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Hackers Can Unlock, Steal Your Vehicles, NCC Alerts Nigerians

Published

1 year ago

on

NCC Issues Final Letters Of Licence Awards To 5G Spectrum Winners

…Warns of vulnerability to new Android trojan apps

Olushola Okunlade Writes

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) wishes to alert telecom consumers and members of the public on an ongoing cyber-vulnerability that allows a nearby hacker to unlock vehicles, start their engines wirelessly, and make away with the cars.

The fact that car remotes are categorized as short-range devices that make use of radiofrequency (RF) to lock and unlock cars informed the need for the Commission to alert the general public of this emergent danger, where hackers take advantage to unlock and start a compromised car.

According to the latest advisory released by the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), the Cybersecurity Centre for the telecom sector established by the NCC, the vulnerability is a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack or, more specifically, a replay attack in which an attacker intercepts the RF signals normally sent from a remote key fob to the car, manipulates these signals, and re-sends them later to unlock the car at will.

With this latest type of cyber-attack, it is also possible to manipulate the captured commands and re-transmit them to achieve a different outcome altogether. “Multiple researchers disclosed a vulnerability, which is said to be used by a nearby attacker to unlock some Honda and Acura car models and start their engines wirelessly. The attack consists of a threat actor capturing the radio frequency (RF) signals sent from your key fob to the car and resending these signals to take control of your car’s remote keyless entry system,” the advisory stated emphatically.

However, the NCC-CSIRT, in the advisory, has offered some precautionary measures or solutions that can be adopted by car owners to prevent falling victim to the attack.

According to the cyber-alert unit of the Commission, “When affected, the only mitigation is to reset your key fob at the dealership. Besides, the affected car manufacturer may provide a security mechanism that generates fresh codes for each authentication request, this makes it difficult for an attacker to ‘replay’ the codes thereafter. Additionally, vulnerable car users should store their key fobs in signal-blocking ’Faraday pouches’ when not in use.”
Importantly, car owners in the stated categories are advised to choose Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) as opposed to Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), which would make it harder for an attacker to read the signal due to the fact that criminals would need to be at close proximity to carry out their nefarious acts.

The PKE is an automotive security system that operates automatically when the user is in proximity to the vehicle, unlocking the door on approach or when the door handle is pulled, and also locking it when the user walks away or touches the car on exit. The RKE system, on the other hand, represents the standard solution for conveniently locking and unlocking a vehicle’s doors and luggage compartment by remote control.

Additionally, in a related advisory, the NCC, based on another detection by CSIRT, wishes to inform the general public about the resurgence of Joker Trojan-Infected Android Apps on the Google Play Store. This arose due to the activities of criminals who intentionally download legitimate apps from the Play Store, modify them by embedding the Trojan malware, and then upload the app back to the Play Store with a new name.

The malicious payload is only activated once the apps go live on the Play Store, which enables the apps to scale through Google’s strict evaluation process. Once installed, these apps request permissions that once granted, enable the apps to have access to critical functions such as text messages and notifications.

As a consequence, a compromised device will subscribe unwitting users to premium services, billing them for services that do not exist. A device like this can also be used to commit Short Messaging Service (SMS) fraud while the owner is unaware.

It can click on online ads automatically and even use SMS One Time passwords (OTPs) to secretly approve payments. Without checking bank statements, the user will be unaware that he or she has subscribed to an online service. Other actions, such as stealing text messages, contacts, and other device data, are also possible.

To avoid falling victim to the manipulation of hackers deploying Joker Trojan-Infected Android Apps, Android users have been advised to avoid downloading unnecessary apps or installing apps from unofficial sources. The NCC also wishes to advise telecom consumers to ensure that apps installed from the Google Play Store are heavily scrutinized by reading reviews, assessing the developers, perusing the terms of use, and only granting the necessary permissions.

Conclusively, the NCC recommends that unauthorized transactions be checked against any installed app. Indeed, any apps not in use should be deleted while users are also advised to ensure that a device is always patched and updated to the latest software.

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Telecom

Airtel Launches TV Commercial, Showcases Ease of Its Home Broadband Connectivity

Published

2 days ago

on

June 6, 2023

By

Airtel Africa, UNICEF Reaffirm Commitment To Accelerate Access To Quality Education Across Africa

Rashidat Olushola Okunlade Writes

Leading telecommunications provider Airtel Nigeria has launched a new Television commercial, to showcase the exceptional benefits of its Home Broadband connectivity.

The TVC stars the popular Nollywood actor, Eyinna Nwigwe, who plays the character of a young man navigating through his daily remote work routine and how he manages to maintain a balance between his work and personal life, staying effortlessly connected with his business associates and loved ones across the globe.

Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja, while commenting on the benefits of the Airtel Broadband, said, “The high-speed internet and reliable connection of the Airtel Home Broadband make it the preferred choice for those who require a reliable connection and access to data.

