Telecom
The Importance of Maintaining Network Visibility for your Organization
Organizations have become heavily dependent on their network systems. These device assemblages and interconnections are vital to communications within businesses, and between businesses and the outside world.
But these networks are often at risk of being sabotaged or exploited by ill-intentioned agents. These malicious actors may seek out vulnerabilities within networks and work through them to strike at their target entities.
If companies are going to reduce the chances of being hit by cyberattackers, they will have to gain greater visibility of their networks, so they can monitor the goings-on across them, and take measures to strengthen their defenses.
Network Visibility Defined
Network visibility is being able to access, track, and analyze all components of a network, including the devices and the data that passes between them.
Essentially, it means that you are able to evaluate aspects of a network such as its traffic, performance, applications, managed resources, and data.
In pursuing network security, IT teams seek to identify where data is coming from, where it’s going to, the purpose and type of data, the quantity of data, and whether it’s authorized or not.
In order to achieve network visibility, organizations will have to find ways to monitor network activity with as much detail and consistency as is possible. They can do this with various tools designed for this purpose.
A key issue in network visibility is defining the extent of the network’s reach, and thus, the breadth of monitoring that needs to be done. With more employees working remotely, networks may extend well beyond their employer’s physical offices. All devices plugged into the network need to be visible, regardless of where they are.
Why Organizations Need Greater Network Visibility
Perhaps the most obvious advantage that companies gain when they have greater visibility of their networks is that it lets them detect security concerns or breaches early enough to remedy them.
The nature of cyber threats continues to evolve. And each year, organizations across the world devote a significant portion of their budgets to securing themselves against those threats. Unfortunately, may don’t pay enough attention to shoring up their defenses. As a result, they may fall victim to cyberattacks.
Available data suggest that cybercrime cost businesses more than $1 trillion in 2020. That amount includes both spending on cybersecurity and losses due to cyberattacks. The figure could reach $10 trillion by 2025.
When companies have a better view of what goes on in their networks, they can detect vulnerabilities and breaches, and fix them before they morph into costly incidents.
But the benefits of network security do not merely reside with seeing off cyber threats. Inefficient data transmission through networks is a concern as well. When data clogs up a path, the network may underperform.
Greater network visibility enables IT teams to spot this problem. They could fix it by updating the firmware of the device concerned so that it has a better reaction to network congestion.
Sometimes, networks may underperform because unauthorized devices or software have been plugged into them. This is often not done by ill-intentioned agents; it could simply be employees using company resources when they shouldn’t be doing so. If their employer has greater visibility of their network, they can detect such unauthorized software or devices and remove them.
There could be any number of other problems that a network may have. Whatever they are, it certainly helps to be able to review the entirety of the network, as it could enable the affected organization to discover what those problems are, and quickly troubleshoot them.
Contemporary Challenges To Network Visibility
As businesses begin to realize the importance of network visibility, more of them will take steps to make it a reality within their domains. However, they may encounter certain impediments that prevent them from achieving a reasonable range of vision across their network.
One of these problems is the use of multiple vendors for networks and network components. Organizations go the multi-vendor route as a cost-cutting measure. However, besides actually increasing their costs, the multi-vendor approach also makes networks more complex, thus making them difficult to manage. Ultimately, it could reduce the degree of network visibility that an organization can achieve.
Challenges could also arise when a company operates with a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. While employees will like to work in environments where this policy is in place, it could bring about difficulties in network management. IT teams will need to work out a network visibility strategy that takes devices not owned by the employer into consideration.
Remote work also makes broad network visibility harder to achieve. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies have had to make their employees work from home. Their devices will be connected to their employer’s network from remote locations, often on a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Because these devices aren’t as firmly controlled as those owned by companies, things like passwords or access keys are always at risk of being stolen by malicious actors, who could use them to access companies’ networks. Given this danger, it’s important that remote access is covered by network visibility setups, even if it’s sometimes difficult to accomplish this.
How To Maintain And Improve Network Visibility
Network threats may either be external (taking advantage of vulnerabilities that may be externally exploited) or internal (resident within the network). Full network visibility will have to include both these fronts.
There are various technologies that may be used to accomplish a wide, far-reaching view of network setup. But these tools may require the input of a trained IT team to operate as they should.
When developing a visibility strategy, it’s important to work with network security experts that will make implementation and monitoring easier.
Layer3 can provide you with the expertise your organization needs to gain comprehensive network visibility. Our consultants and engineers have a deep knowledge of network infrastructure. They leverage this to provide best-in-class solutions that make your IT setup function optimally.
If you would like to find out more about our network security solutions, click here.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced plans to issue up to N50bn in Series 13 and 14 Commercial Paper Notes under its N250bn Commercial Paper Issuance Programme.
This proposed issuance aligns with the company’s strategy to broaden its funding sources and strengthen its liquidity position.
The proceeds from the issuance are earmarked to support MTN Nigeria’s short-term working capital needs, enabling the company to sustain its operations and meet financial obligations effectively.
In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public, MTN Nigeria emphasized its commitment to maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency.
According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, further details regarding the structure, pricing, and timeline of the issuance will be disclosed to the market in due course, as MTN Nigeria continues to engage with stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.
The telecom giant said it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.
The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.
The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy to continue diversifying its funding sources and reducing its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied towards short-term working capital requirements.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria said. “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria will launch four satellites as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu said this at the opening ceremony of the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space in Abuja.
