Business

Cybersecurity in the era of AI

Published

2 years ago

October 24, 2024

Cybersecurity in the era of AI

Colin Baumgart, CTO and Commercial Solutions Area Director at Microsoft South Africa

The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the relentless evolution of technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. In this dynamic environment, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal ally in the fight against cybercrime.

AI’s ability to analyse vast amounts of data at lightning speeds enables the identification of patterns and anomalies that may indicate a security breach, often before it occurs. This proactive stance is crucial in a time when reactive measures are no longer sufficient.

But in an era where digital threats are escalating in complexity and scale, we cannot just think about defending against cyber threats, we need to be advancing the way we design, build, test and operate our technology to meet the highest standards of security. It is why, we have created the Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multi-year undertaking to safeguard our digital ecosystem.

It is an approach that is anchored in three fundamental principles: secure by design, secure by default, and secure operations, ensuring that security is not an afterthought but a foundational element of everything we create.

This commitment to cybersecurity extends beyond our own products. Through collaborations and partnerships, we are contributing to a broader security ecosystem, sharing threat intelligence and best practices. This collaborative effort is vital because cyber threats do not recognise boundaries and can ripple through networks, affecting countless users.

Recent cyber threats have shown a marked increase in both sophistication and frequency, posing significant challenges to cybersecurity defences worldwide.

A notable trend is the surge in mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology (OT) cyberattacks, which underscores the expanding threat landscape beyond traditional computing environments.

Our 2024 Digital Defense Report highlights an alarming rise in attacks, with incidents targeting customers globally, doubling to 600 million per day, revealing the growing collaboration between nation-state actors and cybercriminals.

Over 78 trillion security signals per day from the cloud, endpoints, software tools and our partner ecosystem inform our insights, and help us to understand and protect against digital threats and criminal cyberactivity.

Data breaches have also been rampant, with TechCrunch reporting over 1 billion stolen records in 2024 alone. These breaches have not only compromised personal information but have also emboldened criminals who profit from cyberattacks. As the threats evolve, so must the strategies to combat them, requiring a concerted effort from individuals, organisations, and governments alike.

According to Interpol’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2024, the rapid growth of cybercrime is further illustrated by the estimation that in 2023 there was a 23% year-on-year increase in the average number of weekly cyberattacks per organisation in Africa – this average was the highest in the world.

In this era of AI, we are all cyber-defenders. Despite this, 52% of employees still say their job has nothing to do with cybersecurity, according to The Phishing Benchmark Global Report.

There is a widespread recognition of the need to build a security culture to increase the understanding of security’s value to the business, as well as drive security awareness.

People, process and technology need to be in harmony – because businesses can have the most sophisticated technology and comprehensive processes in place to monitor, detect and respond to breaches, but if a person gives their password away or clicks on a phishing email, it becomes exponentially more difficult to protect the organisation.

Ultimately, it boils down to the fact that the individual user level is a person – and unless they have been trained to be security aware, they are capable of human error and are likely to remain the weakest link in the security chain.

Many organisations are investing in strengthening their employees’ cybersecurity knowledge and offer theoretical and practical training by carrying out spoof attacks, such as sending out phishing emails, evaluating who clicks on the links and then providing more in-depth training to plug identified gaps.

Employees are the first and last line of defence and it is why educating everyone on staying cybersafe is so important. It’s time to act now.

We recognise that the path to a secure future is paved with challenges and opportunities alike.

The same technology that empowers us can also empower adversaries. Cybercriminals are increasingly utilising AI to launch more sophisticated attacks, bypass traditional defences, and automate their malicious activities. This escalation necessitates a continuous evolution of our security strategies to stay ahead of these AI-generated threats.

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between AI and human expertise becomes increasingly important. AI can handle the heavy lifting of data analysis, but human judgment is irreplaceable when it comes to nuanced decision-making. Organisations must foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, empowering their workforce to leverage AI effectively.

We must remain vigilant, adapting our defences to counteract the evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape. And as we navigate this shifting terrain, the synergy between AI and human intelligence will be the cornerstone of a resilient cybersecurity posture.

By embracing the transformative potential of AI while remaining cognisant of its risks, we are setting a new standard for digital defence—one that is robust, intelligent, and ever-evolving.

Our mission is clear: to secure our digital world, so that everyone, everywhere, can achieve more.

Related Topics:AI cybersecurity Microsoft

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Jetour Nigeria is taking its hybrid SUV offensive to Abuja, with the X70 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline the three-day Jetour Experience from September 22 to 24 as the automaker accelerates its drive to expand its footprint and capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-evolving mobility market.

The Abuja showcase, coming on the heels of a strong Lagos edition that generated significant consumer interest, test drives and sales enquiries, is designed to bring Jetour’s latest technologies closer to customers in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.

The event at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, will give prospective buyers and auto enthusiasts the opportunity to test-drive the X70 PHEV and other Jetour models while interacting with product specialists and experiencing their technology, safety features, performance and comfort firsthand.