“This offers users the ease and speed to access websites, stream videos, and download files. Moreover, the network’s reliable connection ensures that users experience fewer disruptions in their online activities. As such, this makes it the go-to option for those who need a dependable connection to get their work done or stay connected with friends and family.”

The Airtel Home Broadband offers a Basic package, with unlimited internet and up to 40Mbps download speed; the Standard package, with 100Mbps download speed; the Entertainment package with=200Mbps download speed, the Professional package with200Mbps download speed; and the Infinity package which offers up to 1GBps download speed. All these packages, according to Airtel Nigeria officials, offer unlimited internet access.

 

 

 

 

 

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Airtel Africa Appoints Carl Cruz As Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer Of Airtel Nigeria

Published

1 month ago

on

May 4, 2023

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Airtel Africa Appoints Carl Cruz As Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer Of Airtel Nigeria

Rahidat Okunlade Writes

Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, has announced the appointment of Carl Cruz as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria).

The appointment which takes effect from 5th May 2023, will also see Mr. Cruz join the Executive Committee as the Regional Operating Director reporting to the Airtel Africa Group CEO, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya as well as the Board of Airtel Networks Limited (Nigeria).

Mr. Cruz has over 31 years of business and corporate experience from multiple geographies across Africa and Asia. In his most recent position, Mr. Cruz served as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Unilever in West Africa, with responsibility and oversight of three listed operating companies, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Francophone Africa. He was a board member in the role of Executive Director in Unilever Nigeria Plc and a Non – Executive Director on the board of Unilever Ghana representing Unilever as a shareholder.

Airtel Africa Appoints Carl Cruz As Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer Of Airtel Nigeria

Carl Cruz, Managing Director, CEO, Airtel Nigeria.

Prior to this, he was the Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Sri Lanka, in addition to occupying leadership roles in Unilever Philippines and Hindustan Unilever India. Throughout his career, Mr. Cruz has managed strategic and directional responsibility in sales, distribution, customer and brand development, trade development, and commercial engagement.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from the University of De La Salle, Philippines.

Speaking on Mr. Cruz’s appointment, Airtel Africa Group CEO, Segun Ogunsanya said, “Mr. Cruz brings to Airtel Africa a wealth of business experience, exceptional track record, and strong values. He has a solid record of accomplishment as a strategic and transformational business leader who thrives on problem-solving and building strong teams to deliver business growth. We look forward to working with him to steer our largest region and to deliver on our corporate purpose of transforming lives.”

Mr. Cruz takes over from Mr. C Surendran.

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Telecom

Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Published

1 month ago

on

May 4, 2023

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Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

Leading entertainment content streaming service, Airtel TV, announced the winners of its first Super Skit-Makers contest on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023 at Airtel Headquarters, Ikoyi, with prizes ranging from N250, 000 to N1, 000,000.

Launched in March 2023, the Airtel TV Super Skit-Makers competition is an initiative by the fledgling platform, to recognize and reward the country’s outstanding talent in the emerging online skits genre.

An evidently thrilled crowd at the prize presentation ceremony applauded as the star winner, Qudus Shokunbi, received the unprecedented N1, 000,000 cash reward and a scholarship to Del-York Creative Academy, a top film school in Lagos.

Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.

Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.

Airtel TV Celebrates Creativity, Awards Star Winner With Whopping N1,000,000 And Scholarship

Left-Right: Marketing Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina; second runner-up, Akueme John-Paul; first runner-up, Mathias Saidu; star-prize winner, Airtel TV Skit-Maker Competition, Qudus Shokunbi; Partnership and Intervention Manager, Del-York Creative Academy, Halima Alawiye; and Managing Partner, Covenant Entertainment Services and Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon at the prize presentation to the winners of the competition at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd May 2023.

This star award was followed by additional prizes to other winners and contestants. Second and third-place winners were presented with cash prizes of N500,000, and N250,000, respectively, alongside film school scholarships to Del-York Creative Academy. For their notable participation, makers of the top 10 most viewed videos that were entered into the competition also received branded Airtel TV merchandise.

Speaking at the event, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja said, “Airtel Nigeria is excited to host the Skit-Makers and celebrate the incredible contributions of young skit makers to the comedy genre in particular, and Nigerian entertainment in general. We believe in supporting and promoting creativity in Nigeria, and with Airtel TV, we are thrilled to recognize and reward the impact of these talented creators.”

He added: “We hope that the prizes will not only serve as a form of recognition for the winners but also as a source of inspiration to other aspiring skit makers.”

Sharing a similar sentiment, Shokunbi, expressed his gratitude to Airtel TV for boosting the art form. “I am happy that Airtel TV organized this competition and offered this large prize. Their support will go a long way to encourage more youths to produce more creative skits,” he said.

 

 

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