Technology
Cyber Threats in Nigeria Drop 7.5% in 2021—Kaspersky
By Adedapo Adesanya
Cyber threats in Nigeria in 2021 depreciated by 7.5 per cent, according to the latest research by Kaspersky.
This dramatic change in the threat landscape is coming at a time regular and self-propagating malware is decreasing dramatically, as it is no longer effective and cannot fly under security radars.
Security researchers at Kaspersky noticed that Kenya recorded the highest decline with an unprecedented 28.6 per cent, while South Africa saw a 12 per cent decrease.
The reason for such a change was the introduction and popularisation of new cybercrime models in the region, with cybercrime tools becoming more targeted along with a long-running trend where malware creators rely not on the technical advantage of their technologies over security protection, but on the human factor.
The cybersecurity firm noted that this has stimulated the evolution of phishing schemes in 2021. In particular, the region saw a wave of ‘Anomalous’ spyware attacks.
The usual phishing spyware attack begins when attackers infect a victim by sending them an e-mail with a malicious attachment or a link to a compromised website and ends when the spyware is downloaded and activated on the victim’s device.
Having gathered all necessary data, the operator usually ends the operation by attempting to leave the infected system unnoticed. In anomalous attacks, however, the victim’s device becomes not only a source of data but also a tool for spyware distribution.
Having access to the victim’s email server, the malware operators use it to send phishing emails from a legitimate company’s email address. In this case, anomalous spyware attacks an organisation’s server for collecting stolen data from another organisation and sending further phishing emails.
Speaking on this, Maria Garnaeva, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky ICS CERT team, “The Anomalous spyware attacks have a huge potential for growth in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria in 2022, because unlike regular spyware the entry-level for attackers who wish to employ this tactic is significantly lower – since instead of paying for their own infrastructure, they abuse and employ the victims’ resources.
“We see that cheaper attack methods have always been on the rise in the region and cybercriminals quickly pick up on new tactics. Kaspersky, therefore, suggests that in the nearest future, these countries should be prepared for such attacks.”
She explained that the mass scale attacks are not disappearing, but rather transforming with the scheme usually following a style where a user searches for a free version of an extremely popular legitimate spyware and the cybercriminals offer them a fake installer using ‘black SEO technic’ – the abuse of the legitimate search engines, resulting in the offering of the fraudulent websites first.
As a result of software installer execution, a few dozen malware samples are downloaded and installed with the goal of turning the infected devices into a part of the Glupteba botnet.
The whole fake installers campaign and botnet have been extremely active in South Africa in 2021 and continue to evolve, yet it is scarcely researched.
“While the Glupteba botnet seems to be a threat for consumers, we are still researching it and keeping an eye on its behaviour, since some distributed malware resembles APT-related samples like Lazarus APT groups and were recently used in the largest DDoS attack in Russia. It is too early to say it with a high level of confidence, but these factors may suggest that we are now entering the era where APT actors start to use existing malware distribution platforms which makes attribution of such attacks harder and opens a new vector similar to supply chain attacks,” added Ms Garnaeva.
Recommendations from Kaspersky
In order to stay protected from such new cybercrime models and threats, Kaspersky recommends the following:
– Pay close attention to and don’t open any suspicious files or attachments received from unknown sources.
– Do not download and install applications from untrusted sources.
– Do not click on any links received from unknown sources and suspicious online advertisements.
– Create strong passwords and don’t forget to change them regularly.
– Always install updates. Some of them may contain critical security issues fixes.
– Ignore messages asking to disable security systems for office software or antivirus software.
– Use a robust security solution appropriate to your system type and devices, such as Kaspersky Internet Security.
By Dipo Olowookere
The fibre broadband service of MTN Nigeria, MTN Fibre Broadband, has been rebranded to MTN FibreX as part of the company’s commitment to providing ultra-fast, reliable, and accessible internet services to its customers.
The leading technology firm said the transformation marks a significant stride in delivering next-generation internet solutions across the nation in line with the country’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025, which aims to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, ensuring minimum speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural regions.
MTN Nigeria explained that the new name was adopted to create a more customer-friendly brand. The new name embodies a more modern, relatable, and emotionally resonant brand that is positioned to lead the conversation around what premium internet should feel like.
The goal is to educate and excite consumers within home-passed locations (the potential number of premises within a service area that can be connected to an fibre to the home [FTTH] network) about the benefits of the product.
The company said FibreX would play a pivotal role in the federal government’s initiative to expand the nation’s fibre-optic network by an additional 90,000 kilometres, aiming to increase fibre capacity from 35,000 km to 125,000 km.
FibreX promises ultra-fast and reliable internet connectivity, aiming to meet the diverse needs of Nigerians, from bustling urban centres to remote rural areas, it assured.
