Cybersecurity – Africa Tech Digest

How to Successfully Recover from a Ransomware Attack

19Sep

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Cybersecurity

How to Successfully Recover from a Ransomware Attack

South Africa is an attractive target for cybercriminals for a number of reasons, and the last few years have seen a sharp rise in high-profile ransomware attacks. One of the key motivations driving this volume of attacks is the fact that data is a de facto currency and an extremely valuable commodity on the black market. While backup is a critical component of data protection, when this backup is also encrypted by malicious software, companies are often left with few options other than to pay the ransom. Therefore, an effective Cyber Recovery strategy, which enables businesses to get back up and running without having to give in to criminal demands, is the key. Continue reading Image: Kaspersky

Technology giant Olympus hit by BlackMatter ransomware

13Sep

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Africa, Cybersecurity

Technology giant Olympus hit by BlackMatter ransomware

Olympus said in a brief statement Sunday that it is “currently investigating a potential cybersecurity incident” affecting its European, Middle East and Africa computer network. “Upon detection of suspicious activity, we immediately mobilized a specialized response team including forensics experts, and we are currently working with the highest priority to resolve this issue. As part of the investigation, we have suspended data transfers in the affected systems and have informed the relevant external partners,” the statement said. But according to a person with knowledge of the incident, Olympus is recovering from a ransomware attack that began in the early morning of September 8. The person shared details of the incident prior to Olympus acknowledging the incident on Sunday. Continue...

3 Most Common Cyberscams that Compromise Business Emails

6Sep

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Cybersecurity, Telecommunications

3 Most Common Cyberscams that Compromise Business Emails

Online security firm Kaspersky reports that its cybersecurity experts are increasingly observing BEC (Business Email Compromise) attacks online. Between May and July 2021, Kaspersky says that its security products prevented more than 9,500 BEC attacks globally, including those against businesses in air transportation, industry, retail, IT, and delivery. Such attacks demand significant time and resources, and preparation for them may last from a few weeks to several months. One successful attack may lead to damage worth many millions for a company. During a BEC attack, fraudsters usually initiate an email exchange with a company employee in order to gain their trust and encourage actions that are detrimental to the interest of the company or its clients. Continue reading

Vodacom Partners With Trend Micro Expanding its Cybersecurity Offerings

30Aug

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Cybersecurity, Telecommunications

Vodacom Partners With Trend Micro Expanding its Cybersecurity Offerings

Vodacom Business has announced a partnership with IT security firm Trend Micro. The partnership will see Vodacom Business’ security solutions expanded to offer Trend Micro’s Worry-Free Services. “When combined with vulnerabilities from organisations shifting rapidly to digitalisation and remote working within the pandemic environment, cybersecurity failure is one of the top risks for businesses around the world in 2021, according to The World Economic Forum,” Vodacom Business says in a statement. This suite of protection services not only encompasses multiple endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, mobile devices and servers but includes web browsing, email and cloud collaboration. Continue reading

5.8-Million Attacks Detected in Malware Disguised as PC Games

29Aug

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Cybersecurity, Gaming

5.8-Million Attacks Detected in Malware Disguised as PC Games

Over 5.8 million attacks by malware and unwanted software disguised as popular PC games were detected and prevented by Kaspersky and its cybersecurity solutions globally from Q3 2020 to Q2 2021. This increased volume may be connected to the rapid growth of gaming activities during the pandemic. The data comes from the latest game-related cyberthreats report by Kaspersky, in which researchers assessed the changes of gaming-related threats during the pandemic. The gaming industry witnessed unprecedented growth over the past 18-months, in part, thanks to users being forced to find alternative means of entertainment as they stayed at home. Even though the world has become safer this year, the demand for games persists, and the industry is predicted to grow even further, reaching a pot...

Malware Spreading Through Popular WhatsApp Mod Uncovered

27Aug

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Apps, Cybersecurity, Education, Telecommunications

Malware Spreading Through Popular WhatsApp Mod Uncovered

A malicious version of a popular WhatsApp messenger mod (unofficial modification of the app) called FMWhatsapp has been discovered by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. This mod spreads the Triada mobile Trojan, which downloads other Trojans and can launch ads, issue subscriptions, and intercept a user’s SMSs. Even though WhatsApp is one of the most popular apps for instant mobile messaging, not all users are satisfied with its features. Looking for the most user-friendly version, people can be tempted to install modified versions of WhatsApp, which provide many more options than the official one (such as choosing dynamic templates or the ability to read deleted messages). However, these modified apps do not have the same security and encryption features that the official version of...

Explained: Can the Nigerian government really spy on your WhatsApp messages?

23Aug

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Apps, Cybersecurity, Nigeria, Telecommunications, West Africa

Explained: Can the Nigerian government really spy on your WhatsApp messages?

Barely a month after blocking access to Twitter, the Nigerian government allocated ₦1.93 billion ($4.6 million) to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for a “WhatsApp Intercept Solution”. An interception solution for WhatsApp would allow an external party (the government, in this case) to access, monitor, or block communications (calls and chats) carried out by users via the app. The move is reportedly aimed at protecting Nigeria from cybercrime and terrorism perpetrated through such messaging platforms. However, it is seen by media stakeholders and activists as yet another attempt to restrict civil liberties. Continue reading

Malware attacks in Africa are increasing, reaching 85 million in only 6 months

20Aug

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Cybersecurity

Malware attacks in Africa are increasing, reaching 85 million in only 6 months

Overall, 4 countries account for 85 million attacks, with South Africa being the most targeted LAGOS, Nigeria, August 19, 2021/APO Group/ -- Kaspersky (https://africa.Kaspersky.com) research highlights that malware is rife across Africa with various countries exhibiting strong growth in all malware types in the first half of 2021, when compared to the same period last year. This is a 5% increase in the region, as cybercriminals and hackers continue to focus on African countries considering digital transformation advancements and the increase in remote working resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 4 countries account for 85 million attacks, with South Africa being the most targeted (32 million attacks), followed by Kenya (28.3 million), Nigeria (16.7 million) an...

T-Mobile Says Hack Exposed Personal Data of 40 Million People

19Aug

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Cybersecurity

T-Mobile Says Hack Exposed Personal Data of 40 Million People

A cyberattack on T-Mobile exposed the information of more than 40 million people, with stolen files including names, birthdays and social security numbers, the company said on Tuesday. The mobile service provider said in a statement that it had been investigating the data breach since last week, when it was “informed of claims made in an online forum that a bad actor had compromised T-Mobile systems.” The company said the stolen files included information from approximately 7.8 million current T-Mobile accounts, as well as records of more than 40 million former or prospective customers who had applied for credit with the company. Continue reading (Image Credits: Shutterstock)

Crypto hacker offered reward after $600m heist

15Aug

By Africa Tech DigestNo Comments

Cryptocurrency, Cybersecurity

Crypto hacker offered reward after $600m heist

A hacker who stole just over $600m (£433m) worth of cryptocurrency was offered $500,000 and immunity as a reward for returning the money. Poly Network made the controversial offer after the hacker pledged to send back the money. The attack was uncovered on Tuesday when Poly Network publicly pleaded with the hacker to help. One former FBI official said "private companies have no authority to promise immunity from criminal prosecution". The attack is one of the largest hacking heists in history. Poly Network said the person had exploited a vulnerability in its system. Most of the money has now been given back, although the hacker says they are not interested in the reward. Continue reading (Image Credits: Unsplash)