E-Business
Why Employee Collaboration is Key for Cybersecurity
By Emmanuel Asika
Many will hate to admit it, but it seems that, perhaps, it has become quite lucrative these days to be a cybercriminal. Firstly, it is a thriving business. For instance, according to the FBI, there was a 207% increase in in reported case of cybercrime reports between 2008 and 2021, and almost $7 billion (₦3,223,080,000,000) in losses last year.
In Nigeria, the peril of cybercrimes recorded a massive rise in the first six months of 2022, “with phishing and scams hitting 174%”.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) well over 2,800 persons were convicted of cybercrimes in the country last year, and the Consumer Awareness and Financial Enlightenment Initiative (CAFEI) has projected a $6 trillion loss by 2030 to cybercrime within and outside Nigeria.
Secondly, it has no entry requirement – yes, it is that easy and, quite cheap. Imagine this – the typical cost of compromised remote access credentials costs about ₦2,302 and can simply be bought on the dark web.
Cyber crooks use these passes to access their prey’s enterprise networks. A report, The Evolution of Cybercrime, showed that 75% of advertisements for malware and 91% for exploits costs less than ₦4,604.40. Some years ago, it was much more expensive. For instance, as of 2009, cybercriminals paid well over ₦3.6 million for a standard malware kit.
Worse still, it has become increasingly easier than ever before for these hackers to work together in a specialized and concerted secretive supply chain.
They have built fortes, proposing unique services like hiring of huge botnets to convey a customer’s preferred malware to thousands of targets, or hackers-for-hire who take full advantage of the destruction caused by ransomware – spreading an invasion of weak points in a network.
The result of all these is that workers in scattered workplaces around the globe are now in more danger than ever before. The unclear distinction between private and work devices means that hybrid staff are not always shielded by enterprise defenses, thus the risk of attacks is always there.
But there is a way out, and it lies with the employees who are usually the first line of defense, and they must work together. With computer crime now a part of how we do business, and growing, the only way to beat criminals is collaborating with one another to defend ourselves.
Knowing your enemies’ strategy
Hackers the world over betray trust in daily interfaces and exchanges online, mostly via emails, to gain access to systems. It is a known fact that email remains the most common means for hackers to secure illegal access to networks, and once they are in, they try to monetize their access—deactivating the group’s backups, stealing delicate information, and installing ransomware.
The effect of such violation can be grievous, leading to operational interruption, repairs, affect an organisation’s name, and lead to exposure of trade secrets and loss of intellectual property.
As a result, corporate groups and their employees must work together to fortify their lines in this highly increasing risky atmosphere.
Setting up your protective line
First, all employees must be conscious of the methods of hackers and promptly report any suspicious behaviour. They must also understand their respective roles in the defense of their organisation’s cyber systems.
The employers, on their part, must back these endeavors by inspiring a positive security culture where employees are given clear instructions to be watchful for phishing and IP protection, ask for help, collaborate on ways to advance cyber safety, and teach coworkers and family members.
As a group, companies and organisations should place emphasis on understanding the basics, constantly working on their resilience, and acting as a team to lessen their risk of exposure. Quality security begins with IT asset detection – you can only protect the devices, software and systems being used by your workers.
The next thing is to adhere to best practices in susceptibility management and multidimensional authentication, while putting in place the personnel, procedures, and know-how to spot, thwart, and recover from likely attacks. This entails anticipating and planning for the most unpleasant of scenarios, executing procedures to reduce supply chain and insider risks, and rehearsing your response.
Such rehearsal drills are not only important in getting you ready for the real attacks when they come, but also helps to expose hitherto unknown problems and inspire process improvements.
An organisation can also exploit the advantages of its security investments by closing known common attack routes, especially malware sent via email and the web, which can be nullified using prevention technologies like the hardware-enforced isolation of HP Sure Click Enterprise.
