Technology
Fortifying Digital Frontiers: Lessons and Strategies from the Ronin Network Hack
By Junaid Ijaya and Femi Babatunde
In the ever-evolving space of digital finance, where the currency of choice fluctuates as swiftly as the internet’s whims, the Ronin Network Hack of 2022 served as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved. Picture this: a playground for the modern gamer and financier, where fortunes in the form of digital tokens swing with every click—a universe where even virtual Axies (charming digital creatures) are worth millions. But amidst this digital gold rush, a nefarious plot unfolded, one that would see over $625 million vanish into the ether.
This was not just any heist. It was a breach that shook the very foundations of the blockchain gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi) sectors, highlighting vulnerabilities that went far beyond a mere loss of assets. The Ronin Network, designed as a fortress guarding the bustling economy of Axie Infinity, fell victim to an assault that was as sophisticated as it was devastating. This case study explores the intricate details of the attack, unravelling the layers of security that were bypassed and the subsequent shockwaves that rippled through the digital domain. Here, we explore why this incident stands out in the crowded field of recent cybersecurity breaches, serving as a critical lesson for stakeholders across the fintech landscape.
2.0 Understanding the Ronin Network
Have you ever been curious about what’s behind the surge of new gaming and financial platforms that are more than just fun but also potentially profitable? Meet blockchain technology, specifically Ethereum and its customized sidechain, Ronin, which have been game changers in this field of financial gamification.
Ethereum expands on the basic concept of blockchain, which traditionally supported transactions like those seen in Bitcoin. It introduces a platform where developers can create decentralized applications (dApps) through smart contracts. These are programs that automate agreements and transactions directly on the blockchain, making operations not only more efficient but also secure and transparent.
One of the most innovative applications of this technology is the Ronin Network, tailored specifically for Axie Infinity—a game that has become a standard-bearer for the “Play-to-Earn” model. In Axie Infinity, players engage in more than just gameplay; they participate in a mini-economy, breeding, raising, and battling creatures called Axies to earn cryptocurrency rewards. This setup was ideal for Ethereum’s capabilities, but it highlighted some limitations in terms of transaction costs and speeds. Ronin was developed to address these issues, providing a sidechain solution that supports quicker and cheaper transactions while maintaining robust security.
What Axie Infinity does is showcase how blockchain can bridge entertainment with real economic incentives, turning gaming into a platform not only for enjoyment but also for financial gains. This paradigm shift not only alters how games are played but also introduces a new way for players to engage in and understand economic systems in a digital era.
3.0 Details of the hack
When $625 million disappears from a network designed to be ultra-secure, it makes you wonder: How could this happen? Let’s peel back the layers of the Ronin Network hack to understand the technical nuances and the security lapses that allowed this dramatic heist to unfold.
The Ronin Network, an Ethereum sidechain developed to support the bustling digital economy of Axie Infinity, was breached on March 23, 2022. The attackers used a method known as “social engineering” to initiate the breach. They targeted the network’s validators, who are responsible for confirming transactions on the blockchain. By exploiting the trust and verification mechanisms between these validators, the hackers managed to execute their plan.
But how exactly did they get in? The breach was primarily facilitated through the compromise of private keys. In blockchain technology, private keys are akin to the most secure passwords. Possessing them essentially grants full control over the associated resources. In the case of Ronin, the attackers obtained access to five out of the nine validator nodes. According to reports, this was enough to form a consensus group, allowing them to authorize fraudulent transactions (Sky Mavis, 2022).
Here’s where it gets interesting: the attackers specifically targeted a backdoor in the gas-free RPC node, which was initially instituted to facilitate free transactions for convenience. Once they accessed the RPC node, they forged fake withdrawals. It’s like finding a spare key under the mat; once inside, they had free reign.
This method of attack raises a critical question: In an age where digital fortresses are supposed to be impregnable, how could such a simple oversight occur? The truth is, even the most secure networks can have vulnerabilities that are overlooked until exploited. The Ronin hack underscores the need for rigorous security protocols at every layer of network operations, especially on decentralized platforms where multiple validators are involved. It also highlights the paradox of blockchain security: the balance between user convenience and stringent security measures is a tightrope walk.
In the aftermath of the Ronin Network heist, the spotlight wasn’t just on the staggering $625 million that evaporated but also on the glaring security vulnerabilities it revealed. So, what were these weak spots, and why were they so critical in the scheme of this digital break-in?
First, let’s talk about the over-reliance on a limited number of validators. Ronin operates on a smaller consensus model with only nine validators—a stark contrast to Ethereum’s thousands. While this structure allows for faster and cheaper transactions, it inherently reduces the network’s resistance to certain types of attacks. Essentially, gaining control over a majority of these validators, as the hackers did, is akin to holding the master key to the network. It’s like if only nine people had the code to the city’s main vault; compromise a few, and you’re in.
