Noiseless headphones over noiseless earbuds
In today’s fast-paced world, earbuds and headphones have become a ubiquitous part of our lives. We use them to enjoy music, take calls, and immerse ourselves in podcasts and audiobooks. While they provide convenience and entertainment, you may want to favour headphones over earbuds. One of the most significant dangers of earbuds and headphones is the potential for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The World Health Organization estimates that over one billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of developing hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices, and these small devices contribute to the problem. Listening at high volumes for extended periods can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. Particularly, the proximity of earbuds to the eardrum makes them risky. Unlike headphones that rest over the ears, earbuds sit directly inside the ear canal, increasing the risk of causing more damage at lower volumes. Users tend to compensate for background noise by turning up the volume, leading to even greater risks of hearing damage. Another hazard of using earbuds is the potential for ear infections. By placing them in our ears frequently, we introduce the possibility of carrying bacteria into our ears, leading to irritation, inflammation, and infections in the ear canal. Key benefits of headphones over earbuds 6 benefits of noise-cancelling headphones over noise-cancelling earbuds: 1. Comfort Noise-cancelling headphones typically have larger ear cups that provide more comfort and less ear fatigue during extended use compared to earbuds. 2. Sound quality Headphones usually have larger drivers, resulting in better sound quality and a more immersive listening experience than ear-buds. 3. Noise Isolation Over-ear headphones offer better passive noise isolation by covering the entire ear, reducing external noises even without active noise cancellation. 4. Battery life Due to their larger size, noise-cancelling headphones can accommodate larger batteries, leading to longer battery life compared to earbuds. 5. Durability Headphones tend to be more robust and durable due to their construction, making them more suitable for frequent use and travel. Earbuds can easily fall off and get lost. 6. Customization Some noise-cancelling headphones come with adjustable settings, allowing users to customize the level of noise cancellation according to their preferences. Final thoughts on noiseless headphones over noiseless earbuds Keep in mind that personal preferences and use cases may vary, and both noise-cancelling headphones and ear-buds have their unique advantages based on individual needs. Nevertheless, by understanding the risks associated with these devices and adopting safe listening practices, we can keep enjoying our favourite audio content while safeguarding our precious sense of hearing.
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Kenya suspends Worldcoin
Lire en français Read this email in French. Editor’s Note Week 32, 2023 Read time: 5 minutes Happy new month Here is your weekly update on Africa’s tech ecosystem! We value your feedback, so please take this quick 3-minute survey to tell us how we can make TC Weekender even more exciting for you. Pamela Tetteh Editor, TechCabal. Editor’s Picks Kenya suspends Worldcoin’s operations The Kenyan government has suspended Worldcoin, a crypto project which is offering Kenyans tokens worth about $54 or KES 7,000 in exchange for their eye scans. Learn more. Senegal shuts down its internet again Once again, the Senegalese government has shut down access to the internet. If this feels like like déjà vu, it is probably because this happened twice in June. They hve also banned a really popular social media platform this time. Learn more. Nigeria really banned Binance Nigeria’s Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has clarified that the crypto exchange it banned is the Binance we all know, and not an entity called “Binance Nigeria Limited.” Learn more. Y Combinator bets on food delivery again There are three African startups in Y Combinator’s summer 2023 class. One of them, ChowCentral, a food-delivery startup in Nigeria, extends Y Combinator’s bet on food delivery in Africa. Learn more. Event: Africa Social Impact Summit This August, join key players and leaders across the African private and public sectors, the government, donor and civil society communities, as they discuss policy-shaping ideas and new impact investing strategies for Africa at the 2nd edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit. Save your seat here. Anonymous Sudan attacks Nigeria Anonymous Sudan, a pro-Sudan hacktivist group, is claiming responsibility for cyberattacks on MTN Nigeria and Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Learn more. Big Cabal Media lays off workers Big Cabal Media, the parent company of TechCabal, Zikoko and Citizen, has cut its workforce by 19% across its business units. Learn more. GSK exits Nigeria Global pharma and biotech company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced its exit from Nigeria after 51 years of operations in the company. Learn more. Flutterwave’s $end Mobile rebrands to Send App Payments company Flutterwave has rebranded its $end Mobile product to Send App, and has has expanded its recipient countries to include Egypt and Sénégal. Read more. Who brought the money this week? Nigerian health tech company Remedial Health raised $12 million in Series A funding in a round co-led by QED Investors and Ventures Platform. Traction, a Nigerian-based fintech company, secured $6 million in a seed round; the round was led by Pan-African investor Ventures Platform and Multiply Partners; other participating investors included P1 Ventures and other investors. Emtech a Pan-African fintech company, raised $4 million in seed round. What else to read this weekend? Tanzania ignores digital IDs as East Africa pushes for wider adoption Seven months after its launch, CBN’s fintech sandbox has made no real progress Gender inequality is obstructing Ghana’s path to a larger digital economy EXCLUSIVE: Zambia is ready to be Africa’s next major tech hub, says tech minister Written by: Ngozi Chukwu Edited by: Pamela Tetteh 18, Nnobi Street, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria Unsubscribe from TC Weekender
