Technology
Kaspersky Upgrades Fights Against Ransomware

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Kaspersky Lab has launched updated versions of its Kaspersky Internet Security in a bid to ensure better protection against ransomware.
The upgraded version is able to protect Mac computers while using public Wi-Fi networks and also offers an extra layer of protection with a secret code for Android users to prevent specific apps like instant messaging services, social media and email from being seen by others if they are accessing a user’s phone.
In addition, the consumer line-up is extended by a free solution aimed at protecting Windows home users from cyber threats. The release of Kaspersky Free is coincided with the company’s celebration of its 20th anniversary.
The number of Internet users is growing every day. According to Internet World Stats, by March 2017, the number of people connected to the Internet amounted to 3,7 billion across the world.
However, the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Index shows that only slightly more than half of Internet users protect all of their connected devices.
Kaspersky Lab says it believes that all Internet users around the world have the right to be protected against digital threats. That is why the company has developed a free security solution with an optimal set of security technologies for Windows devices in addition to its flagship consumer products, being able to provide world-winning protection for Windows and Mac computers, smartphones, and tablets running under Android, Windows Phone, and iOS.
As such, now users can choose a suitable Kaspersky Lab solution depending on the devices they use, activities that they do in the digital space and cyber awareness skills that they have.
The latest versions of Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security are designed to protect the modern household, helping people care for their connected devices and every aspect of their digital lives.
In particular, people tend to have major concerns about their data falling into the hands of others, with some of the data stored on personal devices being so sensitive that Kaspersky Lab research shows that globally, 44% of users wouldn’t want anyone else to see it.
To ensure users’ data stays firmly in their own hands, the new App Lock feature for Android offers an extra layer of protection with a secret code for users to prevent specific apps like instant messaging services, social media, email, or other confidential information from being seen by others when they are accessing a user’s phone.
Users can also benefit from the Kaspersky Secure Connection service, integrated with Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security, which encrypts all user traffic when using insecure Wi-Fi or sensitive websites.
Because their data is so precious to them, over half (56%) of Internet users globally are concerned about the prospect of having their data held at ransom, concerns that are expected to rise following the recent WannaCry and ExPetr epidemics.
To help give people peace of mind, Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security include the company’s anti-ransomware feature, which has been updated to fight even the most complicated ransomware.
The average household today spends a huge part of its awake hours online, and the more people surf the web, the greater their risk of falling victim to a malicious programme or website.
In its annual research, Kaspersky Lab has found that 63% of Internet users globally are worried about phishing emails and websites.
To address this concern, Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Total Security include anti-phishing technology to prevent users from falling victim to fake or spam emails, fake websites and fraud.
In addition, the updated URL Advisor tells a user whether a link in the search engine leads to a trusted, suspicious, dangerous or phishing website, or a website that may cause their computer harm, via a special indicator close to each link.
The new product in the company’s line-up – Kaspersky Free – is based on the company’s advanced technologies, which have repeatedly proved their efficiency in numerous independent tests. The reliable and user friendly solution provides basic features to secure users from the most common cyberthreats.
Riaan Badenhorst, General Manager at Kaspersky Lab Africa, commented: “This year, Kaspersky Lab is celebrating an extremely successful 20 years in the IT security market. During all of this time, our mission has been to provide as many people as possible with reliable protection against cybercrime. And we are happy that users from now on will be able to benefit from an extended line-up of consumer products. The new free security solution for Windows is the crown jewel on a comprehensive set of Kaspersky Lab free and freemium solutions for a range of different platforms. The engine in Kaspersky Free is the same as the engine in all of our personal products, and the solution provides users with basic high-quality protection against the most common threats, which is especially important for those who are not able to pay for a full-function solution”.
Kaspersky Free detects and automatically blocks suspicious and malicious files and programmes, as well as alerts users on potentially malicious websites and phishing (fake) pages, thus preventing criminal attempts to steal a user’s money or their identity. Kaspersky Free databases are updated automatically in real-time, so that users can be sure they are protected from the most current threats, without slowing down their computers.
Technology
NCC Introduces N10m Licence Fee for Bulk SMS Service

