Match Making of Nigeria with Egypt

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International Data Corporation (IDC) as part of an exciting new strategic program with Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) called ‘Africa Together’ program, will match the capabilities of Egyptian ICT companies with the needs of African channel and end-user companies.

This match-making process will culminate in two three-day events to be held in Lagos and Nairobi towards the end of 2014, where IDC will bring Egyptian ICT players face to face with leading end-user organizations and channels from the West and East Africa regions to discuss the potential for future cooperation and partnerships.

In a further effort to assist Egyptian ICT companies in expanding their exports and market reach into the rest of Africa, IDC will host an exclusive CIO Forum in Cairo early next year. IDC has a long and proven track record of facilitating profitable new business relationships through large-scale networking events, and will build on this reputation by flying in 50 hugely influential CIOs from across Africa to interact directly with more than 100 Egyptian ICT leaders.

The result will be the country’s foremost gathering of CIOs and senior IT executives, with though-provoking and actionable insights delivered through a series of compelling presentations and case studies that will facilitate a deeper understanding of global ICT best practices and the latest trends shaping international markets.

The statistics certainly suggest there will be no shortage of opportunities for them to tap into. While the world’s second largest and second most populous continent is currently in the midst of an unprecedented period of economic growth, ICT usage and penetration levels remain significantly lower than in the rest of the world.

But as the continent becomes more and more connected, ICT adoption is set to explode at rates barely imaginable in the world’s developed markets.

Indeed, IDC’s latest forecasts show IT spending across Africa (excluding South Africa) reaching $26.4 billion by 2018, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.03% — close to double the worldwide figure of 3.81%. So the unparalleled potential of the region is clear to see.

“The considerable demand that exists across the wider African continent for skills and knowledge transfer makes it an extremely appealing prospect for Egyptian ICT companies, as does the ability to introduce innovative, cost-effective, and relevant IT solutions to these markets.

To this end, the ‘Africa Together’ initiative exploits the natural synergies that exist between IDC’s unrivalled market insights and ITIDA’s quest to increase the global competitiveness of Egypt’s ICT industry. Working together, we will identify the key growth markets and segments across Africa that will provide the greatest opportunities for Egyptian companies,” says Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC’s group vice president and regional managing director for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.

Another key facet of ‘Africa Together’ is IDC’s Industry Technology Advantage Program (ITAP), which will empower ITIDA with comprehensive data and trend analysis of ICT markets across the entire world.

Bundled with unstinting access to IDC’s expert analysts and strategic workshops, this valuable information tool will support ITIDA’s mission to promote trade in international markets and become a strategic advisor to both local and international companies.

“IDC’s wealth of data covers all domains of ICT, including software, infrastructure, services, and telecommunications,” says Lalchandani.

“We can provide in-depth insights into markets throughout the Middle East and Africa, as well as Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North/South America, enabling ITIDA policy and program makers to develop data-driven strategies and initiatives tailored to the unique strengths of Egyptian ICT companies.”

“The signed agreements with IDC come in line with ITIDA’s endeavors to boost the exports of local IT firms, help them expand beyond Egypt and tap into the business opportunities in the targeted countries in Africa,” says Hussein El-Gueretly, ITIDA’s CEO.

“Along with ‘Africa Together’ Initiative, hosting the CIO Forum in Cairo in collaboration with IDC will be a unique opportunity for ITIDA to rebrand Egypt an IT hub in the region and a rewarding experience and an excellent venue for CIOs to exchange information on current topics as well as create opportunities for cooperation with senior decision makers and business leaders from across the region”.


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E-Business

Cybercriminals Using “Joker: Folie à Deux” Release to Scam Fans

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Kaspersky has uncovered cybercriminals exploiting the hype surrounding “Joker: Folie à Deux” ahead of its worldwide cinema premiere, for online phishing scams. Fans eager to watch the new movie online are at risk of being duped into giving away their sensitive data and money.

Kaspersky experts have identified phishing scams related to the new movie. The first example involves a fake offer to subscribe to watch the film for free.

On the fake website, users are asked to enter their credit card information to sign up, while the promised film is never accessible. The scammers gain access to the victim’s card details and can use them for fraudulent transactions or to sell on the dark web.

The second type of scam exploits the Joker movie brand to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes, giveaways, or similar traps. Cybercriminals create phishing websites claiming to offer free access to the movie.

When users attempt to play the video, they are redirected to other pages – often promoting quick, easy money-making schemes, offering the chance to participate in a giveaway, or possibly other profits.

In the cases uncovered by Kaspersky, users are prompted to provide either personal information – so perpetrators can contact them with faux investment opportunities – or credit card details, for example, to pay for the delivery of the giveaway prize.

“As the premiere approaches, more people are looking for more ways to gain early access to the film and, as such, the risk of falling for such scams increases. We strongly recommend users carefully verify where they enter sensitive information and install reliable antivirus software that can warn against suspicious or malicious websites,” says Olga Svistunova, a security expert at Kaspersky.