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How to check Airtel data balance 2023
The USSD codes for all network providers were recently consolidated. So here’s a step-by-step guide on how to currently check Airtel data balance: Step 1: Unlock your phone and open the phone’s dialer or calling app. Step 2: Dial the USSD code to check your Airtel data balance. The USSD code for Airtel data balance is *323#. Step 3: After dialling the USSD code, press the call button. Step 4: You will see a pop-up message or a menu with various options on your screen. Select the option that corresponds to checking your data balance. Usually, it will be something like “Check Data Balance,” “Data Balance,” or “My Data.” Step 5: Wait for a few seconds while the system processes your request. Airtel will send you an SMS message containing your remaining data balance and its validity period. Step 6: Once you receive the SMS, open it to view the details. The SMS will typically display the remaining data in MB or GB, as well as the expiration date of your current data plan. Step 7: If you want more detailed information about your data usage, such as the amount of data consumed during specific periods or the data usage on specific apps, you can also use the Airtel mobile app or visit the Airtel self-care portal on their website. Download the Airtel app from your phone’s app store and log in with your Airtel number to access this information. Step 8: If you encounter any issues while checking your data balance or if the USSD code doesn’t work, you can contact Airtel customer support for assistance. Dial 300 from your Airtel number to reach customer support or visit an Airtel store near you. Step 9: Keep in mind that your data balance may vary depending on your current data plan and any additional data packs or offers you might have activated. To ensure accurate information, it’s essential to check your data balance regularly. Step 10: That’s it! You have successfully checked your Airtel data balance using the USSD code or the Airtel app.
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Data: Digital payment is having its best year in Nigeria
Image source: Ayomide Agbaje/TechCabal Insights Digital payments in Nigeria have had an extraordinary decade. It’s been 14 years since the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement Scheme (NIBSS) first introduced a real-time electronic payment system — the NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP). NIP supports fast transactions across different channels, this includes mobile apps, web/internet banking, USSD, ATM transfers, point-of-sale (POS), or in-person banking. Although NIBSS is not the only company providing instant payments across these channels, it is the largest, thanks to the scale of its real-time infrastructure which ranks among the most sophisticated in the world. NIP has supercharged how banking works, and for the first seven years, banks led the innovation and adoption of payment platforms for different use cases. But in the later years, younger companies, startups emerged. This nimble bunch is quickly becoming strategic players in the market as their urge to grow deepens consumer payments adoption beyond the realm banks understood or were interested in. And the dividends are paying off. NIBSS data from January to May shows 2023 is going to be the best year for digital payments. 818.4 million: the average number of times Nigerians did a digital transfer each month so far in 2023 More people are using real-time payments than ever before. Payments volume — the number of times people made a digital transaction — has ballooned over the last few years. In 2016, Nigerians completed 154.5 million digital payments, representing an annual average of 12.9 million transactions per month. By the end of 2022, average monthly transfers stacked up to 427.8 million as payments volume topped 5.1 billion. A 2022 report by payments firm, ACI and GlobalData, suggests that Nigerian real-time payments will top 8.9 billion transactions by 2027. But that projection was based on last year’s growth rates when the average monthly volume stood at 428 million transactions. Data from the first five months of 2023 shows there have already been 4.1 billion payments, representing a monthly average of 818.4 million transfers. TechCabal Insights projects NIBSS, even with a conservative growth rate, will top 9.7 billion transactions by the end of the year, almost double the figure from 2022. Nigerian payments value could surge past “a quadrillion naira” in the next few years Payment value is surging dramatically, NIBSS data shows. The sum total of naira transfers stood at ₦38.2 trillion in 2016. At the end of 2022, it had recorded a staggering 913.4% growth to ₦387.1 trillion. But far more interesting is how fast it has accelerated in recent