By Adedapo Adesanya
Companies sending bulk international text messages, also known as Application-to-Person (A2P) messages, will now have apply for a licence that costs N10 million.
This is part of new rules introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) aimed at cleaning up the system, fighting fraud, blocking spam messages and stopping money from leaving the country unchecked.
These A2P messages are the kind customers get from banks, online stores, hospitals and political campaigns, automated texts sent from apps to their phones.
According to the commission, the bulk international text message system has been poorly regulated, allowing misuse and invasion of privacy.
“The International SMS Service Ecosystem in Nigeria has not been fully brought under regulatory control. It has been observed that the excessive use of the Short Message Service has led to fraud, spam and illegal activities,” the NCC said.
The regulator warned that without action, the problem would worsen as more people use mobile phones and digital services.
To solve this, the NCC is creating a central platform, or gateway, through which all international bulk text messages must pass through.
The agency said this would help to monitor messages in real time, ensure proper fees are paid, and make sure the money stays in Nigeria where it can contribute to the economy.
As part of the incoming change, service providers must follow strict rules, including strong data protection, spam filters, and message encryption.
Also, they must also work with local mobile networks and make sure all messages come from a verified sender.
The NCC warned that any message without a proper sender ID will be blocked and not delivered to users.
To protect users from unwanted texts, the new rules say companies must get clear permission before sending any promotional content.
The rule also says people must also be able to choose whether they want to receive such messages or not.
Companies are now required to keep records of all messages for at least six months and must clearly state all charges involved.
The NCC said fees for help requests, cancellations, or service info must be transparent and not include hidden charges.
The commission will issue licences to several providers to encourage healthy competition but may limit new licences if needed. Only companies that show they can stop fraud and safely deliver messages will be allowed to operate. They must also regularly report their message traffic and finances to the NCC.
It warned that any company that breaks the rules risks getting fined, suspended, or having its licence revoked. Offences like charging illegal tariffs, ignoring security rules, or avoiding taxes will be punished, the NCC said.
The commission added that the new rules follow the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and support the federal government’s goal of strengthening cybersecurity and controlling Nigeria’s digital space. The framework will also be reviewed from time to time to keep up with new technology and market trends.
Economy
Bill on e-Governance, Digital Economy Scales Second Reading at Senate

By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025 has scaled second reading in the Senate following the lead debate on the general principles of the bill sponsored by Mf Shuaib Salisu during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.
Leading the debate, the Ogun State lawmaker said the bill holds immense promise for our nation and the future of its younger workforce.
The Nigerian government has set its sight on being a $1 trillion economy and plans on using digital technologies to attain this target.
Speaking at plenary, the lawmaker said that the bill was read for the first time on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and that it would provide the necessary framework towards economic growth.
“The legislation seeks to establish a structured and comprehensive legal framework for the development and regulation of National Digital Economy and e-Governance system.
“As a crucial step and strategic pillar for 21st century governance, economic diversification and national competitiveness, harnessing the potentials of our digital economy.”
Mr Salisu said that the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, 2025, sought to establish a comprehensive legal framework for secure electronic transactions.
“Responsible technology deployment and digitised governance. It institutionalises e-government, introduces ethical governance for Al and emerging technologies.”
He also said that as countries around the world accelerate their digital transitions, Nigeria must act decisively to modernise its digital ecosystem.
“This Bill is a strategic instrument to that end, ensuring our institutions, economy and citizens are prepared for the demands and opportunities of a digital future.”
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Mr Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary said that the bill was geared towards the improvement of Nigeria’s economy.
He said the upper chamber would provide it backing to such a bill that would drive growth and development.
He, thereafter, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for further legislative actions and report back in four weeks.
Technology
MTN to Support Startups With Cloud Accelerator Programme

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Plans are underway by MTN Nigeria to support startups with training and resources they needed to thrive through a cloud accelerator programme.
The Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria, Ms Lynda Saint-Nwafor, speaking at the unveiling of Dabengwa Data Centre in Lagos last week, said the MTN Cloud Accelerator for Africa would help Nigerian businesses, and boost the country’s digital eco-system.
“A few weeks from now, we’ll launch the MTN Cloud Accelerator for Africa. This isn’t just another accelerator, but one that would empower the Nigeria tech-ecosystem for growth,” she said.
At the launch of the data centre, put in place with support of Dell Technologies, the chairman of MTN Nigeria, Mr Ernest Ndukwe, said, “Setting up the infrastructure of this size is not an easy task and I want to seize the opportunity to thank those who have been working tirelessly to make it happen.”
On his part, the chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, stated described the facility as “a representation of technological advancements that focuses on the development of a state-of-the-art commissioning and data-centric architecture in line with the direction and policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Also, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, said, “The MTN Data Centre is part of the digital foundation of Nigeria’s modern economy that we seek -one that provides, and will continue to provide world class reliability, sothat we can keep our money local. We don’t have to ship it out in dollars.”
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State’s Government (SSG), Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said, “Investments like this offer a platform for our young people to be able to thrive. Enterprise-grade infrastructure on our own soil, giving start-ups, developers, and data creators the ability to build and scale from Nigeria to the world. With this facility, MTN is reinforcing Nigeria’s position as the digital backbone of West Africa.”
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, said, “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and technological independence. The infrastructure we celebrate here today embodies our collective vision of a digitally empowered Nigeria,” promising to continue to work closely with operators to ensure that critical infrastructure deployment meets robust standards our digital economy deserves.
The Nigerian data centre market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from 136.7 MW in 2025 to 279.4 MW by 2030, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.37 per cent.
This growth is further supported by substantial investments, with data centre operators committing over $630 million to expand capacity in Nigeria.
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