Such solutions help protect systems not by detecting malicious activity, but by allowing staffs to undertake normal daily routines, including risky undertakings like opening of email attachments safely and shielding IT departments against unidentified threats.
Collaborating with industry peers
Cyber security is a collaborative endeavor. Organisations can confidently strengthen the kind of actions and habits they will like their staff to adopt by vigorous and regular awareness sessions and exercises tailored to their needs.
A good example is HP’s recently released noir–inspired cybersecurity training film for its employees. This will help the organisation build a security culture, with staff encouraged to individually manage risks.
It must be pointed out too that these collaborations should not only be internal (within organisations), but also with other players in the industry. Such external cooperation, including sharing of threat intel, will help the organisation to gauge its cyber security strength and performance, equip it with current information on cybercrime trends and risks, and how best to stay ahead of cybercriminals in the current year, and in years to come.
Emmanuel Asika is Country Head, HP Nigeria
E-Business
Heirs Insurance Group Appoints Ibrahim Puri and Sonny Iroche as Independent Non-Executive Directors
Heirs Insurance Group (HIG), Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance provider, has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Puri and Sonny Iroche as Independent Non-Executive Directors of its non-life insurance business, Heirs General.
L-R: Sonny Iroche, Independent Non-Executive Director, Heirs General Insurance and Ibrahim Puri, Independent Non-Executive Director, Heirs General Insurance
The appointments further strengthen HIG’s governance and leadership team. HIG has enjoyed rapid growth since its launch in 2021, as consumers benefit from the Group’s unique offering of digitally driven insurance products and customer-centric service proposition.
Ibrahim Puri is an accomplished financial services leader, with over 30 years of experience in banking, fintech, and FMCG industries. He was Group Executive Director at the United Bank for Africa and serves on the board of RedTech and Nigeria Breweries. He brings a deep understanding of the African financial industry and the ability to navigate complex market dynamics.
Sonny Iroche has over four decades of experience in finance, investment promotion, and economic advisory. He serves as the Executive Chairman of Strategic Alliance Promotion Company and has held leadership positions at the Transmission Company of Nigeria and United Capital Plc. He also serves as a special advisor to the Board of Governors of the African Leadership Institute (AFLI).
Commenting, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman, Heirs Holdings said: “We are pleased to welcome Ibrahim and Sonny to Heirs Insurance Group, and specifically to Heirs General Insurance. Their exceptional leadership and track record of success will further assist in executing our vision of being Nigeria’s foremost, trusted, and innovative insurance provider.
“I know that their expertise will enhance Heirs Insurance Group’s position as an industry leader, delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders.”
Heirs Insurance Group is the insurance arm of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents, founded and led by Tony Elumelu. With a rapidly expanding retail footprint and an omnichannel digital presence, Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs General Insurance Limited, Heirs Life Assurance Limited and Heirs Insurance Brokers, serves both corporate and individual customers across Nigeria.
Heirs Insurance Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
As the world gathers for the 2024 Paris Olympics, QNET, a global leader in wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling, reaffirms its commitment to health and wellness with the Amezcua Bio Light 3 and Bio Disc 3.
The Olympics inspire millions of athletes worldwide to pursue fitness and wellness goals. Whether training for competitive sport or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, these innovative products enhance recovery, boost energy, and support overall well-being, bringing advanced sports technology to everyday fitness enthusiasts.
Enhanced Pain Relief with Amezcua Bio Light 3 and the Synergy with Bio Disc 3
The Amezcua Bio Light 3 is a non-invasive device that utilizes light therapy to target pain points directly. By combining the therapeutic effects of specific wavelengths of light, the Bio Light 3 helps to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and accelerate the healing process.
The Olympic spirit is about inspiring individuals to achieve their highest potential and empowering them to overcome challenges. The Bio Light 3 and Bio Disc 3 provide tools for athletes and individuals to manage pain and maintain their health, enabling them to pursue their goals with greater resilience and determination.