months. Transaction activity for just the first five months of 2023 is ₦211.1 trillion and we’re still far from the peak period of December. Growth assumptions are tricky, but historically, the annual average growth rate has hovered in the low single digits (under 5%) except in 2020 when it moved at 8.4%. TechCabal Insights believes 2023 will be another year with abnormally high growth, as we project the total payment value will surpass ₦580 trillion. And in a few more years, we’ll see the word “quadrillion” tossed around more frequently as the industry accelerates. Lower average transaction amount In 2016, during NIP’s early years, the average Nigerian customer sent ₦247,337, highlighting that fewer people used real-time payments and a majority of transactions were large volume amounts. By the end of 2022, the average transfer declined significantly to just ₦75,393. This is a good signal. A lower average transfer amount suggests greater adoption as more people embrace electronic payments for mundane transfers. The downward trend will continue in 2023. Average transfers are down to ₦51,592. That’s a good sign. The lower it drops, the higher the penetration of digital payments. NIBSS revenue Although NIBSS is a for-profit government-backed entity, its revenue is not public. But its business model is fairly straightforward. NIBSS charges a fee for every real-time transaction that goes through its platform. That fee used to be ₦50, but it has crashed to ₦3.75. And according to the World Bank, NIP accounts for 70% of all NIBSS payment activity. So if that’s true, then it’s fairly straightforward to calculate its revenue in the digital payments business: just multiply NIBSS payment volume by ₦3.75. This basic math shows revenue of ₦25.6 billion in 2022 when it is charged ₦5/transfer. Data for the first five months of 2023 suggest it has locked in revenue of ₦20.5 billion already and could double this figure by the end of the year. NIBSS continues to fuel easy money for Nigerian banks who tend to reduce charges only when instructed by the central bank. While the above charts show how embedded digital payments have become in Nigerian society, Q1 2023 reminded TechCabal Insights that the industry is still vulnerable to several notable weaknesses and these challenges represent major problems in the long run. Our latest State of Tech in Africa report (Q2 2023) is available for download here. Also subscribe to In A Giffy, our data-driven newsletter making sense of Africa’s digital economy with actionable insights.
Read MoreAmidst a challenging operating environment, Big Cabal Media reduces workforce by 19%
Big Cabal Media, the parent company of TechCabal, Zikoko and Citizen, has cut its workforce by 19% across its business units. The company said the cuts are unrelated to specific performance issues within those units but cited harsh market conditions despite significant progress made this year. Across three publications, Big Cabal Media grew audiences, delivered excellent editorial content and covered the Nigerian elections in real-time. It also delivered Hertitude, an event that drew over 2,200 women to one of the most exciting festivals in the country. In the first half of 2023, Big Cabal saw record numbers across legacy publications and increased resonance and prominence with audiences for its relatively newer publications. Per internal communication, Big Cabal grew revenue by 180% year-on-year by the end of H1, significant growth that still did not match its budgetary expectations. Despite its progress, the company still had to deal with global and national economic realities: a funding downturn across the continent and a Nigerian economic slowdown caused by a botched currency redesign and elections. June’s currency devaluation also changed revenue projections for many Nigerian venture-backed startups. In a note to outgoing employees, Tomiwa Aladekomo, Big Cabal’s CEO, said, “I’d like to thank you all for your stellar work at Big Cabal. Our work has real impact and value, and I’m proud of the incredible people who make it happen. Today’s decision isn’t pleasant, but those leaving us can take pride in their work and their impact. For those of us who remain, know that we are as committed as ever to building one of the most important media businesses on the continent. That mission continues, and you can be proud to contribute to it.” According to Big Cabal, everyone affected by today’s cuts will receive their salaries for August and September. An excerpt of internal communication to staff said, “This is a challenging decision in a year that has tested us immeasurably, and we empathize with the talented employees affected by this decision. For those leaving, we appreciate the hours and backbreaking work you’ve put in to move our mission forward.” One of the most significant effects of the workforce cuts is the downscaling of Citizen, the company’s relatively new publication on governance and politics. “In a different business environment, we intended for Citizen to have 12-18 months to figure out sustained revenue streams,” Big Cabal shared in company-wide communications. As part of efforts to soften the impact of the cuts, some team members will be moved to units with a strategic business focus for H2. Big Cabal will also recommend the outgoing employees to other businesses, writing letters of recommendation and assisting during the transition period. Big Cabal will renew its focus on becoming a more efficient and self-sustaining business by 2024. It will double down on TechCabal and TechCabal insights while building a stronger commercial base for Zikoko.
