NEWS
Proactive cybersecurity measures by NEC XON thwarts cyberattack on mining firm
NEC XON recently demonstrated its cybersecurity capabilities by thwarting a potential ransomware attack targeting a major mining group . The incident began when NEC XON ’ s xCTEM , Extended Continuous Threat Exposure Management platform identified that credentials for a privileged account , capable of accessing remote services such as VPN , were being sold by an Initial Access Broker .
These credentials were likely to be purchased by ransomware operators known for human-operated ransomware attacks , posing a significant threat to the mining firm ’ s operations .
Armand Kruger
Upon receiving this intelligence , NEC XON ’ s Managed Detection and Response , MDR team immediately assessed the overall business risk associated with the compromised account . The team determined the potential impact if ransomware operators gained access to the mining firm ’ s environment .
“ Our extensive knowledge of adversarial tactics , how threat actors operate , and how they form part of the modern digital cyber ecosystem enables us to facilitate proactive response measures to ensure effective incident response outcomes ,” says Armand Kruger , Head of Cyber Security , NEC XON
Two days after NEC XON ’ s proactive response to limit the identified risk and protect the privileged identity , VPN login attempts were detected from IP addresses linked to the Maze ransomware group , using the privileged identity .
These attempts were blocked , preventing any unauthorised access . This incident underscores the importance of NEC XON ’ s proactive measures , which not only detected but also prevented a potentially devastating ransomware attack .
The benefits of NEC XON ’ s intervention were multifaceted . The xCTEM platform ’ s early warning capabilities enabled NEC XON to alert the mining firm about the potential threat before the compromised credentials could be exploited . This proactive approach ensured the security of the firm ’ s systems , preventing data breaches and operational disruptions .
Additionally , NEC XON ’ s deployment of advanced AI-driven technologies underscores their commitment to pioneering a more predictive and proactive cybersecurity strategy , thereby enhancing overall resilience against cyber threats .
Airtel Africa Foundation unveils Fellowship Programme for students at IIT Madras Zanzibar
The Airtel Africa Foundation announced the launch of the prestigious
Airtel Africa Fellowship Programme for the undergraduate students at IIT Madras Zanzibar , the first-ever foreign campus established by an IIT . The Fellowship aims to support deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras , IITM in Zanzibar .
Dr Olusegun Ogunsanya
Starting with an outlay of US $ 500,000 , this programme will benefit 10 undergraduate students , for their entire course duration of 4 years .
The Chairperson of the Airtel Africa Foundation , Dr Olusegun Ogunsanya said , “ We are pleased to partner with IIT
Madras Zanzibar to provide opportunities for young Africans to access quality education . This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent .”
Founded in 2024 with a vision to foster a prosperous Africa , the Airtel Africa Foundation is dedicated to advancing digital and financial inclusion across the continent along with key focus on education and environmental protection .
This Fellowship is the maiden initiative undertaken to enhance educational opportunities for meritorious students , especially from disadvantaged backgrounds , enrolled at IIT M Zanzibar . It is designed to support students from 14 African countries , which are namely Nigeria , Kenya , Malawi , Uganda , Zambia , Tanzania , Rwanda , DRC , Niger , Chad , Congo B , Gabon , Madagascar and Seychelles .
Recipients of this scholarship will be known as Airtel Africa Fellows . They will receive 100 % of their college fees , US $ 12,000 as per the course fee structure of the Institute for a 4-year programme . Additionally , to cover the living expense cost , US $ 500 will be given to all eligible students . This initiative will aspire to transform , shape lives and nurture future leaders who will contribute to technological innovation and economic growth of Africa .
12 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com