E-Business
Report shows Most Cyber Breaches are Caused by Human Error
Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd, a provider of cybersecurity solutions globally, marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month by highlighting the need for each and every individual to prioritise cybersecurity, in both their business and personal lives, in order to fend off the ever-increasing risk of cyberattack.
For companies, cyber risks are increasing all the time. In fact, according to Check Point Research (CPR), attacks increased by 59% compared to last year. Here in Africa, the weekly average of impacted organisations in 2022 is 1 out of 21, with an organisation on the continent being attacked on average 1,896 times per week in the last six months.
A recent World Economic Forum report revealed that 95% of cybersecurity problems are caused by human error, and if you add the global cyber skills shortage to the mix, then you have the perfect storm for a cybercriminal. The 2021 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study showed that we are lacking almost three million cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
In light of this, some organisations have started to implement cyber initiatives for their employees. For example, Santander, a multinational financial services company, recently launched an incentive scheme whereby employee responses to phishing attacks are considered as part of the overall company bonus policy.
Check Point Software has also implemented various training initiatives to boost cybersecurity skills in the workforce across Africa. In Kenya, together with Strathmore University, Check Point SecureAcademy runs free training sessions with lecturers and students.
And since 2021 in Johannesburg, together with Get Informed and local partners, Check Point Software has been offering cybersecurity training courses and internships to under-privileged youth in the community.
Having people and staff that are well trained in cyber hygiene is one of the best foundations for good cybersecurity, and so, for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Check Point Software provides some useful information to help companies identify attacks.
- Phishing: this is a technique that is often successful due to a lack of employee training. Often in the form of an email, it is when a cybercriminal will impersonate a colleague, company or institution to obtain personal data to then sell, use for identity theft or to launch further cyberattacks. It’s important to be careful when receiving emails, particularly any that include an unusual request. You should check the sender address is legitimate, check for grammar errors and any misspelled words, and don’t click on any unfamiliar links or open attachments.
- Malware: this is malicious software that is designed to harm a device or network. In order for it to be successful, the victim has to install such software on their computer, which is usually done by clicking on a malicious link that automatically installs it, but it can also enter through a file such as an image, document or video attachment. Again, it is crucial to be careful when receiving emails that contain links or files, and only download software from official stores.
- Ransomware: this is a type of malware attack that blocks access to systems unless a ransom is paid. For some time now, there has been double and even triple extortion ransomware, capable of blackmailing the victim’s customers too. Like malware, it usually enters a device through a link from a trusted company or a file downloaded to it. Therefore, it is very important not to download anything from an unknown user and utilise multi-factor authentication.
To avoid becoming a victim of phishing, malware and ransomware, Check Point recommends:
- Enabling two-factor authentication: sign into your accounts with both a password and one other method. It could be a question, biometric data or a one-time code sent to your device. This creates an extra layer of security that prevents an attacker from being able to access an account with just a password.
- Using strong passwords: using the same keyword for everything, or simple combinations such as ‘123456’ or ‘password’, is making it too easy for cybercriminals. There are now a multitude of platforms that can generate strong, difficult-to-guess passwords with upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols. Although we can also create them ourselves, it’s important to remember to use different combinations for each service.
- Learning how to recognise phishing: when an attacker sends a phishing email, there are usually some common identifiable traits such as misspellings or the fact that it asks for credentials to be entered. A company will never ask for a customer’s credentials on email. If in doubt, always go to the official page or platform of the company you want to access.
- Always keeping software updated: it is always advisable to update to the latest version of a company’s software as this is the way that they correct security errors of previous versions.
“Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an important time to not only raise awareness of cyber-safety but to drive real action among individuals. Most cyberattacks occur because of human error so it is in our hands to improve cybersecurity, both at home and at work. This is an essential activity in which we all have a part to play,” says Pankaj Bhula, Regional Director for Africa at Check Point Software. “The term ‘If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem’ fits perfectly when it comes to cybersecurity and users.”
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria has launched a new digital identity verification tool called the NIN Authentication (NINAuth) application.
The initiative, which forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to strengthen the country’s national digital identity management framework.