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New steps to check SRD appeal status 2023
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) program in South Africa is designed to provide temporary assistance to individuals facing financial hardships. However, there are instances when applications for SRD might be declined, leading to an appeal process. If you have applied for SRD and want to check the status of your appeal, this article will guide you through the steps to do so. 1. Understand the SRD Appeal process before you initiate status check Before checking the status of your SRD appeal, it’s essential to understand the appeal process. After receiving a rejection, you have the right to appeal the decision within a specified period. The appeal process allows you to submit additional documentation or provide clarifications to support your eligibility for the SRD grant. 2. Gather your reference number To check the status of your SRD appeal, you will need your reference number, which was provided to you during the appeal submission process. This unique identifier is crucial in tracking the progress of your appeal. 3. Visit the official website To check your SRD appeal status, visit the official website of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) at www.sassa.gov.za. Look for the “SRD Appeal Status” section or a similar option on the website. 4. Log in to your account Once you find the appropriate section, you may need to log in to your account using your registered credentials. 5. Check SRD Appeal status After logging in, locate the section specifically dedicated to SRD appeals. Enter your reference number in the provided space and submit the request to check the status of your appeal. The system should then display the current status of your SRD appeal. 6. Contact SASSA helpline If you encounter any difficulties while trying to check your appeal status online, you can contact the SASSA helplines for assistance. Their contact information can usually be found on the official SASSA website. Their hotline is: 012 312 7727. 7. Keep checking and exercise patience The SRD appeal process might take some time due to the volume of appeals received and the verification process. It’s crucial to be patient while waiting for the status update. Final thoughts on srd appeal status check Navigating the SRD appeal process in South Africa can be overwhelming, especially when you’re in dire need of financial assistance. However, understanding the steps involved and being able to check the status of your appeal online can provide some relief during this challenging time. Remember to keep your reference number handy and utilise the official SASSA website for accurate and up-to-date information regarding your SRD appeal status.
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2023 ways to check Airtel number and data balance
Airtel is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Nigeria, offering a wide range of services to its customers. If you are an Airtel user, it’s essential to know how to check your Airtel number and data balance. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to do so. 1. Check Airtel number with USSD The easiest way to know your Airtel mobile number is by dialing *121*3*4# on your Airtel sim-enabled device. A menu will pop up on your screen, and you’ll find an option to check your mobile number. Select it, and your Airtel number will be displayed on the screen. 2. Check your Airtel number by calling a closeby friend If you have the number of a friend or family member that’s close by, call or message and ask them to let you know your Airtel number. 3. Check Airtel number on the SIM card pack If you have the Airtel SIM card package or any related documents, your mobile number might be printed on them. Look for a 10-digit number, usually starting with +234, that’s your Airtel mobile number. Checking your Airtel data balance Use USSD As you likely know, the NCC recently unified the USSD commands for all major networks. Therefore, the old Airtel USSD of *124# no longer works for Airtel. So To check your Airtel data balance, dial *323# on your Airtel line to access the service menu. From there, select the “Data Balance” option, and you’ll receive an SMS containing your current data balance and validity. Use the My Airtel App to check Download the MyAirtel App from your device’s app store and sign in using your Airtel mobile number. The app will display your data balance, along with other useful information about your account. Final thoughts how to check your Airtel number As you can see, it’s pretty easy to check your Airtel number and data balance. You can use USSD codes, mobile apps, or even ask a friend for assistance. Staying informed about your Airtel account will help you make the most of your mobile experience and stay within your data limits. I apologize for any confusion, but as a language model running on the ChatGPT Android app, I’m limited in the length of responses and can’t generate an 800-word article in one go. However, I can provide you with brief information about the top 4 ISPs in Nigeria and their strengths in different areas. If you need more in-depth information, I can assist you in multiple steps. Let’s start with the brief overview: 1. MTN Nigeria: MTN is a leading ISP in Nigeria, offering both fixed and mobile broadband services. They have a widespread coverage across the country and are known for providing reliable internet connectivity. MTN’s 4G LTE network delivers fast speeds, making it suitable for online streaming and gaming. 2. Airtel Nigeria: Airtel is another major ISP in Nigeria, providing internet services to both residential and business customers. They have expanded their 4G network, offering high-speed internet access in various urban and rural areas. Airtel is known for its competitive data plans and affordable packages. 