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2022 and the evolving threat landscape (By Quentyn Taylor)

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4 years ago

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Whilst 2021 was defined by its exponential growth, 2022 will be focused on the increased sophistication of ransomware and the techniques used to extort companies

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 11, 2022/APO Group/ — 

By Quentyn Taylor, Senior Director, Information Security and Global Response, Canon EMEA (www.Canon-CNA.com)

Ransomware is here to stay

Cyber criminals are adapting every single day. In 2021, hackers realised the recipe for ransomware was simple and delivered an exceptionally high return: exploit one weakness and force companies to pay millions for that mistake. Whilst 2021 was defined by its exponential growth, 2022 will be focused on the increased sophistication of ransomware and the techniques used to extort companies.

What’s more, following the equation of low risk with a high return, attackers will continue to use email compromise and payment fraud techniques. Payment fraud requests a bank account update to the one the fraudster controls. As this process is predominantly controlled by finance in many large corporates, it can slip through the net of the tight security measures implemented company wide.

By the first half of 2021, businesses had seen a 36% growth of ransomware attacks across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the highest growth of any global region during that time period. [1] While ransomware incidents in Europe are likely to stabilise in 2022, it is predicted that they will continue to grow dramatically in other EMEA regions, most notably in Africa and the Middle East. As these two regions move towards a more digital economy, they are increasingly exposed to cyber-attacks. Cyber criminals are taking what they have learnt from Europe and are applying these lessons to a new ground.

Cyber insurers will scale back to mitigate the risks

Cyber insurance is designed to protect companies from the worst financial consequences of cyber-attacks, but, actually, it’s inadvertently driving the ransomware explosion. The last thing cyber criminals want is to go after an uninsured company and risk their pay out not coming through. Insurers provide them with the assurance they need to carry out the attack and demand more from it. As a result, in 2021, more cyber insurance providers were running at a loss and now they have become more wary.

The UK is the most likely in the world to pay cyber criminals. Recent research by security firm Proofpoint’s found that 82% of British firms that have been victims of ransomware attacks paid the hackers to get back their data, compared to a global average of 58%.[2] It’s obvious cyber insurers cannot take the load of the majority of multimillion ransomware operations, so they are cutting back as a result.

This year, we will likely see a larger scale back of cyber coverage and insurance will get more prescriptive to mitigate the risks. Insurers are waking up to the fact that it’s a losing game. Once weaknesses that can be easily exploited present themselves, insurers will start to exclude the vulnerability of the day; and cyber insurance will not provide companies with the mitigation they would have hoped.

Security teams could pay the price for the hyperverticalisation of the IT industry

Hyperverticalisation of the IT industry, where IT professionals increasingly specialise in one area, will continue to be the standard framework for the industry. The benefits of this to enterprise IT teams are obvious, yet, in 2022, security teams may continue to pay the price.

Intensely specialised IT teams may seem like an advantage as it allows more depth of expertise to a role, but it can be a significant disadvantage in that the management between teams becomes increasingly critical. In the past, more generalist teams were able to understand each other’s role so they could detect and resolve problems reactively. Now, there is the risk they can fall between the cracks. For example, the recent issue in the Java package Log4j, meant increasingly specialised operational and development teams were faced with a significant workload for them to work out where they had this package deployed. Hyperverticalisation may seem attractive, and it is but we must also remember it can come with significant risks from a security perspective.

The modern IT landscape is increasingly complicated, and this increased specialisation is needed to meet new demands. However, a balance must be found. Companies should look to ensure that there is a general management layer over the top, blending all these elements together. This is critical to prevent businesses from unintentionally opening themselves up for attack, just because there are gaps in their internal infrastructure.

Legislation will be key for bolstering B2B security postures

We have already seen government legislation enhance IoT security measures in the consumer tech industry. In 2021, the European Commission adopted the Delegated Act on Cybersecurity to the Radio Equipment Directive that aims to secure all IoT devices before they are sold on the EU market.[3] The Act sets out the legal requirements that must be met for manufacturers to ensure products are more secure and the personal data of citizens is protected. Similarly, the UK recently enforced a Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill that requires consumer tech companies to strengthen their security stance by banning default passwords and providing transparency to customers in fixing security flaws.[4] These are steps in the right direction, to curb the growing security problems caused by the rise of IoT that make consumers increasingly vulnerable to attack.

