Security

Datacentrix renews elite partnership with Rubrik

Datacentrix reaffirms its leadership in data security by retaining Elite Partner status with Rubrik, driving cyber resilience across Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Datacentrix, a prominent hybrid ICT systems integrator and managed services provider, has once again reinforced its status as a high-achieving partner by regaining its Elite Partner designation with Rubrik, a leader in zero trust data security

Datacentrix was the first company in South Africa to earn this distinguished status in 2023, and it remains among a select group of local entities at this level.

Transformative alliance

Rubrik’s partner program requires Elite Partners to re-qualify biannually while earning 100 points annually across multiple criteria, including certifications, deal registrations, closed business, and joint marketing efforts. Bassam Almasri, Rubrik’s Director of Channel & Alliances – EMEA Emerging Markets, commended Datacentrix for its consistent dedication to meeting these requirements, underscoring the strength of their partnership.

Datacentrix services manager, Graeme Dendy, stated, "Our collaboration with Rubrik continues to grow across all engagement layers, driven by a mutual commitment to delivering top-tier data security solutions to our clients. As a global leader in cyber resilience, Rubrik's continuous recognition by Gartner in the Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions – positioned furthest for Completeness of Vision for the fifth consecutive year in 2024 – speaks to the progressive technology we bring to the local market."

Almasri highlighted Rubrik’s increased investment in South Africa, including expanding its local team and enhancing its presence across the African continent. He noted that Africa remains a key strategic focus for Rubrik, with an upcoming visit from the company’s CEO, Chairman, and Co-founder, Bipul Sinha, later this year.

"Our close relationships with local partners, like Datacentrix, play a key role in helping us extend our reach within Africa. We are focused on working together to ensure that organisations across the continent can build stronger cyber resilience, developing their abilities to keep data ‘healthy’, repel cyber attacks and provide essential services during and after an attack."

Almasri added that through frequent executive interactions and a shared strategic vision, Rubrik and Datacentrix are committed to empowering businesses across Africa to protect their critical data and stay ahead of emerging cyber threats.

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.”

Angola Cables' record traffic growth

For Ghanaian customers, this license means more efficient and secure money transfers across the country. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Flutterwave gains enhanced PSP license in Ghana

The introduction of Network One in Nigeria aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive for in-country transaction routing, boosting local processing capabilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Network International debuts Network One in Nigeria

OADC Texaf Digital - Kinshasa, a 2MW open-access, Tier-III data centre, boosts DRC's digital ecosystem with carrier-neutral, sustainable infrastructure. (Image source: Open Access Data Centres)

OADC Texaf boosts DRC's digital ecosystem

Woman’s hands texting, networking, or browsing on smartphone

GSMA's 2024 report reveals the transformative impact of mobile technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting key challenges and growth opportunities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)