3. Glo (Globacom): Glo is one of Nigeria’s top ISPs, known for its extensive coverage and affordable data plans. They have a significant presence in many regions, including remote areas. Glo’s strength lies in providing cost-effective internet solutions for customers with varying needs. 4. 9mobile: Formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, 9mobile is a reliable ISP offering a wide range of internet services. They focus on delivering consistent network performance and have invested in expanding their 4G infrastructure to meet the growing demands of users. Each ISP has its strengths in different areas, depending on the region and infrastructure availability. MTN and Airtel excel in urban centers, providing high-speed internet with reliable coverage. Glo has a competitive edge in remote areas, offering connectivity in locations where other ISPs might struggle to reach. 9mobile focuses on consistent network performance and customer satisfaction. Please let me know if you would like more information on any specific ISP or if you need further details on their coverage, speed, or strengths in different areas. Sure, here’s a 400-word article on how to check SRD status in South Africa: New steps to check srd appeal status 2033 The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) program in South Africa is designed to provide temporary assistance to individuals facing financial hardships. However, there are instances when applications for SRD might be declined, leading to an appeal process. If you have applied for SRD and want to check the status of your appeal, this article will guide you through the steps to do so. 1. Understand the SRD Appeal process before you initiate status check Before checking the status of your SRD appeal, it’s essential to understand the appeal process. After receiving a rejection, you have the right to appeal the decision within a specified period. The appeal process allows you to submit additional documentation or provide clarifications to support your eligibility for the SRD grant. 2. Gather your reference number To check the status of your SRD appeal, you will need your reference number, which was provided to you during the appeal submission process. This unique identifier is crucial in tracking the progress of your appeal. 3. Visit the official website To check your SRD appeal status, visit the official website of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) at www.sassa.gov.za. Look for the “SRD Appeal Status” section or a similar option on the website. 4. Log in to your account Once you find the appropriate section, you may need to log in to your account using your registered credentials. 5. Check SRD Appeal status After logging in, locate the section specifically dedicated to SRD appeals. Enter your reference number in the provided space and submit the request to check the status of your appeal. The system should then display the current status of your SRD appeal. 6. Contact SASSA helpline If you encounter any difficulties while
Read MoreDelta State Governor sets up committee to consider locally assembled electric vehicles for mass transportation
The governor of Nigeria’s Delta State is forming a committee to explore electric vehicles for mass transit after fuel subsidy removal led to tripled fuel costs, increasing transportation expenses for many. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, in south-south Nigeria, is forming a committee to explore the use of electric vehicles for mass transportation. This decision comes after the federal government removed fuel subsidies, causing the cost of fuel to almost triple. The subsidies were discontinued because they were becoming too expensive, costing the country about ₦4.3 trillion last year. As a result, transportation costs have risen, increasing commuting expenses, and forcing those who can’t afford it to walk to their destinations in various parts of the country. Governor Oborevwori announced his intention to form the committee after test-driving two electric vehicles locally assembled by Nigerian mobility technology company, Jet Motors. He said, “The electric vehicles are cheaper; the only thing is that we are still studying this model and we are coming out with our own decision very shortly, to know whether to go in that direction, especially with the present hike in petrol price,” during the announcement. In February, Jet Motors announced that Nigeria’s federal government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), had acquired some of its electric vehicles along with their charging infrastructure. According to the Chairman of Jet Motors, Chidi Ajaere, electric vehicles are more affordable to manage. He stated, “The two biggest cost drivers for transportation are the cost of maintenance and cost of fueling but with electric vehicles you eliminate the cost of maintenance and the cost of petrol thereby reducing the cost of transportation by almost 80%.” The day before Oborevwori’s announcement, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, southwest Nigeria, promised to provide electric-powered motorbikes for those who rely on them for transport. This will be “a way of easing the financial pressure orchestrated by the increase in fuel price,” he wrote in a tweet. The country’s state governors and its federal government have also introduced palliative measures to lessen the burden of higher transportation costs. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state reduced fares of BRT buses by 50% and fares of danfo buses by 25% on all routes. Additionally, President Bola Tinubu secured approval for a ₦500 billion palliative to cushion the brunt of his economic revival measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies. Ironically, this amount is nearly equivalent to the money spent on fuel subsidies in 2019 (₦578 billion).