According to the company, expanding the showcase to the Federal Capital Territory was a direct response to rising demand from residents in Abuja and neighbouring states.

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Sanwo-Olu Joins Dangote as Historic N2.15tn Refinery IPO Opens on Nigerian Exchange

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L-R: President, Aliko Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group, NGX, Mr Temi Popoola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Group, Fatima Dangote, during the opening of Dangote Petroleum Refinery Initial Public Offer (IPO) at the NGX building, Marina, Lagos, on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Sanwo-Olu Joins Dangote as Historic N2.15tn Refinery IPO Opens on Nigerian Exchange

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday joined business leaders, investors and capital-market stakeholders as the Initial Public Offering of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals formally opened on the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, in Lagos.

The landmark transaction, which could raise about N2.15 trillion, marks one of the biggest capital-market transactions in Nigeria’s history and gives Nigerians and other investors an opportunity to acquire a stake in Africa’s largest oil refinery.

Sanwo-Olu attended the opening ceremony at the NGX Group building in Marina, Lagos, where Dangote Industries President and Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote, sounded the gong to formally commence the public offer.

The IPO comprises 4.1 billion ordinary shares priced at N525 each, with investors allowed to subscribe for a minimum of 10 shares, valued at N5,250. The offer will remain open until October 13, 2026.

The development represents a major milestone for Nigeria’s capital market, as the Dangote Refinery becomes the first refinery to be offered for public subscription on the Nigerian stock market in the 66-year history of the NGX.

The ceremony attracted an array of prominent figures from government, business and the financial sector, including NGX Group Chairman Umaru Kwairanga, NGX Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Temi Popoola, Zenith Bank founder Jim Ovia, Coronation Group Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Also present were senior executives of Dangote Industries and representatives of the capital-market community.

Dangote described the offer as a “people’s IPO”, stressing that its primary objective was to broaden ownership of the refinery and allow ordinary Nigerians and investors across the world to participate in the wealth created by the massive industrial project.

According to him, the public offer was not primarily about raising funds for the Dangote Group, which he said already had substantial capital available for its expansion plans, but about democratising wealth creation.

The refinery is currently designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, while Dangote Industries plans to expand its capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day over the coming years. Proceeds from the IPO are expected to support the refinery’s expansion and strengthen its capacity for future growth.

The public offer follows a $2.5 billion private placement earlier in the year, which attracted strong institutional interest. Reuters reported that the refinery is valued at about $47.6 billion, making the IPO one of the most significant equity offerings ever undertaken in Africa.

The refinery has increasingly become a strategic component of Nigeria’s energy security drive, reducing the country’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products while positioning Nigeria as a potential major exporter of refined products.

The opening of the IPO also comes at a time when the Dangote refinery has reported a sharp improvement in its financial performance. Reuters reported that the company recorded a $1.82 billion net profit in the first half of 2026, alongside revenue of more than $13 billion.

Dangote has also sought to make the offer accessible to ordinary Nigerians, with subscriptions available through digital investment platforms and other authorised channels. The minimum subscription of 10 shares means an investor can enter the offer with N5,250.

The NGX has described the transaction as an important development for the Nigerian capital market, particularly in broadening retail participation and deepening the investment culture.

For Lagos, where the refinery is located and where the historic IPO was formally launched, the development further reinforces the state’s position as Nigeria’s dominant commercial and financial centre.

With the offer running until October 13, investors will now determine whether the historic transaction achieves its N2.15 trillion target and establishes a new benchmark for public participation in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

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X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share

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2 days ago

September 13, 2026

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X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share

Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium SUV battle to Abuja, with the seven-seater X90 Plus set to headline the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, as the automaker moves to capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-growing high-end family SUV market.

The three-day motoring showcase will give prospective buyers, families and auto enthusiasts in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to experience the X90 Plus and other models in the Jetour range through test drives and hands-on demonstrations.

The Abuja showcase follows the success of the brand’s earlier Jetour Experience in Lagos, where strong customer interest, inquiries and sales momentum reportedly encouraged the company to take the initiative to the Federal Capital Territory.

Jetour Nigeria said growing demand from customers in Abuja and neighbouring states was a major factor behind the decision to expand the experience to the northern market.

Positioned as a full-sized family SUV, the X90 Plus is designed for executives and families seeking a combination of space, technology, performance and comfort without the price tag associated with some luxury SUVs.

The model is offered with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain produces up to 254 horsepower and 390Nm of torque.

Inside the cabin, the X90 Plus features a 12.3-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, Sony premium audio system and wireless charging.

Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and electronic stability systems.

Jetour’s growing profile in Nigeria has also earned the brand recognition from the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), which named it Fastest Growing Auto Brand, while it was also recognised as Auto Brand of the Year at the Nigeria Transport Lecture.

To support its expanding customer base, Jetour Nigeria, the sole authorised distributor, operates through seven accredited dealer partners across the country: Elizade Nigeria Limited, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Tab Autos Limited and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.

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