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Sophos boosts Intercept X Solution to assist businesses combat cyberattacks

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Sophos (LSE: SOPH), a global leader in network and endpoint security, today announced Intercept X for Server with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).

By adding EDR to Intercept X for Server, IT managers can investigate cyberattacks against servers, a sought-after target due to the high value of data stored there.

Cybercriminals frequently evolve their methods and are now blending automation and human hacking skills to successfully carry out attacks on servers.

This new type of blended attack combines the use of bots to identify potential victims with active adversaries making decisions about who and how to attack.

The SophosLabs Uncut article, Worms Deliver Cryptomining Malware to Web Servers, underscores how easy it is for cybercriminals to leverage bots to discover soft targets. The report explains an automated attack that can deliver a wide range of malicious code to servers that, as a class, tend to lag behind normal update cycles.

Anatomy of a Blended Cyberattack

Once the bots identify potential targets, cybercriminals use their savvy to select victims based on an organization’s scope of sensitive data or intellectual property, ability to pay a large ransom, or access to other servers and networks.

The final steps are cerebral and manual: break in, evade detection and move laterally to complete the mission. This could be to quietly sneak around to steal intelligence and exit unnoticed, disable backups and encrypt servers to demand high-roller ransoms, or use servers as launch pads to attack other companies.

“Blended cyberattacks, once a page in the playbook of nation state attackers, are now becoming regular practice for everyday cybercriminals because they are profitable. The difference is that nation state attackers tend to persist inside networks for long lengths of time whereas common cybercriminals are after quick-hit money making opportunities,” said the Chief Product Officer at Sophos, Dan Schiappa. “Most malware is now automated, so it’s easy for attackers to find organizations with weak security postures, evaluate their payday potential, and use hand-to-keyboard hacking techniques to do as much damage as possible.”

Sophos explains how blended cyberattacks work in this video, Intercept X for Server with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).

Sophos Intercept X for Server with EDR

With Sophos Intercept X for Server with EDR, IT managers at businesses of all sizes now have visibility across an entire estate. This allows them to proactively detect stealthy attacks, better understand the impact of a security incident and quickly visualize the full attack history.

“When adversaries break into a network, they head straight for the server. Unfortunately, the mission critical nature of servers restrains many organizations from making changes, often significantly delaying patch deployment. Cybercriminals are counting on this window of opportunity. If organizations do fall victim to an attack, they need to know the full context of what devices and servers were hit in order to improve security as well as answer questions based on stricter regulatory laws. Knowing this information accurately the first time can help businesses resolve issues much faster and prevent them from a repeat data breach,” said Schiappa. “If regulators rely on digital forensics as evidence of lost data, then businesses can rely on the same forensics to demonstrate their data has not been stolen. Sophos Intercept X for Server with EDR provides this required insight and security intelligence.”

Sophos Intercept X for Server with EDR expands Sophos’ offering of EDR, which was first announced for endpoints in October 2018. Sophos EDR is powered by deep learning technology for more extensive malware discovery.

Sophos’ deep learning neural network is trained on hundreds of millions of samples to look for suspicious attributes of malicious code to detect never-before-seen threats.

It provides broad, expert analysis of potential attacks by comparing the DNA of suspicious files against the malware samples already categorized in SophosLabs.

“Our research shows that concerns about security and skills shortages are top of mind with IT and security leadership at many organizations,” said Fernando Montenegro, senior industry analyst at 451 Research. “With cyber threats coming from multiple vectors and at a constant rate, businesses can’t afford to have a gap in their visibility. We believe that, as security teams look for opportunities to enhance their protection, bringing together EDR features and visibility across endpoints and servers is a positive step towards greater efficiency.”

With Sophos’ EDR feature, IT managers also have on-demand access to curated intelligence from SophosLabs, guided investigations into suspicious events, and recommended next steps. To maintain full visibility into the threat landscape, SophosLabs tracks, deconstructs and analyzes 400,000 unique and previously unseen malware attacks each day.

“Our customers use Sophos Intercept X with EDR for their endpoints, and the feedback we’ve had is that Sophos’ EDR is easy to implement, easy to use and easy to manage. This reduces the skills needed to manage EDR and makes our customers much more effective at their protecting servers, a critical factor considering the high rate of attacks there,” said Sam Heard, president of Data Integrity Services, a Sophos partner in Lakeland, Fla. “With EDR for servers, Sophos is building upon its industry leading Intercept X endpoint protection. Sophos is also the only vendor to bring all of its security products together on one cloud-based management platform, Sophos Central, and connect its endpoint and network protection through Synchronized Security. Adding EDR for servers is yet another key industry advancement that will protect our customers.”

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and availability details are available from Sophos partners worldwide.

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Transport

Travelers to Make Money as Ozi Launches to Redefine $460 billion Global Package Delivery Market

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Ozi Goes Live

Key Takeaways from Ozi launch:

  • With logistics representing a $1.34 billion in Africa, the demand for innovative delivery solutions has never been greater
  • Nigerians face numerous hurdles when it comes to moving packages, ranging from delays and high costs to a lack of secure options 
Ozi Founders
L-r: Co-Founders of Ozionline.com: Ikenna Ani (COO), Azubike Augustine (CTO) and Engr. Christian Chime (CEO)

Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches today, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.

By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.

Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.