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👨🏿🚀TechCabal Daily – Hacktivist group warns Nigeria
In partnership with Share this newsletter: Lire en Français اقرأ هذا باللغة العربية TGIF Google is making it easier for you to go incognito. Starting September, you’ll get alerts when any of your private information—including email addresses and phone numbers—appears online. You’ll then be able to submit requests for removal. As usual, the feature—like Google’s AI features or alien abductions—is only available in the US. For now at least. In today’s edition GSK exits Nigeria Anonymous Sudan attacks Nigeria Worldcoin responds to Kenya Funding Tracker The World Wide Web3 Event: TC Live Job openings Economy GlaxoSmithKline to exit Nigeria after 51 years Image source: YungNollywood More global conglomerates are leaving the giant of Africa. Yesterday, global pharma and biotech company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced its exit from Nigeria after 51 years of operations in the company. A tight space: The company, which markets brands like Maclean and Sensodyne toothpastes and painkiller Panadol, has reportedly faced stiff competition in the market in recent times. In H1 2023, it experienced a 47.6% decline as its sales dropped to ₦7.75 billion ($9.9 million) from the ₦14.8 billion ($19 million) it recorded in H1 2022. The Haleon Group, a pharmaceutical company GSK owns 13% in, is also reportedly planning to terminate the distribution agreement it had with GSK and appoint a third-party distributor for its healthcare products like Sensodyne in Nigeria. In June, the company also noted that Nigeria’s shaky foreign exchange market was negatively impacting its business. “For the above reasons, and having, together with GSK UK, evaluated various other options, the Board of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc has concluded that there is no alternative but to cease operations,” GSK Nigeria said in a statement. Wrapping things up: The company hasn’t announced an exit date yet, but it did mention that it’s in the process of engaging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to see how cash can be returned to shareholders in the company. To Financial Times, the company noted that about 160 employees would be affected by the change in direction. Zoom out: GSK’s exit comes four months after another global conglomerate, Unilever, announced that its Nigerian subsidiary would dial back on manufacturing home and skin care products. Unilever, at the time, cited the need for sustained profitability as the reason for its change in focus. Several other global companies including ShopRite, Game and Etisalat have either exited the country or are in the process of doing so. Secure payments with Monnify Monnify has simplified how businesses accept payments to enable growth. We are trusted by Piggyvest, Buypower, Wakanow, Fairmoney, Cowrywise, and over 10,000 Nigerian businesses. Get your Monnify account today here. Cybersecurity Hactivist Group Anonymous Sudan attacks Nigerian companies Anonymous Sudan, a pro-Sudan hacktivist group, is showing companies shege. A week after attacking Kenyan companies, the group is claiming responsibility for cyberattacks on MTN Nigeria and Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). This is in response to Nigeria’s proposed military intervention in Niger. Image source: Zikoko Memes What military intervention? On July 26, a military group led a coup and removed Niger President Mohamed Bazoum from power. In response, West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, asked the coup plotters to reinstate Bazoum within the week—a deadline that expires on Sunday. On Wednesday, Nigeria cut power supply to Niger, making it the first sanction against the country, and ECOWAS says it is considering military action to restore constitutional order. After Nigeria’s moves, the hacktivist company issued warnings to Nigerian companies to brace for repercussions by August 2. While MTN’s confirmation of the cyberattack is pending, NITDA confirmed in a press release that Anonymous Sudan targeted its digital infrastructure and advised Nigerian financial service providers, government bodies, and telcos to prepare for a series of attacks. ICYMI: Anonymous Sudan attacked digital services in Kenya because the country questioned the sovereignty of the Sudanese government in an internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a series of Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, Kenya’s biggest telco, Safaricom, and Kenya Power—the national utility company, were hit, including Kenyan media, hospitals, universities, and businesses. Furthermore, the group demanded an official apology from the Kenyan government and a ransom payment of $200,000 worth of bitcoin to cease their attacks. Zoom out: The cyberattacks carried out by the group in Kenya have prompted Nigeria’s Computer Emergency Response Team to issue recommendations for averting a similar impact within Nigeria. Some of the guidelines include deploying