Moreover, the use of a “gas-free RPC node” exposed a significant security flaw. Designed to ease transaction processes, this node became the hackers’ golden gate. It was supposed to be a convenient feature, but who thought convenience could cost so much? This feature was exploited to initiate unauthorized transactions without triggering standard security protocols. This kind of vulnerability begs the question: In trying to streamline and simplify, are we inadvertently lowering the drawbridge for attackers?
Another critical point was the insufficient security measures around the authentication processes for these validators. The fact that social engineering could be used so effectively to compromise key components of the network’s security architecture suggests a lapse in both technical safeguards and operational security training. It’s a classic case of underestimating the human element in cybersecurity. Could stronger, multifactor authentication and more rigorous security training for all personnel involved have thwarted the attackers?
Reflecting on these vulnerabilities exposes a broader issue in the blockchain space. As networks like Ronin seek to balance performance with decentralization, how much risk are they willing to accept? And more importantly, how can these networks bolster their defences without compromising the principles of decentralization that make blockchain technology so revolutionary? These are not just rhetorical questions but real challenges that need addressing if blockchain networks are to be trusted as the financial infrastructure of the future. Where do you think—where should the line be drawn between convenience and security in blockchain architectures?
Junaid is a cybersecurity engineer and cloud solutions architect and Femi is a technical product manager and quantitative researcher
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About $37 million is being invested in Africa by Google to ensure the continent is not left behind in technology, with $7 million earmarked for Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa to support academic institutions and nonprofits building localized AI curricula, online safety training, and cybersecurity programs.
In addition, two new $1 million grants from Google.org aim to bolster AI research capacity across the continent.
One grant goes to the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI) at the University of Pretoria to support applied AI research and training. The other supports the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute in South Africa, which will fund MSc and PhD students to conduct foundational AI research and help shape Africa’s role in the global AI landscape.
Also, the tech giant is providing $25 million for an AI Collaborative for Food Security, which will bring together researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-develop AI tools for early hunger forecasting, crop resilience, and tailored guidance for smallholder farmers.
The goal is to help make food systems across Africa more adaptive, equitable, and resilient in the face of increasing climate and economic shocks.
Further, the company is providing $3 million for Masakhane Research Foundation to support the development of high-quality datasets, machine translation models, and speech tools that make digital content more accessible to millions of Africans in their native languages.
To further empower innovation, Google is launching a catalytic funding initiative to support AI-driven startups tackling real-world challenges. This platform will combine philanthropic capital, venture investment, and Google’s technical expertise to help more than 100 early-stage ventures scale AI-based solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, and other vital sectors. Startups will also receive mentorship, access to tools, and technical guidance to support responsible development.
Google has also launched an AI Community Centre in Accra for AI learning, experimentation, and collaboration in Africa. The facility will host training sessions, community events, and workshops focused on responsible AI development.
Its programming will span four pillars: AI literacy, community technology, social impact, and arts and culture — providing a platform for a diverse ecosystem of developers, students, and creators to engage with AI in ways that are grounded in African priorities.
To help meet the rising demand for AI and digital skills, Google is rolling out 100,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for students in higher learning institutions across Ghana.
These fully funded, self-paced programs will focus on AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials, and other high-growth fields like IT Support, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity — enabling more learners to access job-ready training and build careers in AI and the digital economy.
“Africa is home to some of the most important and inspiring work in AI today. We are committed to supporting the next wave of innovation through long-term investment, local partnerships, and platforms that help researchers and entrepreneurs build solutions that matter,” the Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology and Society at Google, Mr James Manyika, said.
Also, the Vice President of Engineering and Research at Google, Mr Yossi Matias, stated, “This new wave of support reflects our belief in the talent, creativity, and ingenuity across the continent. By building with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions that are rooted in Africa’s realities and built for global impact.”
These days, people rely heavily on their mobile phones for talking, texting, banking, social media, and storing important personal information. Because of this, scammers and spammers often target phone users.
Mobile fraud, like fake SMS messages and scams, is becoming more common and putting millions at risk of losing money or having their private details stolen.
Airtel’s new AI-powered Spam Alert Service offers a smart and timely way to fight back, marking a major step forward in protecting mobile users in Africa.
A brief look at mobile fraud and spam
Mobile fraud and spam are problems around the world, but they hit harder in places where mobile phone use is growing fast, and safety measures haven’t caught up.
A 2024 report from GSMA Mobile Economy shows that more than 20% of mobile users globally have experienced some kind of mobile fraud, with spam texts being one of the most common.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has noted a sharp rise in scam messages and fake calls, leading to yearly losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
These spam texts often include fake links, harmful ads, or tricks to steal personal details. Many people get caught without knowing, which can lead to stolen bank money, identity theft, or damaged devices.
Older spam blockers only work on certain phones or apps, leaving many people, especially those using basic phones, without protection.