“The launch of FibreX reiterates our dedication to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
“By enhancing our infrastructure and services, we aim to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth,” the Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, Egerton Idehen, stated.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Entries for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program have opened, with some benefits attached to selected participants, including a dedicated technical mentorship from Google and industry experts.
In addition, beneficiaries will receive $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, access to a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators, and workshops focused on technology, product strategy, people leadership, and AI implementation.
The accelerator is open to Seed to Series A startups based in Africa that are building AI-first solutions and entries can be submitted via https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa. Startups must have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI innovation.
The three-month initiative is designed to support early-stage startups using artificial intelligence to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Across the continent, startups are demonstrating how local innovation can solve deeply rooted problems. In West Africa, Crop2Cash – an agritech platform and alumni of the program – is using AI to digitally onboard smallholder farmers, build their financial identities, and provide them with access to credit, traceable payments, and productivity tools.
Through these efforts, Crop2Cash is improving agricultural outcomes and unlocking economic opportunity for farmers who have long been excluded from formal systems—illustrating the kind of impact that’s possible when African startups receive the support they need to scale.
AI’s potential to accelerate Africa’s development is real, and Google is investing in ensuring that African startups lead that charge. According to McKinsey, AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, but only if bold innovation is supported at the grassroots.
“Startups are Africa’s problem solvers. With the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local communities.
“This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply,” the Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa at Google, Mr Folarin Aiyegbusi, said.
Since 2018, the program has supported 140 startups from 17 African countries. These alumni have raised more than $300 million in funding and created over 3,000 jobs. Many are now regional and global leaders in their categories.
By Edwin Uhara
The various telecommunication companies in the country have come under intense pressure from the Nigerian consumers over rapid depletion of mobile data services despite the high cost of purchasing mobile data; with some accusing some of the regulatory agencies of not doing their jobs properly.
Apart from Nigerians, I have personally experienced such unsatisfactory service in recent times until I came across various online campaign materials against telecom service providers and some regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission who have all been accused of doing nothing while the unhealthy practices continued in the telecoms industry.
“According to report, telecom subscribers are sending emails and direct messages to the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, demanding an investigation into what they describe as unexplained data consumption.”
In the midst of such accusation, operators insist that there is no mechanism for reducing customers’ data, arguing instead that rising consumption is due to users behaviour, particularly the shift from 3G and 4G to 5G and increased video streaming habit.
Such controversy comes on the hills of the recent intervention by the Nigerian Senate urging the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage operators on reviewing data and internet-related service costs.
While data consumption issues have remained a pressing concern in recent times, the situation became more pronounced since the implementation of new tariff by service providers.
“The report however added that many subscribers who shared screenshots of emails sent to regulators on social media remained unconvinced, arguing that the problem lies in the operators’ billing systems rather than their usage habits.”
“It added that data prices are too high these days. Every Nigerian should report the operators to NCC, FCCPC, and send them thousands of emails; otherwise, this price hike won’t stop,” one of the customers said.”
“Not only has data become more expensive, but it also seemed to deplete faster than before. This is unacceptable,” another user complained.”
Nigeria’s internet consumption crossed the one million terabyte mark for the first time in January 2025, highlighting the surging demand for internet services and Nigeria’s increasing dependence on digital connectivity.
To be very honest, I have followed the activities of the FCCPC for a very long time now, and I have also written extensively about the commission’s activities to place me in a better position to know what the agency is doing to stop exploitative practices in the country.
During the nationwide food crisis last year, the commission was in the forefront of the war against exploitative practices with many raids against some manufacturers who were caught in the shabby practice.
We also remember the open confrontation between the commission and a minister last year over some unhealthy practices involving a popular airline operator in the country.
And most recently, the commission is in court over some issues involving MultiChoice company, the parent company of DStv and Gotv over some of it’s billing systems.
Like the situation in the telecoms industry, the price hike by MultiChoice saw DStv Compact move from N15,700 to N19,000. Compact Plus from N25,000 to N30,000. Premium from N37,000 to N44,500, and GOtv Supa Plus from N15,700 to N16,800.
Following the new price regime, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice to suspend the increase pending regulatory review, but the company went ahead with the price adjustment, leading to the legal dispute now before Justice James Omotosho.
I can go on to name many of the battles against exploitative practices the FCCPC addressed last year, but will not do so because I don’t want this article to be viewed as a public relations material by my readers.
However, I managed to get across to a staff of the FCCPC who do not want his name in print over data depletion which Nigerians are complaining about but he told me that the commission is already addressing the concerns raised by Nigerians and promised that the outcome of such investigation would soon be made public.
Therefore, I appeal to Nigerians to exercise more patience as the issue is been addressed.
Comrade Edwin Uhara is A Public Affairs Commentator and writes from Abuja
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