To protect themselves from phishing-related risks, Joker movie fans should take precautions when navigating online content related to the premiere. Kaspersky experts recommend the following:

Be cautious. Beware of suspicious emails, messages, or websites offering exclusive deals or freebies. Always verify the source before sharing personal or financial information.

Safeguard personal data. Be mindful when providing sensitive information online, such as your address, phone number, or financial details, and only use secure platforms.

Verify website security. Ensure websites have secure connections by looking for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar.

Use security solutions. Rely on trusted security solutions like award-winning Kaspersky Premium, that identifies malicious and phishing sites.

Trust reliable sources. Stick to official websites, authorised retailers, and reputable sources for any content to avoid scams.

 


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NDPC Extends Deadline for DCPMIS Registration, Warns Against Engaging Unregistered Data Processors

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Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO/ National Commissioner of Nigeria Data Protection Commission has approved the extension of deadline for the registration of Data Controllers and Data Processors of Major Importance (DCPMIs).

The commission in a statement issued on Friday by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, said that the new deadline for registration without penalty is the 31st of October, 2024.

The statement reads, “In order to ensure accountability and in line with sections 24(3), 29(1)(a) and 44 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2024 (NDP Act), DCPMIs shall only engage agents and contractors who are duly registered with the Commission (as at 15th October, 2024) for the processing of personal data”.

For ease of reference, section 29(1)(a) of the NDP Act provides: “Where a data controller engages the services of a data processor, or a data processor engages the services of another data processor, the data controller or data processor engaging another shall ensure that the engaged data processor —

(a) complies with the principles and obligations set out in this Act as applicable to the data controller;

“Furthermore, Section 65 of the NDP Act defines a data processor “as an individual, private entity, public authority, or any other body, who processes personal data on behalf of or at the direction of a data controller or another data processor.”

The Commission enjoins data controllers and data processors of major importance to immediately ensure that those who process personal data on their behalf fulfill the obligation to register as required by law. Engaging an agent or contractor who does not comply with the principles and obligations (set out in the NDP Act) that are applicable to the data controller is a contravention of the NDP Act.


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Kaspersky Reveals Half of Dark Web Exploit Listings Target Zero-day Vulnerabilities

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Between January 2023 and September 2024, Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts identified 547 listings to buy and sell exploits targeting software vulnerabilities.

These advertisements are posted on various dark web forums and shadow Telegram channels, with half involving zero-day and one-day vulnerabilities.

However, it is difficult to confirm whether these exploits are functional, as the dark market is rife with scams. Additionally, Kaspersky found that, on average, the cost of exploits for remote code execution vulnerabilities amounted to $100,000.

Exploits are tools used by cybercriminals to take advantage of vulnerabilities in various software programs, like those from Microsoft, to commit illegal activities, such as gaining unauthorised access or stealing data.

More than half of the dark web posts (51%) offered or sought to purchase exploits for zero-day or one-day vulnerabilities. Zero-day exploits target undiscovered vulnerabilities that software vendors have not identified and patched yet, while one-day exploits focus on systems that do not have the patch installed.

“Exploits can target any program, but the most desirable and expensive ones often focus on enterprise-level software. These tools enable cybercriminals to carry out attacks, which equate to substantial gains for them, such as stealing corporate information or spying on an organisation undetected.

However, some exploit offers on the dark web may be fake or incomplete, meaning they don’t function as advertised. Additionally, a significant portion of transactions are likely to occur in private.

These two factors complicate the assessment of the actual market volume for functional exploits,” explains Anna Pavlovskaya, Senior Analyst at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.

The dark web market offers a wide array of different types of exploits. Two of the most widespread are those for RCE (Remote Code Execution) and LPE (Local Privilege Escalation) vulnerabilities.

According to an analysis of over 20 listings, the average price for RCE exploits is around $100,000, while LPE exploits typically cost about $60,000. RCE vulnerabilities are considered more dangerous, as they allow attackers to take control of a system or its components, or confidential data.

Dark web listings for buying and selling exploits, 2023-2024, where some offers can be repetitive. Source: Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence

This year, the peak level in exploit sales and purchases occurred in May, with 50 relevant posts, compared to an average of about 26 per month in the period surrounding the surge. “Peaks in the exploit market’s activity are unpredictable and hard to link to specific events.

“Interestingly, in May, the dark web witnessed the sale of one of the most expensive exploits during the analysed period – allegedly, for a Microsoft Outlook zero-day vulnerability priced at nearly two million US dollars,” elaborates Anna Pavlovskaya.

“Overall, the exploit market remains stable; while activity fluctuates, the threat is always present. This highlights the need for cybersecurity hygiene practices, such as the regular patching and monitoring of digital assets on the dark web.”

 


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