According to the Journal of BioPhotonics, light therapy improves muscle performance and recovery, emphasizing its effectiveness in sports. The user-friendly design of the Bio Light 3 makes it an accessible option for those seeking a natural solution to pain relief.
This is particularly relevant as athletes and fitness enthusiasts, both professional and non-professional who have been inspired by Olympians to get fit, as they too can benefit from the advanced sports technology used by top athletes.
Complementing the Bio Light 3 is the Bio Disc 3, renowned for restructuring water molecules and enhancing energy levels. Together, these products offer a holistic approach to pain management, with the Bio Disc 3’s energy-balancing properties working in tandem with the Bio Light 3 to maximize pain relief and support overall health.
Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer of QNET, highlights their innovative approach: “Our goal at QNET is to provide products that significantly enhance the quality of life. The Amezcua Bio Light 3, paired with the Bio Disc 3, exemplifies our dedication to pioneering advanced wellness solutions.
“Inspired by the athletes of the 2024 Paris Olympics, this combination is transforming pain management, offering a safe, non-invasive, and effective alternative for professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are increasingly aware of the benefits of effective recovery and healing.”
Since its launch in 2010 over 100,000 units of the Bio Light have been sold and have positively impacted the lives of an estimated 250,000 customers worldwide. Saina Nehwal, an Olympic Badminton player highlighted that the Bio Light 3 had been supporting her rest and body’s recovery, especially after her knee surgery. She also said that the Bio the Bio Disc 3 helped her body feel cleansed.
Maria Gonzalez, an Independent Representative of QNET and an active long-distance runner, who has been using the products for several months, shares her experience: “The Bio Light 3 and Bio Disc 3 have been game-changers for me. My chronic pain from running and strength training has decreased noticeably, and I feel more energetic and balanced.”
As the 2024 Paris Olympics progresses, the Amezcua Bio Light and Bio Disc 3 by QNET are reshaping the landscape of pain management. By providing an innovative, non-invasive, and effective solution, QNET is helping individuals around the world lead healthier and more comfortable lives, ready to embrace the spirit of the Olympics with enhanced recovery and healing.
Chowdeck, on-demand delivery service in Nigeria, has announced an exclusive partnership with Chicken Republic, an established quick-service restaurant chain and franchise, that will enable enhanced quality, more affordable, delivery meals for its users in Lagos and Ibadan.
Chowdeck already provides logistics services for Chicken Republic in eight Nigerian cities, and this new agreement cements its position as the preferred delivery partner.
Leveraging Chowdeck’s advanced logistics and technology, customers in Lagos and Ibadan will benefit from lower delivery fees and enjoy some of the fairest prices online.
Additionally, the partnership will include periodic in-app special discount offerings and the opportunity to earn Chowscore points through Chowdeck’s loyalty program, further enhancing value and satisfaction for loyal customers. To kick off the partnership, Chowdeck users are being offered an exclusive N1000 meal deal.
Chicken Republic will now be able to serve a larger customer base, ensuring that more people can enjoy their delicious offerings.
This collaboration will drive increased daily sales and customer engagement while addressing the growing demand for online food delivery, projected to reach 52.0 million users by 2029. Customers can look forward to more efficient and reliable delivery, ensuring their meals arrive hot and fresh.
Commenting on the partnership, Femi Aluko, CEO and co-founder of Chowdeck said “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, efficient, and convenient services.
“Combining our fast-growing delivery network with Chicken Republic’s exceptional offerings, we aim to enhance the customer experience and bring happiness to more individuals across Lagos and Ibadan.
Kofi Abunu, CEO of Food Concepts Plc, also said, “We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Chowdeck. Their remarkable growth over the past year, combined with the forward-thinking approach of their team and their unwavering commitment to investing in partner development, leave us with no doubt that they are here for the long term and will successfully address the last-mile delivery challenge.
“Our loyal customers around the country, especially in Lagos and Ibadan, can look forward to an enhanced delivery experience with Chicken Republic on Chowdeck.”
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