Security

Arctic Wolf enters South Africa market

Arctic Wolf expands into South Africa, recruiting local partners to offer advanced cybersecurity solutions and protect businesses from cyberattacks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Arctic Wolf, a leading company in security operations, has announced its expansion into South Africa, where it is actively recruiting local partners to help drive the adoption of its cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions

A dedicated team from Arctic Wolf will assist customers across the African continent by providing security monitoring to detect and respond to cyber threats. The company focuses on monitoring computers, networks, and cloud-based assets for malicious activity, including cybercrime, ransomware, and malware attacks, which are increasingly common worldwide.

Clare Loveridge, Arctic Wolf’s vice-president & general manager EMEA, explained, “We have had considerable interest in the advanced cyber security which we offer customers from businesses throughout South Africa and the wider continent, so it was a logical step to formally start operations there.”

“As a channel-driven business, we believe it is critical for us to be able to recruit partners in South Africa with the vision and skills necessary to highlight to their customers the enormous benefits that Arctic Wolf can bring with its unparalleled protection. We have been delighted in only a few days, how much interest the South African channel has shown in what we do and in how we can work together to protect businesses large and small from cyberattack,” added Loveridge.

Can Africa’s cybersecurity landscape be transformed?

CTM360 and AfricaCERT unite to enhance cybersecurity across Africa through strategic assessments and collaboration. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

CTM360, a prominent cybersecurity platform based in Bahrain, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AfricaCERT, a nonprofit organisation focused on enhancing cybersecurity readiness within the African digital landscape

The MoU aims to empower AfricaCERT and its members by implementing comprehensive external cybersecurity assessments across the continent. These assessments will be vital in identifying potential risks and developing effective solutions to fortify the region's cybersecurity framework.

Mirza Asrar Baig, CEO of CTM360, commented, "We are thrilled to partner with AfricaCERT to advance cybersecurity across Africa. This MoU represents a major step forward in our mission to provide comprehensive protection and support to CERTs in the region. At CTM360, we believe in creating lasting value for the entire cybersecurity community. We’re eager to contribute to more initiatives as we work towards a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity landscape. By working together, we aim to bolster Africa's cybersecurity framework and ensure a safer digital environment for all."

Jean-Robert Hountomey, co-founder of AfricaCERT, stated, "Together, we welcome the opportunity to support our community with solutions that strengthen our commitment to a more resilient African cyberspace that remains an engine for economic growth. We aim to provide Defenders with tools and frameworks to improve their cybersecurity posture while equipping Business Leaders and Policymakers with resources they can leverage to assist organisations in administering security controls and making risk-based decisions."

Through the utilisation of CTM360’s expertise in External Attack Surface Management and Digital Risk Protection, this collaboration will enhance the capacity of African Security Teams to effectively monitor, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats across their Critical National Infrastructure (CNIs).

Liquid expands cybersecurity solutions in Africa

Liquid Intelligent Technologies expands its cybersecurity solutions, adding asset management, risk remediation, and compliance support for East Africa. (Image source: Liquid Intelligent Technologies)

Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies and a prominent African tech company, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its range of cybersecurity solutions offered through its Cyber Security Fusion Centres (CSFC)

This latest solution aims to provide customers with a more comprehensive cybersecurity offering, incorporating features such as asset management, risk remediation, patch management, and compliance support into Liquid’s existing cloud security services.

“With the rapid pace of digital transformation, businesses must continuously enhance their cybersecurity strategies. Cybercriminals are growing more sophisticated, and Liquid is committed to investing in cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of these evolving threats, ensuring our customers’ systems remain secure. Our Cyber Security Fusion Centres offer the ideal platform to manage these risks for our clients,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Rest of Africa.

Compliance support is a critical component of any cybersecurity strategy, and this new solution allows Liquid to assist businesses in adhering to both local and international regulations. The solution can be customised to align with any compliance framework and regional data protection laws.

Leveraging its robust local infrastructure and cloud expertise, Liquid is well-positioned to deliver these services throughout East Africa. Its Azure stacks in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda ensure businesses can maintain compliance with local regulations while accessing top-tier cloud and security services. Complementing this, its CSFCs offer tailored support across cybersecurity, cloud, and networks, providing end-to-end security for both enterprise and SME clients.

With the addition of these new features to its existing portfolio, which includes L3-L7 DDoS mitigation, Virtual CISO, and Managed Security Services, Liquid enables its customers to more effectively manage and protect their cyber assets while offering proactive threat detection and prevention against cyberattacks.

Kaspersky: AI's growing societal role

Kaspersky study reveals AI's expanding role in society, from work and education to personal life, highlighting both opportunities and risks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

According to a new survey by Kaspersky, titled ‘Excitement, Superstition and great Insecurity – How global Consumers engage with the Digital World,’ AI is increasingly becoming integrated into society

The study indicates that AI is now playing more roles in various fields where it can be effective and trusted by humans.

Statistics from Similarweb highlight that ChatGPT, a leading chatbot, received 153 million visits in its first month following its November 2022 launch, and visits peaked at 2 billion in April 2024. In response to the rapid growth of AI, Kaspersky's comprehensive study examines current confidence levels in AI, exploring its use in management roles and in making important life decisions.

The survey found that many respondents view AI as a team member and even a manager, with 34% globally believing AI could be a fairer boss than a human due to its impartiality. This belief is even stronger in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region, with 40% agreement, and 42% in South Africa.