Businesses must continue to evolve their cyber security posture in line with the rising ambitions of attackers

2022 must be the year we see this level of security legislation coming into force in the B2B space. With many businesses planning to continue offering hybrid working options for employees, their risk landscape becomes larger and more complex. Accordingly, organisations need to focus on improving end point security in line with their evolving ways of working. Legislation will provide national guidelines for security teams to adhere to, making it easier for organisations to meet the latest standards. The same legislation will benefit consumers too, perhaps even more so, given it will tighten up security requirements across devices. Whilst businesses will pay more for employees to have a device that has airtight security, most consumers will still opt for a cheaper, less secure device.

Businesses must continue to evolve their cyber security posture in line with the rising ambitions of attackers. Ransomware operations are only set to get more sophisticated and targeted. In response, cyber insurance has been designed to compensate businesses in the event of attacks. However, it is clear organisations won’t be able to rely on it as originally hoped. We must not forget about the other side of the coin to ransomware, payment fraud which is still rampant. While external movers such as government legislation will be key to defining security standards, it is important to consider that small internal changes in lines of communication can make a significant difference. Businesses must be prepared for what is in store and remain committed to deflecting the increasing ambitions of hackers.

[1] bit.ly/3rcVWzS 

[2] bit.ly/3O0ofvg

[3] bit.ly/37BP9sp

[4] bit.ly/37cHjpn

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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Cassava Technologies strengthens Africa’s cloud resilience with Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro designation in Johannesburg

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10 hours ago

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July 20, 2026

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Cassava Technologies

As the first ExpressRoute Metro location in Africa, Johannesburg joins a select group of global technology hubs offering organisations access to a new level of cloud resilience and security

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 20, 2026/APO Group/ –Cassava Technologies (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology company, through its businesses – Africa Data Centres and Liquid C2, has expanded Africa’s cloud resilience capabilities after Africa Data Centres was designated a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location in Johannesburg. This marks a significant milestone for Africa’s digital infrastructure and cloud ecosystem, reinforcing Cassava’s role as a key enabler of secure, resilient, and high-performance digital services across the continent.

 

By leveraging its status as the only provider with an on-net presence in both locations, Liquid C2, Cassava’s cloud and cyber security business, will deliver Secure CloudConnect. This fully managed service combines resilient private cloud connectivity with integrated cyber security solutions, providing organisations with a secure path to Microsoft Azure.

“Being designated a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location is a defining moment for Africa Data Centres as well as for Africa’s digital infrastructure. It reflects growing confidence in the continent’s ability to support the next generation of cloud and AI-driven services while demonstrating the strength of our One Cassava model. By combining the infrastructure capabilities of Africa Data Centres with the cloud and cyber security expertise of Liquid C2, we are providing organisations with the resilient, secure, and trusted digital foundation they need to accelerate innovation and growth,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana.

Being designated a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location is a defining moment for Africa Data Centres as well as for Africa’s digital infrastructure

As the first ExpressRoute Metro location in Africa, Johannesburg joins a select group of global technology hubs offering organisations access to a new level of cloud resilience and security. Africa Data Centres’ JHB1 facility becomes the second peering location within the Johannesburg metro offering a local ExpressRoute Metro capability. ExpressRoute Metro routes a single connection through two peering locations in the same metro, adding built-in redundancy for mission-critical workloads.

This comes as regulators are placing greater emphasis on operational resilience, business continuity, risk management, and data protection.

Liquid C2’s Secure CloudConnect addresses these requirements by helping organisations reduce the risk of disruption, strengthen their security posture, and simplify the management of complex cloud environments, while meeting regulatory and governance expectations. Customers benefit from a single trusted provider while gaining access to infrastructure designed to support business-critical operations.

“South Africa isn’t waiting for the AI era – it’s helping to shape it, and that ambition rests on digital infrastructure the country can trust. With Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro now available in Johannesburg, organisations across South Africa gain a more resilient and secure path to the cloud for their most critical workloads,” said Vukani Mngxati, CEO of Microsoft South Africa. “When businesses can build on trusted, resilient foundations, they can move faster, compete on the global stage, and turn South Africa’s digital ambition into real economic impact. We are proud to work with Cassava Technologies to help make that happen.”

This milestone marks a significant step forward for African enterprise digital transformation. By bridging hyper-scale infrastructure with managed cloud security, Cassava Technologies is actively future-proofing businesses across the continent, ensuring they have the speed, agility, and protection required to compete in the global digital economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

 

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Master Power Technologies Unveils R50m State-of-the-Art Customer Experience Centre at New Midrand Premises

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11 hours ago

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July 20, 2026

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Master Power Technologies

This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s continued expansion and commitment to advancing Africa’s data centre infrastructure

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 20, 2026/APO Group/ –Master Power Technologies (MPT) (https://kva.co.za/), a leading pan-African provider of turnkey data centre and critical power solutions, has unveiled its hi-tech Customer Experience Centre, also home to its new regional headquarters in Midrand.

