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Identity under attack in Africa, MidEast

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by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THERE is an emerging identity crisis as cybercriminals double down on exploiting user identities to compromise enterprises worldwide.

This is according to the 2024 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, released by IBM, which highlights the trend mostly in the Middle East and Africa region (MEA).

Scammers use valid local and cloud accounts, making up the primary cause of cyber attacks against organizations in the regions.

IBM warns this highlights the need for strong user access and control strategies by enterprises.

According to IBM X-Force, in 2023, cybercriminals saw more opportunities to “log in” versus hack into corporate networks through valid accounts – making this tactic a preferred weapon of choice for threat actors.

Saudi Arabia was the most targeted country in MEA, representing 40 percent of overall incidents that X-Force responded to in the region, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with 30 percent of incidents.

At the industry level, the most targeted sectors in the region were finance and insurance, making up 38 percent of incidents, followed by transportation and energy at 19 percent each.

“The rising threats to user identities pose a major security risk in the region,” said Babacar Kane, General Manager and Technology Leader of IBM Africa Growth Markets.

The executive said in today’s digital landscape, where people live, work, and engage with one another online, safeguarding sensitive information demanded proactive measures.

“As threat actors start to look to AI to optimize their attacks, embracing AI-powered solutions isn’t just a choice anymore but a necessity to fortify organizations against evolving cyber threats that will scale.”

– CAJ News

Nigeria busts international drug trafficking syndicate

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from OKORO CHINEDU in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
LAGOS, (CAJ News) – NIGERIAN authorities have reported the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in illicit drug trafficking in Africa, America and Europe.

Locally, the trio allegedly deals in drugs across Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made the arrests following the seizure of the single largest consignment of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos.

A total of 51,90 kilograms of heroin had been recovered from members of the drug cartel in an operation that began February 10 at the airport’s Cargo terminal.

The consignment was concealed in 15 cartons of metal cutting machines, with no less than 45 blocks of the illicit substance weighing 49,70kg recovered from the equipment, while additional 2,2kg was seized at the syndicate’s warehouse in Ayobo area of Lagos.

Onyinyechi Irene Igbokwuputa and Frankline Upchucked were arrested in Lagos and Anambra state respectively.

Another wanted member of the syndicate, Osita Emmanuel Obinna was apprehended in Lagos.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the arrest as part of the War against Drugs (WADA) campaign in the Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Imo and Lagos regions.

“He equally applauded their counterparts across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating parity between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities,” said Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the NDLEA.

– CAJ News

One million plastic bottles become luxury goods

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Weaving sustainability, luxury and design into a sublime guest experience

CAPE TOWN, (CAJ News) – ROOTED in the rich soils of South African tradition and forward-thinking sustainability, The Joinery stands as a beacon of innovation and luxury in the textile industry.

Established 13 years ago by visionaries Kim Ellis and her sister and business partner, this female-led enterprise has become synonymous with an eco-conscious luxury that does not compromise on elegance or quality.

At the core of The Joinery’s mission is the revolutionary use of recycled plastic bottles to create ‘Future Felt,’ a fabric that blends aesthetic appeal with environmental stewardship. “Our journey began with a commitment to the planet and to the people of our community,” says Kim. As The Joinery nears the monumental milestone of one million plastic bottles saved from landfill, its commitment remains unwavering—to create a product that honours the earth and its inhabitants.

The Joinery’s commitment extends beyond environmental conservation to fostering significant social impact. “We are not just preventing waste; we are creating wealth—in skills, in jobs, and in opportunities,” she adds. The company’s artisanal workshop is a hub of activity where women from underprivileged communities are trained and employed, mastering the art of textile creation. These women, alongside skilled leather artisans, handcraft each product with an attention to detail that rivals any luxury brand on the global stage.

“Our fabric off-cuts are donated to NGOs such as The Butterfly Foundation and The Clothing Bank, which are used for in-house projects, aiding and empowering local community members,” explains, Natalie, the Co-Founder.

The impact of The Joinery’s operations is profound. Each item produced tells a story of transformation—of plastic into fabric, of unemployment into craftsmanship, of ordinary into extraordinary. The luxury items produced under The Joinery’s brand are more than just commodities; they are artefacts of change, carrying with them the narratives of the individuals who crafted them.

“Change through design is our motto. We approached local fibre recyclers who helped us on our journey to conceptualising a felt fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and packaging is recyclable or made from recycled materials. All of the plastic bottles that go into our recycled fabric are collected from around South Africa. We also use vegetable tanned leather. Vegetable tanning of leather is a natural process, using natural materials such as tree bark, making it more eco-friendly. Our products are produced by hand as much as possible to minimise our carbon footprint.”

As The Joinery continues to grow, its influence stretches across the luxury travel industry, collaborating with high-end clients including yacht companies, cruise liners, and exclusive safari lodges. These collaborations are pivotal, as they do not just drive revenue but spread the ethos of sustainable luxury worldwide. “Our clients become part of our sustainability family, sharing in our story and contributing to a global movement,” says Natalie Ellis, Joinery Co-Founder.

Looking ahead, The Joinery is poised to launch four innovative new ranges that promise to redefine standards in the luxury market. These include tailored travel accessories, bespoke hotel amenities, and a ground breaking outdoor product line designed for the eco-conscious adventurer.

As it champions sustainability, community empowerment, and women-led entrepreneurship, The Joinery is not only carving a niche but also paving a path for others to follow. It stands as a testament to what modern businesses can achieve: profitability intertwined with purpose, luxury merged with responsibility.

For more information, visit www.thejoinery.co.za/

– CAJ News

Kenya revises fibre rollout target

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from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya Bureau
NAIROBI, (CAJ News) – KENYA believes an ambitious target to roll out 100 000 kilometres of optical fibre to under-served areas  in five years could now be attained with the next two years.

This follows the government ditching the customary method of laying cables on the ground but instead utilising existing infrastructure of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) parastatal.

Fibre cables would thus run alongside power lines.

“We have now changed the model,” Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, said.

“As opposed to digging down the ground to lay fibre, we have engineered our model through a partnership between our ministry and the KPLC, where we are now going to leverage on the infrastructure of the KPLC to roll out the fibre.”

“If we go that route, which is now work in progress, it is our estimation that as opposed to the five years within which we are envisaged to roll out 100 000km, we will now be able to roll out the 100 000km of fibre within the next two years,” Owalo said.

“If there is last mile connectivity of electricity therefore, we equally will be able to have last mile connectivity of fibre in Kenya up to the individual household,” he said of areas that rely on last mile-coverage in terms of power connectivity.

Owalo was speaking at the two-day Digital Transformation in East Africa conference ending on Friday (today) at the Aga Khan University in Nairobi.

He disclosed that since the resumption of the fibre rollout last year, 10 000km has been laid, by Nia Fibre, which has been contracted by the government.

Owalo also revealed the government had embarked on a process of rolling out 25 000 WiFi hotspots countrywide. Our target in the initial stages is the markets and bus termini.

“The markets are where our mothers and sisters who are involved in trade are domiciled. We want to leverage technology to change our markets into digital marketplaces.”

– CAJ News

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