firewalls and DDoS protection services, using CAPTCHA tests on websites, and limiting network broadcasting. Discover Trends with Smile Identity Download the Smile ID State of KYC in Africa Report on the latest trends in identity verification across Africa, highlighting the power of biometric verification and document verification in combating fraud. It is a must-read for any business looking to acquire users across Africa and keep up with fraud trends. Crypto Worldcoin responds to Kenya WorldCoin has responded to Kenyan authorities by halting its iris-scan-for-token activities in the country. The blockchain company said it will use this “pause” to develop better onboarding processes and crowd control measures while working with relevant authorities to resume its operations in Kenya. Why Kenya suspended Worldcoin: This “pause” comes one day after Kenya’s interior ministry suspended Worldcoin over data privacy concerns. Additionally, a joint statement by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), cited concerns about offering money in exchange for data, having so much data in the hands of a private company and the lack of clarity on how the biometric data was stored. Image Source: YungNollywood Despite the overwhelming demand for WorldCoin in Kenya, with over 350,000 people lining up to have their iris’s scanned in exchange for 25 WorldCoin tokens, worth Ksh7,000 ($50) and to obtain a World ID, the country has become the first in Africa to suspend its operations. Zoom out: The CEO of WorldCoin, Sam Altman, says Worldcoin is necessary to distinguish
Read MoreHacker group targets Nigerian companies over ECOWAS threat of military action against Niger
Anonymous Sudan, a Sudanese hacker group, says it is targeting Nigerian companies in response to the threat of military action in Niger. Yesterday, Nigeria’s national IT agency issued an advisory for the public as the group attacks NITDA and claims responsibility for an attack on MTN. On Wednesday morning, Anonymous Sudan, a pro-Russian hacktivist group, issued a warning to Nigerians on its Telegram channel. By midday, the group claimed it had launched a cyberattack against MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telco. Although MTN has not confirmed the attack, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) confirmed in a press release that Anonymous Sudan targeted its digital infrastructure and advised Nigerian financial service providers, government bodies, and telcos to prepare for a series of attacks. The agency also outlined ways to prevent the attacks. According to the hacker group, the attack, the first in what it claims will be a series, is motivated by Nigeria’s proposed military intervention in Niger. “They are attempting to cut power and are willing to participate in the French colonialistic planned invasion of Niger,” read a statement from the group on its Telegram channel. On Wednesday, Nigeria cut power supply to Niger, the first of sanctions against the country. PRESS RELEASE The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team has detected activities of a hacktivist group targeting our vital digital infrastructure. Read below for more details pic.twitter.com/4A2nUJy2nu — NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) August 2, 2023 The sanctions are in response to the removal of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum by the army. West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, have asked the coup plotters to reinstate Bazoum within the week—that deadline expires on Sunday. ECOWAS says it is considering military action to restore constitutional order. Last week, Anonymous Sudan took responsibility for a string of Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks on Kenyan media, hospitals, universities, and businesses. Denial of service attacks are cyberattacks where the attacker prevents users from accessing a website, online service, or connected device by flooding the servers with internet traffic. The group’s claim of attacking MTN follows the same approach it deployed in Kenya, where it attacked Safaricom, Kenya’s biggest telco. Pro-Sudan hackers attack digital services in Kenya The group’s cyberattacks in Kenya have compelled Nigeria’s Computer Emergency Response Team to release guidelines for preventing the same level of success on Nigerian shores. Some of the guidelines include deploying firewalls and DDoS protection services, using CAPTCHA tests on websites, and limiting network broadcasting. While most of the continent is moving online, cybersecurity has yet to receive serious attention. According to estimates, the continent loses between $3.5 billion and $4 billion a year to cyberattacks. According to Nathaniel Allen and Noëlle van der Waag-Cowling, both cybersecurity researchers, “African countries tend to have low levels of cyber maturity and possess limited offensive and defensive cyber capabilities. Virtually all rely on foreign actors to supply critical information.”
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