SEACOM collaborates with forefront and Cloudflare to provide advanced cybersecurity solutions to African businesses. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

SEACOM, a leading provider of connectivity and cloud services, has partnered with Forefront, a cybersecurity managed services firm, and Cloudflare to deliver advanced cybersecurity solutions across Africa

The collaboration aims to enhance cybersecurity resilience on the continent by offering Cloudflare's top-tier security services to businesses looking to modernise their infrastructure. SEACOM clients will now have access to a range of Cloudflare products along with managed services, including optimisations, integrations, health checks, and local support from certified Cloudflare teams.

Sajid Khan, SEACOM's group managing director for digital services, noted, "This partnership marks an exciting new addition to our product portfolio by providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to our clients."

Graham Turnbull, Cloudflare's account executive, commented, "SEACOM's extensive network infrastructure provides a strong foundation for delivering Cloudflare's solutions, including advanced security and zero-trust services, through the Managed Services Programme. Together, we are empowering African businesses with world-class internet and security services."

To bolster global efforts against cybercrime, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL have signed a five-year cooperation agreement to prevent and combat cyber offenses

This partnership formalises collaboration between the company and the law enforcement agency, facilitating the exchange of threat intelligence on emerging cybercriminal activities.

Africa continues to face a rapidly evolving cyberthreat landscape, particularly in industrial sectors. The continent has the highest share of Industrial Control Systems computers targeted by malicious objects, as detected by Kaspersky’s solutions. These escalating risks highlight the need for enhanced cooperation to mitigate potential threats.

The agreement strengthens ties between Kaspersky and AFRIPOL by improving data exchange on cybercrime trends. Kaspersky will provide threat intelligence for AFRIPOL’s criminal intelligence analysis and offer technical assistance through its expert teams.

Kaspersky CEO Eugene Kaspersky emphasised, “An effective fight against cybercrime is inconceivable without cooperation. Our company has always put collaborative effort first – sharing its expertise with the widest range of stakeholders: the security expert community, law enforcement agencies, and also the general public to empower them with knowledge about acute cyberthreats. Hence, by advancing our cooperation with AFRIPOL and by equipping the agency with both the information and technology required for responding to emerging cyberthreats, we hope to enhance our contribution in fostering greater cyber-resilience and a safer cyberspace for all.”

AFRIPOL acting executive director ambassador Jalel Chelba stated, “This agreement with Kaspersky represents a major step forward in strengthening Africa's digital defenses. By leveraging Kaspersky's expertise and resources, we are not only enhancing AFRIPOL's ability to counter cyber threats, but also contributing to the protection of a secure digital space for all African citizens. This collaboration brings substantial added value to both our organisations: it strengthens AFRIPOL's operational framework in combating cybercrime, while allowing Kaspersky to play a key role in the digital security of a strategically important continent in terms of cybersecurity. Together, we are taking a significant step towards resilience and digital trust in Africa, by mobilising the best of both partners.”

Kaspersky and AFRIPOL have a long record of joint cooperation projects. The two organisations have been active contributors to the assessment of the African threat landscape, while also being active participants in INTERPOL-led actions to disrupt cybercrime on the African continent, namely Africa Cyber Surge Operation and Africa Cyber Surge Operation II. The two organisations have also been advocating for greater digital trust, with AFRIPOL having endorsed Kaspersky’s first Transparency Center in the African region in Rwanda.

Nigeria's EFCC takes action against cyber-crime with a 24-hour reporting desk for citizens. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is intensifying its efforts against cyber-crimes by enabling residents to report offenses around the clock

This will be facilitated through a 24-hour Cybercrime Rapid Response Desk, designed to receive and swiftly respond to information on cyber-crimes from the public. The desk will be accessible via both local and international phone numbers.

"Cyber-crime is not a crime against individuals and businesses. It is an assault on our collective integrity, economic stability, and the future of our youth," stated Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. "It is therefore crucial that we address these challenges head-on and explore not only the harmful consequences of cyber-crimes but also the sustainable alternatives that can redirect our youths towards productive and positive endeavours."

With over 60% of Nigeria’s population being young people, Tinubu highlighted that youth involvement in cyber-crime poses a significant threat to the nation's economic stability. The perpetrators of these crimes, often referred to locally as 'Yahoo Boys,' are primarily tertiary graduates struggling to secure formal employment.

The Nigeria Communications Commission reports that cyber-criminal activities cost the country an estimated US$500mn annually. This initiative by the EFCC aims to curb cyber-crime, safeguarding Nigeria’s economic stability and promoting positive and sustainable paths for the youth.