Master Power Technologies Unveils R50m State-of-the-Art Customer Experience Centre at New Midrand Premises

This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s continued expansion and commitment to advancing Africa’s data centre infrastructure.

Founded in 1999 by electrical engineer Menno Parsons, MPT has grown from its origins as a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) provider into a diversified engineering firm that delivers end-to-end solutions for data centres across Africa and the Middle East. Today, MPT designs, manufactures, and assembles a wide range of products under its flagship brands, SURE and AIVA, tailored to withstand Africa’s demanding operational environments.

The new Midrand facility spans 6 000m2 and will serve as MPT’s African headquarters, housing approximately 200 employees. Strategically located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, the site is positioned close to major data centre hubs, ensuring accessibility for clients and partners.

Hands-on environment

At the heart of the launch is the Customer Experience Centre, a R50 million investment designed to showcase MPT’s engineering capabilities and provide a hands-on environment for customers, partners, and trainees. The centre features advanced test facilities, including a 2 MVA UPS test platform and a 400kW cooling systems test centre, which is the most comprehensive of its kind on the continent.

These facilities enable performance testing to European certification standards, offering clients confidence in the reliability and efficiency of MPT’s solutions, with the company having become the first African business to be officially certified as an Endorser of the European Code of Conduct for Energy Efficiency in Data Centres in 2025.

The Experience Centre represents a new chapter for Master Power Technologies

“The Experience Centre represents a new chapter for Master Power Technologies. It’s about creating a space where customers can engage with our technology, see it in action, and understand the depth of our capabilities,” says MD and Founder of MPT Menno Parsons.

“This centre will be the most impressive UPS and cooling training facility in Africa, allowing our clients to touch, feel, and work with real systems in a way that has never been possible before.”

Commitment to local

The Experience Centre also highlights MPT’s commitment to local engineering and manufacturing. MPT assembles and engineers complete modular data centre and energy centre solutions within Africa. This approach reduces logistical risks, supports local industry, and ensures solutions are tailored to regional requirements.

Beyond technical demonstrations, the centre will serve as a hub for training and collaboration, equipping engineers and clients with practical knowledge to optimise data centre performance.

It also integrates MPT’s proprietary Advanced Infrastructure Visual Analytics (AIVA) monitoring platform, which manages and records metrics across more than 200 data centres in Africa, offering advanced analytics and operational insights.

“Our business has always been about more than just selling equipment. We engineer solutions for Africa, by Africa. This Experience Centre is a testament to that philosophy, which strengthens our ability to train, innovate and deliver world-class infrastructure while remaining rooted in local expertise,” says Parsons.

The launch of the Midrand offices and Experience Centre underscores MPT’s role as a trusted partner in Africa’s rapidly growing data centre sector. With demand for resilient, efficient, and scalable infrastructure on the rise, MPT’s investment positions the company to meet the evolving needs of clients across the continent and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Master Power Technologies.

 

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Embracing an Intelligent Future: UnionPay Showcases AI Innovation at WAIC 2026

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11 hours ago

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July 20, 2026

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WAIC

Release of Phased Achievements of the National Pilot Base for AI Application (Financial Sector) Held Alongside the Conference

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – On 17 July, the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) officially opened in Shanghai. UnionPay unveiled three proprietary AI technologies developed for the financial sector at the Shanghai exhibition area: financial transaction time-series foundation model, the Agentic Payment Open Protocol (APOP) framework, and a privacy-preserving large language model inference solution. As the AI era unfolds, the showcase highlights UnionPay’s continued commitment to accelerating the adoption of digital and intelligent technologies.

On 18 July, UnionPay hosted the Release of Phased Achievements of the National Pilot Base for AI Application (Financial Sector) at the UnionPay Center alongside WAIC 2026. The event brought together more than 100 representatives from commercial banks, Chinese and international partners, leading technology companies, academia, and research institutions. During the event, UnionPay released its “1+6+N” AI achievements framework, announced a series of industry partnerships, and launched a joint initiative calling for greater collaboration on the development and governance of the financial industry. These achievements demonstrate the progress of the National AI Application Pilot Base in building an open innovation platform that accelerates AI adoption across the industry.

