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Sophos Launches Industry-First Managed Detection and Response Service for Third-party Security Technologies
Sophos, a global leader in innovating and delivering cybersecurity as a service, has announced the general availability of Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) with new industry-first threat detection and response capabilities.
Sophos is the first endpoint security provider to integrate vendor agnostic telemetry from third-party security technologies into its MDR offering, providing unprecedented visibility and detection across diverse operating environments. Sophos also introduced the Sophos Marketplace and $1 million Sophos Breach Protection Warranty.
The need for MDR services and specialized defenders has never been greater, as shown in today’s new research, “LockBit 3.0 ‘Black’ Attacks and Leaks Reveal Wormable Capabilities and Tooling,” from Sophos X-Ops, the company’s cross-domain threat intelligence unit. The research analyzes tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) used by LockBit, one of today’s most prolific ransomware gangs, that are similar to BlackMatter, and explains how the latest version of the ransomware, LockBit 3.0, adds wormable capabilities and uses legitimate pentesting tools to evade detection.
In a second article, “Detection Tools and Human Analysis Lead to a Security Non-Event,” Sophos X-Ops details a recent Sophos MDR use case involving credential theft, another technique that allows adversaries to impersonate legitimate users. In this case, the Sophos MDR team combined its threat hunting intelligence with information from the customer’s third-party security appliance to thwart an attack.
“The only way to reliably detect and neutralize determined attackers who increasingly combine the use of pentesting tools, stolen credentials and other stealthy tactics to maneuver undetected is with 24×7 eyes on glass, operating on signals from a diversity of event sources and employing actionable threat intelligence into real-time attacker behaviors,” said Joe Levy, chief technology and product officer at Sophos. “Organizations are struggling to keep pace with well-funded adversaries who are continuously innovating and industrializing their ability to evade defensive technologies alone. Sophos MDR can discover and intercept these steps before they result in a data breach, ransomware or other type of costly compromise. Sadly, ransomware persists as one of the greatest cybercrime threats to organizations, as evidenced in the Sophos 2023 Threat Report. We’re raising the industry standard for how critical MDR services can be delivered to broaden visibility for better, faster detection and response.”
Industry-First Detection and Response and the New Sophos Marketplace
Sophos is the first leading endpoint security provider delivering MDR across both its own product portfolio as well as end users’ existing security deployments. To support this effort, Sophos launched the Sophos Marketplace, an open ecosystem of more than 75 technology integrations, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Check Point, CrowdStrike, Darktrace, Fortinet, Google, Microsoft, Okta, Palo Alto Networks, Rapid7, and many others. Expanded visibility across these integrations and diverse operating environments enables Sophos MDR experts to better detect and remediate attacks with speed and precision, regardless of customers’ existing security solutions.
In addition to Sophos MDR, Sophos Marketplace provides third-party integrations for Sophos’ portfolio of services, products and technologies. Telemetry is automatically consolidated, correlated and prioritized with insights from the Sophos Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem and the Sophos X-Ops threat intelligence unit.
Extended Protection Warranty
Sophos stands behind its MDR customers with the new Sophos Breach Protection Warranty that covers up to $1 million in response expenses for organizations protected by Sophos MDR Complete, Sophos’ most comprehensive MDR offering. Underwritten solely by Sophos, the warranty covers endpoints – both Windows and Mac devices – and servers, and unlike competitive offerings, there are no warranty tiers or duration limitations for active customers. This Sophos Breach Protection Warranty is automatically included with all purchases and renewals of Sophos MDR Complete annual subscriptions through Sophos’ global reseller partner network.
Availability
More than 13,000 organizations already rely on Sophos’ existing MDR service for 24/7 threat hunting, detection and response by an expert team as a fully-managed service. The newest offering with third party integration capabilities is available now, and the service is customizable with different tiers and threat response options, enabling customers to choose whether to have the Sophos MDR operations team execute full-scale incident response, provide collaborative assistance for confirmed threats, or deliver detailed alert notifications for their security operations teams to manage themselves.
9mobile, telecommunications operator, has described as untrue the rumors suggesting that it has shut down its operations.
according to the telcos, these claims are entirely baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary panic among our valued subscribers, the mobile operator said in a statement.
“We understand that some customers have recently faced challenges, particularly with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), a service that enables seamless network switching.
“We want to clarify that 9mobile has never restricted customers from porting to other networks. We remain fully compliant with industry regulations and committed to delivering fair, transparent, and customer-focused services.
“While there have been temporary technical challenges affecting MNP, these issues have now been largely resolved. Some minor delays may still occur due to ongoing system optimizations, but we are actively working to ensure a smoother experience for all users.