In education, 47% of global respondents, 60% in the META region, and 68% in South Africa anticipate children learning through virtual experiences and Metaverses in the near future.

Half of the respondents globally (50%), 53% in the META region, and 64% in South Africa acknowledge that AI is now an integral part of their lives. Additionally, 43% globally, 46% in the META region, and 52% in South Africa have a positive outlook on AI’s potential to create opportunities and improve the future. Furthermore, a significant number of respondents believe AI has creative capabilities, with 62% globally, 59% in the META region, and 53% in South Africa viewing AI as a credible creator of artistic works.

AI is also seen as a valuable companion and everyday assistant, with 57% of respondents globally, 67% in the META region, and 60% in South Africa expressing a desire to use AI to enhance daily efficiency.

Globally, 48% of survey participants, 60% in the META region, and 56% in South Africa are willing to use AI chatbots for online conversations. Additionally, 31% globally, 38% in the META region, and 33% in South Africa would use AI to find a partner on dating apps. A notable proportion believes that AI could significantly impact human relationships, with 48% globally, 58% in the META region, and 63% in South Africa anticipating changes if virtual characters begin to replace real-life partners.

Vladislav Tushkanov, machine learning technology research group manager at Kaspersky, commented, “We are witnessing the growing adoption of AI as a valuable tool, assisting people in diverse areas. Beyond traditional applications, such as processing and analysing data, AI is being entrusted with more intriguing personal roles, including romance, education, and work. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their potential to drive innovation and improve human experiences becomes even more profound. However, this advancement also brings unexpected risks and sophisticated threats, ranging from overreliance — putting too much trust in AI advice — to AI-generated phishing, deepfakes, and identity theft. These are the challenges that we need to address across multiple levels.”

ThetaRay acquires Screena for AI screening

ThetaRay acquires Screena, enhancing its AI-powered financial crime detection platform to offer comprehensive screening and compliance solutions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

ThetaRay, a leader in AI-powered financial crime detection technology, has announced its acquisition of the European screening company Screena

This acquisition highlights ThetaRay's ongoing investment in proprietary technology and underscores its commitment to helping banks, fintechs, and regulators detect financial crimes using cutting-edge AI solutions.

Screena provides financial institutions with tools to identify malicious actors without impacting legitimate parties. It screens individuals, companies, or other entities against various sanctioned party lists, ensuring compliance with international laws and regulations. This enhances global trade, safeguards reputations, and promotes financial security.

ThetaRay operates in over 40 countries across six continents and is transitioning from a leader in AI-powered Transaction Monitoring solutions to a cloud-based, comprehensive financial crime detection platform. This platform is utilized by over 100 financial institutions, including Santander, Payoneer, and Travelex. The acquisition of Screena integrates its advanced, cloud-based AI-driven screening capabilities into ThetaRay's product suite, offering financial institutions an unparalleled, holistic view of transactional and customer screening risks.

ThetaRay enables the detection of various financial crimes, including money laundering, terrorist financing, and drug trafficking. Recently, Santander UK collaborated with ThetaRay to implement advanced technology to identify human trafficking in financial transactions. This partnership was recognised at the Digital Transformation Awards in June 2024 for "Best Use of Data for Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Detection."

ThetaRay's product suite helps financial institutions comply swiftly and effectively with complex regulatory requirements. It also facilitates smooth customer onboarding and transaction processes, allowing companies to scale quickly and seize business opportunities while promoting growth across different business lines.

"The acquisition of Screena is a significant milestone for ThetaRay as we continue our mission to power the global fight against financial crime by enhancing our offerings with the most advanced AI capabilities. It furthers our commitment to delivering an end-to-end platform that enables banks, fintechs, and regulators to effectively identify financial crime – vital capabilities to grow and operate a financial institution today," stated Peter Reynolds, CEO of ThetaRay. "The recent launch of our Customer Risk Assessment (CRA) product this year and the mass adoption of our leading Transaction Monitoring offering demonstrates both a clear need in the market and our proven ability to build pioneering solutions. We are delighted to have closed our first acquisition, bringing key capabilities and further establishing our already rapidly growing presence in Europe."

Erel Margalit, chairman of ThetaRay and founder and chairman of JVP, commented, "The need for international, cross-border payments, and business corridors between Europe and Africa, South America and the US, and many locations around the world requires the use of AI and advanced technology to make sure that the transactions are trusted, and that the people behind them are trusted. ThetaRay’s AI also establishes a highway for the good actors that require an international payment network to do their business. The acquisition of Screena advances the ability to identify bad actors, whether it’s money laundering, drug trafficking, or terrorist financing in a much more pointed way. This move is a testament to ThetaRay’s mission of thwarting financial crime and continuously enhancing capabilities to win this critical fight on our journey to becoming a category leader."

Cédric Iggiotti, CEO of Screena, said, "Integrating with ThetaRay has been a game-changer for us at Screena, revealing the true potential of combining Transaction Monitoring, Screening, and Customer Risk Assessment. For too long, screening was siloed from other critical financial crime detection tools. Our partnership with ThetaRay not only meets stringent regulatory demands but also significantly enhances our crime detection capabilities, as evidenced by our recent successes with major financial institutions. Looking ahead, we are excited to push the boundaries of what’s possible in building a more trustworthy financial ecosystem."

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