Why Airtel’s AI Spam Alert Service stands out
Airtel, a top telecom company in Africa, has launched a new and free service called the AI Spam Alert Service. It’s the first of its kind in Africa and aims to protect mobile users from spam text messages as they come in.
What makes this service different is that it doesn’t read or check the actual message content. Instead, it uses advanced artificial intelligence to quickly study the sender’s behaviour using over 250 signs or patterns, all within a fraction of a second.
Some of those parameters, according to Airtel, includes:
- How frequently the sender changes SIM cards.
- The volume and frequency of messages sent by the message initiator to different recipients.
- The geographical spread of the recipient numbers, whether messages are targeted locally or dispersed nationwide.
- Whether the sender receives replies or only sends messages.
- A cross-reference of numbers previously reported for spam activity.
The AI completes this analysis in just 2 milliseconds, faster than the blink of an eye, allowing real-time alerts to subscribers as suspected spam messages arrive.
How Airtel’s Spam Alert Service improves mobile safety and trust
Airtel’s new AI-powered spam alert system is set to make a big difference in mobile security across Nigeria and the rest of Africa. Instead of depending on users to block spam themselves, the service works directly through the network to stop suspicious messages before they reach people’s phones.
This kind of technology helps users feel safer and more confident using mobile networks—especially as more people rely on their phones for banking and other money-related services.
A 2025 report by McKinsey Digital shows that many Africans worry about mobile security when using digital financial tools. By reducing the risk of spam and fraud, Airtel is not only protecting its users but also helping to build a safer digital space where more people can take part in the growing mobile economy.
According to Airtel, within two months of its launch, the spam alert service system has identified 9,667,008 messages as potential spam.
Why this is a game changer
By building a service that is first-of-its-kind in Africa, Airtel is leading the way in offering spam alerts, powered by AI directly on its network, for over 150 million subscribers across the continent.
In addition, the service is quick, spotting suspicious sender activity in just milliseconds without reading users’ messages.
Finally, the service is free and requires no app downloads or extra setup. Airtel says the turns on automatically, making it easy for everyone to stay protected, even those using basic phones.
By sending signals to users before problems happen, Airtel boosts trust and encourages more people to safely use mobile money and other digital services.
Scammers are always finding new ways to trick consumers through the ubiquitous mobile phones, so increased demand for security improvements is, understandably, shifting to telecom companies. Airtel’s AI Spam Alert Service is a strong and timely move toward better, smarter protection for users. As more people start using the service, it should help cut down fraud, keep personal information safe, and make mobile use more enjoyable.
As African economies continue to grow more digital, users of telecom services will need more secure and reliable ways to communicate, and Airtel is leading the way towards that safe future.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The $150 million data centre established in Lagos by MTN Nigeria has been described by the federal government as a gamechanger because of it aligns with its digital economy agenda.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, speaking during the unveiling recently in Ikeja, Lagos, said the facility supports the $1 trillion economy the current administration aims to build.
“An investment like this, the one we are here to launch, offers a platform for our young people to thrive. Enterprise-grade infrastructure like this, on our soil, gives startups, developers, and digital creators the ability to build and scale from Nigeria to the world.
“With this facility, MTN is reinforcing its position as Nigeria’s digital backbone. The data centre, named after the late Sifiso Dabengwa, a former CEO of MTN Nigeria and later Group Chief Operating Officer before his passing in September last year is being hailed as Nigeria’s largest prefabricated modular data centre
“It will deliver 4.5 MW in phase 1, with an additional 4.5 MW to be delivered in phase 2, which is expected to be completed soon,” he stated.
Mr Tijani noted that the MTN Data Centre would contribute to growing Nigeria’s economy by “unlocking productivity, hiring enterprise, and driving diversification through technological innovation and inclusion.”
The chief executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Aminu Maida, represented by the Deputy Director for New Media and Information Security Department, Mr Babagaba Digima, praised MTN’s leadership in digital innovation.
“The commission remains committed to creating an environment that supports innovation while ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity, data protection, and robust internet infrastructure. We will continue to work closely with operators to ensure that the deployment of critical infrastructure meets the high standards our digital economy deserves,” he stated.
Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the facility “not only signifies MTN’s unwavering commitment to investing in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure but also reinforces the strategic importance of Lagos as a technology and innovation hub for the nation.”
“As we all know, data is the new oil, and cloud technology is the engine that drives it. With its Tier III facilities, MTN is raising the bar for secure, scalable, and efficient enterprise services, critical enablers for businesses, public services, and national as well as multinational corporations alike,” Mr Sanwo-Olu stated.
Also speaking, the chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, said, “We are committed to building locally managed, globally competitive digital platforms that will enable businesses to scale faster and engage more people in wide-ranging research and development.
“At MTN, we believe everyone, particularly Nigerians and Africans, deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. We continue to push boundaries to make the humanly impossible, conceivable, feasible, and ultimately possible.”
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