The anniversary celebration was organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the Defence Space Administration (DSA).
Tinubu, represented by Chief Uche Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, stated that space was previously exclusive to developed countries, but the foresight of Nigerian leaders facilitated the passing of the Space Act that led to the establishment of NASRDA in 1999.
“Space is an area of limitless opportunities and one in which the advanced countries of the world are relentlessly discovering how the opportunities can be tapped for their advantage.
“It is obvious that Nigeria cannot afford to lag in this global quest of discovering space and how the knowledge from such discoveries can help in solving her internal issues for national development,” he said.
NASRDA has made efforts to develop major space programs in collaboration with the Nigerian Military to develop capacity in the use of space for tactical services, among others.
“Today, the synergy between NASRDA, NigComSat, and DSA has led to a tripodal support upon which an advanced and more robust national space program will be built in the near future.”
“All these giant strides made by this important sector of our dear country are notable and noble with the launch of seven satellites, and efforts are on top gear to launch an additional four satellites within the lifespan of this administration.”
“Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space program for us to do more in the coming years for our national development,” President Tinubu said.
The President also emphasised the need to strengthen the NASRDA Act to help the Nigerian space ecosystem be more vibrant in its engagements, locally and internationally.
“Similarly, the sector will require improved budgetary support to be able to accomplish its programs, whose outcomes can bring massive socioeconomic dividends to Nigeria and her citizens.
“This will also solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leading space-faring country in Africa and further boost her image to competitively attract foreign direct investment because of our locational advantage for cheaper launching services.”
“This restates our administration’s commitment to continue to support the space program to accelerate technological and innovative development.”
In his remarks, Nnaji, who was represented by Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report projected the global space economy to reach about 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035.
The minister added that the growth would be driven by advances in satellite technology and industries like supply chain logistics and agriculture, among others.
He stated that the growth would also impact the aerospace sector and communications and was expected to generate over 60 percent of the new economic value from space-enabled technologies.
“Space technology offers transformative solutions to global challenges, from monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to enhancing disaster response capabilities.
“Reduced costs and heightened accessibility will encourage increased participation from non-space sectors, integrating space into the fabric of global infrastructure,” the minister said.
He commended the President for recognising the role of space technology in the Renewed Hope Agenda and approving some projects for the agency.
“The President approved for the replacement of NASRDA’s Earth Observation satellites, ensuring the regulation of oversight functions of all space activities in the country and utilisation of space technology to monitor federal government revenues.”
Nnaji called on NASRDA to capitalise on the support of the federal government by expanding its revenue base through partnerships with the private sector.
According to him, the key areas of private sector engagement include commercial space travel, development of satellite technology, resource utilisation, investment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ventures, and technology transfer to drive industrial growth.
Earlier, Dr Matthew Adepoju, director-general of NASRDA, recalled that over the past 25 years, the Nigerian Space Program had been a beacon of Nigeria’s aspirations in space exploration and development, thereby placing the country on the global map of space-faring nations.
The DG disclosed that President Tinubu’s administration had recently approved the development of four satellites, which included a Synthetic Aperture Radar (5AR) satellite and the first in Africa.
“This transformative project will be executed under a public-private partnership, ensuring the infusion of expertise and investment to accelerate implementation.
“These satellites will significantly enhance our capabilities in areas such as precision agriculture, disaster management, national security, and urban planning while contributing to global scientific advancements.
“Furthermore, we are guided by the recent Presidential directive to integrate space technology into the operations of all revenue-generating agencies, departments, and ministries in Nigeria.
“This directive underscores the strategic importance of space technology in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government functions, ultimately contributing to national development.
“Nigeria’s space assets—including NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, and NigeriaSat-X, NigComSat-1, among others—are vital tools for national development.
“These satellites have supported critical disaster management, urban activities in security, health, agriculture, disaster immense value to planning, and broadband connectivity, advancing our nation’s reputation as a space-capable country,’’ he said.
Airtel Africa, a telecommunications and mobile money services provider with presence in 14 countries across the continent, has appointed of Dinesh Balsingh as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, effective 1st November 2024. By this appointment, Balsingh also becomes a member of the Executive Council for the Airtel Africa Group.
He takes over from Carl Cruz, who returned to his home country, The Philippines, at the end of October.
Balsingh has extensive experience across the telecommunications industry and returns to Nigeria following his appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Tanzania in 2022. Prior to his move to Tanzania, he served as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Airtel Nigeria and therefore brings with him considerable experience of the Nigerian telecommunications market.
Balsingh’s career in the telecommunications industry spans over 24 years, having begun his career in 2000 with Hutchison Essar, before moving to Airtel India as a Marketing Director in 2006 and then Tata Docomo in 2011. Balsingh joined Airtel Nigeria as Marketing Director in 2013, before taking over as CCO in 2018.
During his tenure in Airtel Tanzania, Balsingh led the business to achieve record growth through intelligent pricing, product enhancements and disciplined execution of projects, resulting in strong Revenue Market Share (RMS) gains in the highly competitive market.
Speaking on the leadership changes, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar said, “Mr. Balsingh’s deep telecommunications experience and strong operational execution, combined with his knowledge of the Nigerian market, will be instrumental in further supporting our corporate purpose of transforming lives across Nigeria.”
Balsingh holds a Master of Business Administration from Thiagarajar School of Management.
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