Author: Khusoko

The fintech sector has been one of Africa’s biggest technology success stories. According to one report, the continent’s 678 fintech startups raised more than US$2.7 billion between 2021 and August 2023. Additionally, almost all of the continent’s unicorns (startups valued at more than US$1 billion) are in the fintech sector. The majority of that success has, however, come from the continent’s three biggest startup markets: South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. 68% of African fintech startups come from these “big three” markets. But things are steadily changing. More and more countries are realising the benefits that come with an active fintech ecosystem, with a…

As we welcome the arrival of 2024, reflecting on the lessons from 2023 and the evolving threat landscape, it becomes crucial to discern the persistent trends that shaped the previous year. The tenacity of cybercriminal tactics, notably the prevalence of ransomware, exploitation of vulnerabilities, credential theft, and supply chain attacks, marked 2023. What unifies these diverse attacks is their remarkable effectiveness. In light of this, it is imperative to contemplate the potential continuance of these trends into 2024 and formulate strategic approaches for businesses to counteract emerging cyber threats effectively. Between Persistent Trends and Evolving Cybercrime Tactics In 2024, the…

To feed the ever-growing world population, some farmers have to feed the livestock first. This important task falls on nutritious forage crops, also referred to as fodder. They are the ones that stand as nature’s provision for the farm’s four-legged residents. Such types of crops are grown for their leaves and stems, which the animals eat either through grazing or by consuming harvested hay or silage. In both cases, timing is of great importance to ensure optimal quality and quantity of conserved fodder, primarily their protein content, digestibility, and appealing taste, which are crucial for ensuring the well-being and productivity…

Stanbic Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Joseph Loyld Omondi Muganda as its new board chair, effective December 31, 2023.  Muganda replaces Kitili Mbathi, who has served as the board chair since May 9, 2019. Muganda is a seasoned corporate leader who has held senior positions in various blue-chip companies, including Nation Media Group (NMG), Vivo Energy Kenya, Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), and British American Tobacco (BAT).  He holds an MBA from Leicester University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics, Accounting, and Financial Management from the University of Buckingham (UK). In a statement, Stanbic Holdings said, “The Board…

One of the most frequently parroted narratives you’ll hear when it comes to rolling out any green initiatives in Africa is that doing so puts much-needed growth at risk. In the run-up to COP 28, which takes place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12, it’s an argument that will likely crop up again. Historically, it hasn’t been one without merit either. African countries are, after all, reportedly responsible for just four per cent of global emissions. Given that they’ve contributed so little to the climate crisis, the argument goes, why should they be expected to…

Sophos has released a report titled “CryptoGuard: An Asymmetric Approach to the Ransomware Battle,” which found that some of the most prolific and active ransomware groups, including Akira, ALPHV/BlackCat, LockBit, Royal, Black Basta, are deliberately switching on remote encryption for their attacks. In remote encryption attacks, also known as remote ransomware, adversaries leverage a compromised and often under-protected endpoint to encrypt data on other devices connected to the same network. Sophos CryptoGuard is the anti-ransomware technology that Sophos acquired in 2015* and is included in all Sophos Endpoint licenses. CryptoGuard monitors the malicious encryption of files and provides immediate protection…