Tech

Report: AI manipulation to increase cybercrime in Nigeria

Published

10 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

Bolt invests $107m in Nigeria to boost safety standards

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ride-hailing platform, Bolt, has announced an investment of $107 million in its bid to boost safety and service quality in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector, with a special technology enhancing safety standards for both drivers and passengers.

Lola Masha, Bolt’s Regional Manager for North and West Africa, who made the announcement in a statement, said the “investment will fund new safety technologies, accident prevention measures, customer support upgrades, and public safety awareness campaigns, underscoring Bolt’s commitment to providing a secure and reliable platform.”

She revealed that as part of its quality check, the company had removed more than 5,000 drivers from its platform in 2023 so as to cleanup its database cleanup effort and will continue to implementing a driver score system to maintain quality standards.

“The driver score evaluates performance by monitoring how frequently drivers accept ride requests, successfully complete trips, and respond to passenger feedback. Essentially, it rates drivers based on their performance over their last 100 trips,” she noted.

Masha emphasized that the move came as a result of complains by the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUTON) which raised concerns about the potential downsides experienced by users and the psychological stress on drivers, which could negatively affect their performance.

According to her, among the upcoming features are a four-digit trip pickup code and a trip counter, both aimed at making rides more secure and dependable for all users.

Tech

Egyptian VC Flat6Labs partners ITIDA to launch programme for tech startups

Published

3 days ago

November 12, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Egyptian Venture Capital firm, Flat6Labs, has partnered with Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) to launch an InvestIT programme which will offer tech startups in the country, particularly at the seed or pre-Series A stages, access to consultancy, tools, and investor connections to help them scale operations and enhance global competitiveness.

The programme, according to Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr Amr Talaat, will be run by the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), a subsidiary of ITIDA, and will support startups across various governorates, encouraging innovation and growth in Egypt’s digital economy.

“Through two phases, it will prepare startups for investment with tailored training sessions and workshops, followed by connecting them with local and international investors,” Talaat said in a statement.

“The Egyptian government remains steadfast in its dedication to cultivating a thriving tech startup ecosystem. We are rolling out diverse initiatives to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills, attract global incubators, and facilitate connections between startups and investors.

“By establishing Digital Egypt innovation hubs nationwide, we empower innovators to transform their ideas into successful ventures.

“Alongside this, we are streamlining processes and investing in advanced digital infrastructure, positioning Egypt among the top three countries in the Middle East and Africa for tech startup investments,” the Minister said.

Flat6Labs founder and chairman Hany El Sonbaty, who also spoke on the initiative, said the launch of the InvestIT programme has further expanded his company’s support for Egyptian entrepreneurs.

“This programme is not just about preparing startups for investment; it’s about equipping them with the tools and connections to scale their impact.

“Through our collaboration with ITIDA and TIEC, we’re committed to building a strong, vibrant ecosystem where startups can make a real impact on the tech landscape in Egypt,” he said.

The programme, he said, will support 12 startups over six-to-eight months with each startup receiving tailored consultancy services to enhance their investment readiness and assist with setting up data rooms and preparing for investor engagements.