Dong Junfeng, Chairman of China UnionPay and UnionPay International, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech. He noted that AI is rapidly reshaping the financial industry. Since the National AI Application Pilot Base was launched in 2025, it has delivered a number of meaningful outcomes through close collaboration across the industry. Mr. Dong elaborated on the vision for the development of the base from through three dimensions: sharing, collaborative governance, and mutual benefits. First, by pooling computing resources, data and models on a centralized public platform, the base helps address industry challenges such as the high cost of computing resources and data silos. This lowers barriers to AI adoption across the financial sector. Second, the base has strengthened AI security by building robust safeguards for large language models and applying AI to enhance transaction risk management and cybersecurity. Such efforts are made to support a safer and more resilient financial ecosystem. Third, the base is accelerating the AI adoption across real-world use cases. It has incubated a range of commercial AI solutions spanning agentic payments, credit risk management, consumption promotion and merchant digital transformation, turning technological innovation into tangible business value. Looking ahead, the future of AI + Finance holds enormous potential. UnionPay looks forward to working with partners across industries to build an open, shared, and well-governed financial AI ecosystem that supports the development of new productive forces through technological innovation.

A highlight of the event was the official launch of UnionPay’s “1+6+N” AI achievements framework.

The “1” represents a unified portal—the National AI Application Pilot Base. Built on a “One Portal, Six Centers” structure, it integrates six specialized centers covering models, datasets, applications, talent development, supply-demand matching, and financial services. Together, the platform currently hosts 11 models, 14 datasets, 59 demonstration applications, and 61 service offerings, bringing together 145 core resources in total.

The “6” refers to six independent and controllable capabilities, including computing resources scheduling through a trusted intelligent computing sharing platform, high-quality financial datasets, finance-specific foundation models, AI-powered financial security services, financial AI standards, and a pilot testing sandbox that supports model training and evaluation. Together, these six capabilities form the base’s shared technology foundation, providing ecosystem partners with the core technical infrastructure.

The “N” represents a portfolio of benchmark use cases, standardized AI solutions, and demonstration applications built on this technology foundation. These applications span five key areas—intelligent payments, inclusive finance, consumption growth, risk management and compliance, and operational excellence—building a multi-tier product portfolio serving consumers, merchants, local governments and financial institutions. This accelerates the application of AI capabilities across diverse use cases.

Together, the “1+6+N” framework of the base connects computing power, data, models, and use cases and forms an end-to-end value chain. By addressing common industry challenges—including limited computing resources, data silos and the high cost of AI deployment—it delivers standardized and widely accessible AI capabilities, providing the financial industry with reusable, highly secure and one-stop AI solutions for intelligent transformation. This also reflects UnionPay’s commitment not only to driving its own business growth, but also to enabling the industry through foundational capabilities and reinforcing financial infrastructure for the AI era.

These achievements have already been made available to industry partners and are beginning to create value. For banks, acquirers and other financial institutions, UnionPay’s shared infrastructure enables rapid access to mature financial AI capabilities without the need to build systems from scratch, significantly reducing both technical barriers and implementation costs. For merchants, UnionPay offers AI-powered marketing, digital analytics and intelligent risk management tools to support smarter operations, improve customer engagement and enhance operational efficiency, enabling even small and medium-sized businesses to benefit from AI innovation. For technology companies and other ecosystem partners, the base enables partners to rapidly adapt AI products for financial applications and complete compliance validation, accelerating the commercialization of technological innovations.

The event also featured six rounds of partnership signing ceremonies, covering areas including AI-themed card, cross-border agentic payment ecosystem development, AI-powered operational empowerment for merchants, joint commercialization of pilot base innovations, and broader ecosystem collaboration across the financial industry chain.

Following the signing ceremonies, UnionPay released the Initiative on the Collaborative Development and Governance of AI Applications in Financial Services, with representatives from participating organizations joining the stage to witness its launch. Building on the “1+6+N” framework, the initiative calls on industry stakeholders to collaborate in four areas: First, advancing trusted AI systems that serve the real economy by establishing governance mechanisms for traceable and explainable algorithms while safeguarding data privacy and security; Second, strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, research institutions and users, leveraging the base to jointly advance core technologies and develop independent and secure financial AI infrastructure; Third, promoting openness and inclusiveness by sharing mature AI models, testing services and implementation solutions to reduce the cost of intelligent transformation, particularly for SMEs; Fourth, improving lifecycle governance through tiered risk management, enhanced compliance standards and coordinated risk prevention. The initiative calls on all industry stakeholders to work together by jointly strengthening the foundation, unlocking greater value through shared capabilities, and reinforcing collaborative governance, with the goal of advancing the sound development of AI in the financial sector and driving digital finance through technological innovation.

 

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