“As a proudly Nigerian brand, we embody the resilient spirit of our people and remain steadfast in our commitment to overcoming challenges. We acknowledge the temporary service disruptions some customers may have experienced in different locations.
“However, we assure you that these disruptions are part of a broader transformation effort aimed at modernizing our infrastructure and improving overall service quality.
“Our ongoing investments in network upgrades and service expansion will soon yield significant improvements, ensuring reliable connectivity for individuals, businesses, and communities.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and loyalty of our subscribers during this transition. While challenges exist, we are making significant progress and are confident that brighter days are ahead. We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service and keeping you connected to limitless opportunities”.
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has initiated an investigation into the data processing practices of Tiktok and Truecaller, following growing concerns about potential privacy violations.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, made the announcement today during a press conference in Abuja, where he also revealed the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and implementation directive (NDPC Act – GAID), 2025.
Dr Olatunji stated that the commission’s primary concern is how these platforms manage Nigerian users’ personal data, including potential breaches of consent, data sharing with third parties, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023. He confirmed that the NDPC is actively investigating Tiktok and Truecaller’s data processing activities to ensure they comply with Nigeria’s data protection laws.
“The goal is to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data,” he added.
This investigation comes amid increasing scrutiny of global tech companies regarding data privacy, especially concerning how personal information is processed, stored, and transmitted beyond national borders.
The NDPC act – GAID, 2025, issued today, provides a detailed framework for implementing Nigeria’s data protection law, outlining compliance guidelines, enforcement mechanisms, and obligations for both public and private organizations.
Dr Olatunji emphasized that the directive aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering trust in data governance while ensuring individuals’ rights to privacy are respected in accordance with international best practices.
He reiterated that companies operating in Nigeria must comply with the country’s data protection regulations or face regulatory actions, including fines and potential restrictions.
The NDPC has urged the public to report any data privacy violations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and due process in its investigations.
The commission noted that reporting data breaches has become more accessible through dedicated channels on its official website.
In a resounding commitment to bridging gender digital divide, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), has taken a decisive step toward closing the gender digital divide by presenting the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) at the United Nations 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Themed “Digital Harmony: Advancing Gender Inclusion by Empowering Women and Children for a Secure Digital Future,” the high-level event reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering equitable access to digital technology, online safety, and economic empowerment for women and children.
L-R: Esther Eghobamien-Mshelis – President of UN CEDAW, Iklima Musa – Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, Noimot Salako – Deputy Governor Ogun state, Maryam Ciroma – former minster of women affairs, Imaan Sulaiman- Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih – former Minister of women affairs and Dr Maryam Keshinro – Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Women Affairs at the United Nations 69th Session.
Speaking at the event, Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Assistant to the Director General on Strategic Partnerships, presented the strategy, emphasizing NITDA’s role in driving digital transformation and creating opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in the digital economy.
The NGDIS, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, seeks to remove barriers to digital inclusion by expanding access to digital skills training, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities for women and girls.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA as represented by the SA, in his special remarks reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation is inclusive and equitable, highlighting NGDIS as a game-changer in achieving gender parity in the digital space.
He noted that the framework prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, safety, and gender-responsive policies to accelerate women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
The NGDIS is built on five core pillars that will drive women’s access, participation, and leadership in the digital ecosystem. It seeks to expand digital literacy and skills by ensuring at least 40% female participation in all national training initiatives.
Recognizing the role of women in Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, the strategy emphasizes access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance for female-led startups, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act to increase financial and institutional support for women in the tech ecosystem. With 58% of young women globally experiencing online harassment, the NGDIS prioritizes online safety and cybersecurity awareness.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Sulaiman, FSI, underscored the urgent need for action in tackling gender disparities in digital access.
She revealed alarming statistics that demonstrate the stark reality of the digital divide in Nigeria, highlighting that 68% of Nigerian women do not own smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services and economic opportunities.
She stressed that this divide extends beyond access, as women and children face significant online risks, including cyber harassment, digital gender-based violence, and exclusion from the rapidly growing tech-driven economy.
She called for the swift implementation of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) 2024-2027, which seeks to remove the structural barriers that prevent women from fully engaging in the digital economy.
She emphasized the need for strong legal frameworks that would accelerate action in promoting digital literacy, providing safe online spaces, and empowering women to thrive in technology-driven industries.
She reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to creating an inclusive digital future where no woman or child is left behind.
She urged all stakeholders to work together to transform digital access and security for women and children, making technology a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, NITDA in collaboration with stakeholders is taking bold and strategic steps to ensure that women and girls are not only participants but also leaders in the digital transformation journey.
The National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy is a blueprint for action, providing a clear framework for accelerating digital inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening online safety for Nigerian women and children.
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