Tech

Report: AI manipulation to increase cybercrime in Nigeria

Published

11 months ago

January 23, 2024

An increase in cyber security threats has been predicted for 2024, according to the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria.

The group warned that as artificial intelligence was used more often for malevolent intent, citizens should anticipate an increase in insider threats.

The digital landscape in Africa is changing quickly, but there are more cyberthreats because of inadequate safeguards in place, a weak legal framework for information security, and a public that is not adequately informed on the issues.

AI, according to reports, is the capacity of a digital computer or a robot under computer control to carry out tasks that are typically performed by intelligent individuals through computer-enhanced observation, learning, and reasoning. In addition, the group predicted in its National Cyber Threat Forecast report that job and benefit scams—which have been common in 2023—would have rise, mostly through digital platforms.

It linked the nation’s difficult economic circumstances, which it said would lead more people to look for cash possibilities online, to the predicted rise in these scams.

The report also stated that more impersonation scams using fictitious websites and social media profiles that use the names and images of well-known people to trick the public are expected to continue, contributing to an increase in the severity and frequency of web defacement incidents that affect a wide range of industries.

The report partly read, “In 2024, Nigeria is poised to continue facing the challenge of impersonation scams. These scams involve creating fake websites and social media profiles, using the names and images of well-known figures to deceive the public. Public awareness campaigns and educating people on reporting such scams are crucial to combating impersonation scams.

Social media platforms and websites must enforce stricter verification processes for profiles claiming organisational or individual identities. The high incidence of attacks on academic institutions highlights the urgent need for all sectors, especially education, to reassess and bolster their cybersecurity measures.

“Nigeria can be expected to witness a surge in employment and benefit scams, a trend that has been prevalent in 2023. These scams often lure victims with promises of financial inducements and part-time job offers, primarily disseminated through various digital platforms.

“Attackers will leverage the capabilities of AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their cyber-criminal activities. This will manifest in more personalised phishing attacks, personalised malware, automated large-scale attacks, and sophisticated social engineering attacks.

These forecasts point to a continued surge in misinformation, ransomware attacks, attacks against vulnerable government’s online assets, crypto scams, benefit and employment scams, information and credential theft, AI-enabled threats, impersonation scams, insider threats, cyber hacktivism, and web defacement.”

According to a study by ptsecurity, countries in Africa lost 10% of their GDP on average due to their inadequate readiness to combat cyberattacks.

Ransomware continues to be one of the biggest hazards in the area. A primary delivery vector is the combination of servers, network equipment, and PCs (74%).

Related Topics:AI manipulation Cybersecurity Featured

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Tech

20 African tech-preneurs embark on Korean innovation tour

Published

3 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The African Development Bank Group’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab has selected 20 promising tech entrepreneurs from various African technology ventures and enterprise support organisations to embark on a two-week study tour of the Republic of Korea, with the aim of seeking investment and insights from the country’s innovative tech ecosystem.

The selected entrepreneurs are from 133 ventures that participated in last month’s Africa Tech Startup Forum.

The forum which will hold under the auspices of the lab’s “Leveraging the Entrepreneurial and Innovation Success of Korea to Strengthen African Enterprise Support” project, had selected entrepreneurs who pitched the best business models during the week-long virtual market access and acceleration programme preparing, training, and connecting technology ventures with opportunities.

The 20 young tech-preneurs were selected from eight African countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, with the delegates spanning various sectors in the technology space.

While in Korea, the African delegates will pay visits to prestigious institutions such as Global Startup Centre, LG Science Park, the Korea Software Technology Association, and the Global Digital Innovation Network.

Speaking on behalf of the delegates, founder of Kenya-based health technology venture Zuri Health, Uche Ezadinachi said:

“I am excited to go to Korea because the country has made serious technological developments. The country is a technology-driven society, and this tour is an opportunity for me to see how we can bring such technology to Africa.

“We will share experiences with our Korean counterparts; they will learn from us as much as we learn from them,” he added.

Tech

Kenya’s ticketing startup BuuPass partners Flexpay for flexible travel payments

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with goal-based savings platform, Flexpay, to offer customers flexible payment plans ahead of holiday travels as well as simplify travel planning and ease the financial burden of holiday travel for Kenyans.

Co-founder and CEO at Buupass, Sonia Kabra, who unveiled the package at a press conference, said the collaboration between the two platforms will allow travellers to save for their journeys in manageable, interest-free installments over four to 12 weeks.

“Travelers can select their travel dates, book tickets, and pay a small deposit upfront, with the remaining balance spread across weekly or monthly payments,” she said.

“This approach offers a stress-free way for families and large groups to secure their tickets early, helping them avoid last-minute price hikes as fares are locked in.

“By partnering with Flexpay, we’re giving travelers the flexibility to budget for their trips in advance. This initiative aligns with our mission to make travel accessible to everyone, providing a solution that meets customers where they are financially,” said Kabra.

Also speaking at the event, Richard Machomba, CEO and founder of Flexpay, said:

“Flexpay’s mission is to empower individuals by providing accessible financial solutions that make it easier for them to achieve their financial goals.

“By partnering with BuuPass, we’re making travel more accessible and stress-free for Kenyans, especially during the holiday season when expenses can be overwhelming,” Machomba added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

FlexPay, on the other hand, is an online and offline payment gateway that allows merchants to offer interest-free targeted savings to their customers in Africa.