The launch builds upon Nigeria’s comprehensive unified digital identity system that has been transforming access to financial services and government programs.
The NINAuth application introduces several key features focused on data security and privacy.
The platform requires explicit user consent before sharing identity information for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, giving individuals greater control over their personal data.
The system provides seamless access to various government services, including SIM card registration, immigration applications, passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions.
The development follows significant investment in Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure, including a $45.5 million support from the World Bank as part of the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.
As the official service for integration with NIMC’s backend infrastructure, NINAuth enables secure verification processes across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The application is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple iOS App Store for users of the National Identification Number (NIN).
The rollout represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to digitize government services and strengthen identity verification processes.
“NINAuth is a cutting-edge suite of services including web, API, and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services,” said Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC.
“The platform introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information.”
The implementation supports the objectives of the recently established Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee, which oversees the country’s digital identity initiatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the launch of the NINAuth app and directed its use for verification and authentication across all MDAs.
The application provides a secure single sign-on solution for accessing government services and social protection programs while maintaining strict data privacy controls.
The centralized approach to digital identity management represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to modernizing government services.
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has set in motion a machinery to checkmate the booming copyright piracy market in the country.
Copyright piracy is said to cost Nigeria an annual loss estimated at billions of naira.
Despite the absence of a coordinated or official statistics to gauge the quantum of loss, John Asein, director general, NCC, said as far back as 2019, Nigeria lost N918 trillion ($3 billion) annually to digital piracy.
The financial damages severely impact local businesses and innovation efforts.
The commission, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), has started a project to develop strategies and tools to address the menace.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on the WIPO project to address online copyright piracy in Nigeria, Asein said digital technologies have unlocked tremendous opportunities for the creative and innovation sectors.
The NCC boss said technology also poses serious challenges, including online piracy, which he said is growing rapidly.
He said: “Pirate sites continue to emerge rapidly, with statistics indicating a 6.7 per cent increase in user visits. A significant percentage of these users are students aged between 18 and 24, with social media and messaging platforms becoming major gateways for accessing pirated content.”
He added: “No industry is immune. The most affected sectors include television (43.6 per cent), publishing (27.5 per cent), film (12.9 per cent), music (7.0 per cent), and software (6.2 per cent).
“Far beyond mere statistics, the victims are no longer only foreign right owners. Many Nigerians in these sectors have also been bruised and their creative enterprises ruined.”
Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has signed an international mail partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for improved delivery access to over 200 countries without middlemen.
Tolani Odeyemi, postmaster-general and chief executive officer of NIPOST, described the deal as a “major milestone” for the country’s logistics and postal sector.
In a statement on X on Monday, Odeyemi explained that the new agreement marks NIPOST’s first direct international airline partnership for several years.
“For a long time, NIPOST operated without any direct partnerships with international airlines, relying heavily on multiple third-party handlers,” the Postmaster-General stated. This often resulted in delays, higher costs, and uncertainty around the delivery of packages.”
She explained that under the new arrangement, KLM will directly handle all outbound international mail from Nigeria, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
“This translates to faster and more reliable delivery, reduced risk of loss or damage, lower handling charges, and access to over 200 countries through KLM’s global network,” the Postmaster-General stressed.
According to Odeyemi, NIPOST’s breakthrough came after it began settling long-standing debts owed to international carriers, a step she said was key to “rebuilding global trust” in Nigeria’s postal system.
She revealed that talks were also ongoing with Ethiopian Airlines to bolster regional and continental logistics, particularly on African and Eastern routes.
“Our goal is clear and unwavering: to connect Nigeria regionally and globally, efficiently, securely, and affordably,” Odeyemi asserted.
The NIPOST CEO described the development as a significant win for Nigerian businesses and small and medium-scale enterprises that rely on international shipping, stating, “You now benefit from quicker, more affordable international shipping, greater peace of mind with improved reliability, and new potential to reach and grow in global markets.”
Odeyemi commended the teams behind the scenes and pledged continued improvements in service delivery, adding that the deal signals a turning point for the agency.
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