With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held today at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”

“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient. 

“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.

He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.

“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in other country outside Nigeria but for their believe in the Nigeria dream and its potentials made us to choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, the CEO said. “Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.

Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.

Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.

In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.

“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.

To enhance security further, Azubuike said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.

“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the CTO added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”

“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.

“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.

He added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025.  Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.

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Transport

Beer Sectoral Group and FRSC Warn Drivers on the Dangers of Drunk Driving

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BSG and FRSC
L-R: Executive Officer, Food, Beverage and Tobacco, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Elizabeth Lawal; Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, International Breweries PLC, Temitope Oguntokun; Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma; Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), (Lagos State Sector), Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat; Chairman Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) and CEO Nigeria Breweries, Hans Essadi; Lagos state secretary National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Usman O Teslim and Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Abiola Laseinde during the launch of the Annual Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign organized by BSG in Partnership with FRSC at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, on Tuesday, 10th of December, 2024.

The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has reiterated the dangers of drunk driving at the launch of the Annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign.

The two-day campaign began with a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, and continued with park rallies on Wednesday, December 11.

Both events emphasized the importance of avoiding drunk driving, the consequences of impaired driving, and the critical need for responsible road habits to enhance safety across Nigeria.

Speaking at the press conference, Chairman, BSG and CEO Nigerian Breweries, Hans Essadi, commended FRSC for its dedication to road safety and pledged continued support for initiatives that reduce traffic accidents. He stated: “Each year, countless lives are lost to preventable accidents caused by impaired driving. This campaign is built on three pillars: education, enforcement, and encouraging responsible behavior by all road users.”

Essadi also announced the following day’s park rallies, during which campaign teams visited major motor parks in Lagos—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi. At these locations, they engaged commercial drivers in discussions on the risks of impaired driving, distributed educational materials, and offered voluntary breathalyzer tests.

FRSC Lagos Sector Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat emphasized the importance of defensive driving and passengers’ rights to challenge reckless drivers. He also highlighted FRSC’s new app, which alerts users to speed limits, dangerous roads, and potholes.

The press briefing attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including executives from BSG, senior FRSC officials, and road safety advocates. Speakers highlighted the campaign’s objectives, shared success stories from previous editions, and renewed their commitment to reducing road accidents caused by impaired driving.

BSG and FRSC
L-R: Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, International Breweries PLC, Temitope Oguntokun; Communications and Sustainability Manager, International Breweries, Damian Igwe; Head of Integrated Communications, Nigerian Breweries, Ayodele Alabi; CEO Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma; Chairman Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) and CEO Nigeria Breweries, Hans Essadi; Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Abiola Laseinde and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria PLC, Rotimi Odusola during the launch of the Annual Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign organized by BSG in Partnership with FRSC at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, on Tuesday, 10th of December, 2024.

The park rallies saw impactful interactions with drivers and park officials, with many participants pledging to adopt safer driving habits. The campaign reinforced the message of accountability and safety through practical demonstrations and community engagement.

The 2024 “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign exemplifies the effectiveness of partnerships in addressing critical societal issues. BSG and FRSC reaffirm their shared commitment to reducing alcohol-related crashes and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.

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AXA Mansard supports MSME customers, offers free exhibition stand at fair

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AXA Mansard -

As part of continued commitment to support its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) customers, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has planned to offer some selected Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (MSME) customer’s free exhibition stands at the Made by Nigerians Fair.

The company has been paying particular attention to MSMEs because of their significance to the economy.

Earlier, the company has offered different media exposure opportunities to its MSME customers, giving them the platform to introduce their products and services to a wide range of customers for free.

According to the Head, Marketing, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Olusesan Ogunyooye, said this is another gesture by the company to show that MSMEs can benefit for having insurance.

He explained that MSMEs are the backbone of any economy, noting that they drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to national development.

“Our support for these businesses at the MBN Fair reflects commitment to their growth and sustainability.

“We are passionate about helping them reach their full potential by connecting them with resources and opportunities that foster success”.

“By the very nature of insurance, its benefits are in the future and they are uncertain. That has been a main source of discouragement, particularly to MSMEs. Businesses are geared to making money. So, when thinking about Insurance, an average MSME will rather invest the money in the growth of his business first”.

But the risks that businesses face are also real. There are various types of risks businesses have to contend with today. From burglary, to fire, health of employees, and so on. When these risks manifest, they can significantly impact a business negatively. We understand that to get MSMEs to protect themselves and the millions of jobs they create, we must help them strike a balance between growing their businesses and protecting them”.

So, we have come up with different Initiatives to help them grow their businesses. The opportunity to exhibit their products and services to thousands of visitors to the MBN Fair is another in the series of our initiatives. 

“We are convinced that for insurance to grow, we need to help people and businesses see it as a strategic lever to grow their businesses, not a cost that takes away from them. If we get this right, it can’t have a massive impact on our economy because, when MSMEs thrive, the economy will prosper”.

“We have experimented with this model, and we are particularly excited about the responses from our customers. It is a call for us to do more, and we are committed to Nigerian MSMEs”, Ogunyooye explained.

AXA Mansard has been recognised for its various MSME Initiatives. The organization has been recognised by Nairametrics as Best MSME Insurance Company of the Year, and Marketing Edge Magazine as Inclusive Insurance Brand of the Year.

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