Home Blog Page 112

Sophos Introduces Advanced Cyber Intelligence Into Microsoft Security Copilot

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Sophos Introduces Advanced Cyber Intelligence Into Microsoft Security Copilot

Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks on Thursday announced its new integrations that connected Sophos Intelix, its robust repository of cyber threat intelligence, with Microsoft Security Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

The Chief Scientific Research Officer, Sophos, Simon Reed, said in a statement that organisations could access Sophos threat intelligence within Microsoft’s AI-powered environments.

Reed said that Sophos interlix helped organisations strengthen their defenses and respond to threats more effectively.

He said that every day, Sophos processed more than 223 terabytes of telemetry in its Sophos Central platform, generating over 34 milliom detections and automatically blocking more than 11 million threats.

According to him, this global scale of customer insight continuously informs Sophos product and services, and fuels the intelligence within Sophos Intelix, now accessible for free to users of Microsoft Security Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

“This milestone underscores Sophos’ mission to empower every organisation with resilient, intelligent cybersecurity and to democratise cybersecurity for organisations of all sizes.

“The milestone also meets organisations wherever they are in their cybersecurity journey, within the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem.

“The Microsoft Copilot ecosystem is transforming how people interact with technology by bringing natural language interfaces into the core of its Copilot ecosystem,” Simon Reed said.

The Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Security, Vasu Jakkal, said that the future of SOC productivity was moving beyond the graphical user interfaces relied on since the 1980s, toward a new paradigm of human–Artificial Intelligence collaboration.

Jakkal said that AI assistants powered by expansive datasets, deep threat intelligence, and advanced systems are fundamentally reshaping how analysts work.

He said that by making Sophos threat intelligence available through both Microsoft Security Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, it was giving defenders faster, more natural access to insights to help them respond to threats with speed, precision, and confidence.

“AI is the force multiplier for defenders, and when partners like Sophos bring their agentic innovation into the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem, the impact is exponential.

“Together, we are not just building tools, we are creating a new era of intelligent, collaborative cyber defence,” he said.

The vice-president said that Sophos Intelix provided advanced threat context and enrichment capabilities directly into Microsoft Security Copilot, Microsoft’s generative AI assistant for Security Operation Center (SOC) and IT teams.

He added that security copilot connected data across Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, Intune, Entra, and Purview.

Jakkal said it allowed analysts and expert users to query and investigate threats using natural language enriched with Sophos’ insights from protecting more than 600,000 organisations.

According to him, these teams are often protecting organisations 24 hrs, 365 days and require the latest intelligence at their fingertips at all times to protect their organisation.

Jakkal said that at the same time, attackers were accelerating: the Sophos Active Adversary Report 2025 found that data exfiltration begins in just three days on average.

He said with a median of only 2.7 hours between exfiltration and detection, and attackers can reach active directory in as little as 11hrs.

According to him, these findings underscore the urgent need for defenders to adopt faster, more effective ways of analysing and investigating alerts.

Jackal said that one could learn more about Sophos Intelix integrations for Microsoft Security Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Copilot Studio for creators, and Microsoft Agent 365 by going to https://www.sophos.com/en-us/intelix/copilot.

Sophos is a cybersecurity leader defending 600,000 organisations globally with an AI-driven platform and expert-led services.

SWAN Congratulates Anambra Beach Soccer Team On League Victory

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
SWAN Congratulates Anambra Beach Soccer Team On League Victory

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter, has congratulated the Anambra Beach Soccer “Warriors” for winning the 2025 Nigeria Beach Soccer League title.

SWAN, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Chimezie Anaso, and Secretary, Mr Uche Ndeke, said the team’s performance reflected the strong, resilient and determined spirit of Anambra people.

It recalled that the Anambra Beach Soccer team defeated reigning national and African champions, Kebbi Beach Soccer Club, to clinch the national title at the competition held in Abuja on November 9.

The association commended the Anambra Beach Soccer Association (ABSA), led by Prof. Victor Madubuko, for launching the state into the mainstream of beach soccer.

It noted that under Madubuko’s leadership, ABSA secured the highest national honour within three years of its establishment.

It said that the achievement justified the confidence reposed in the Madubuko-led ABSA.

“It also earned the association an award as the Fastest Growing Sports Association in Anambra during the 2024 SWAN Week.

“This recognition further underscores the association’s rapid growth and remarkable contributions to beach soccer development in the state.

“We are excited to associate with your victory, which has placed Anambra convincingly on the map as a new powerhouse in African beach soccer within three years of introducing the game in the state.

“ABSA showed it meant business when it built a standard beach soccer pitch and successfully hosted national competitions on two occasions within the period.

“SWAN Anambra expresses appreciation to your dedication in creating opportunities for youth engagement and advancing sports development in the state,” it said.

Riyadh 2025: Team Nigeria Wins Gold In Wrestling, Athletics

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Riyadh 2025: Team Nigeria Wins Gold In Wrestling, Athletics

Team Nigeria has increased its Gold medal tally at the ongoing 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh after winning two Gold medals in Wrestling and the women’s 4 x 100m on Wednesday night.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday by Kola Daniel, the Special Adviser to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission(NSC), Bukola Olapade.

In the 53kg freestyle Wrestling final Christiana Ogunsanya defeated her Uzbekistani opponent, Shokhida Akhmedova 11-1 in a very convincing version to claim the Gold medal.

Nigeria’s exciting young quartet of Bada Toyin, Ezechukwu Miracle, Omokwe Maria and Nweke Cynthia, later crowned the night with an excellent display to win Gold in the Women’s 4 x 100m final in a time of 44.27 seconds.

They condemned Bahrain to the silver medal with a time of 44.47s while the Gambia finished third with a time of 45.05s.

Nigeria also won an additional two silver medals and three bronze medals.

In the Men’s Javelin throw, Kure Adams won bronze while in the Men’s 400m, Badmus Atanda claimed a bronze medal.

In the women’s 400m, Patience George also finished second behind her Bahrainian opponent, while in the men’s 4x100m, the team of John Caleb, Chidera Ezeakor, Ezekiel Asuquo and James Emmanuel brought the country home in 3rd.

In Wrestling, Miesinnei Genesis, lost her Gold medal match in the Women’s 50kg freestyle final to Aktenge Keunimjaeva of Uzbekistan 5-1 to clinch the silver medal.

Olopade praised the performance of the girls and encouraged them to stay focused and disciplined ahead of other major international competitions.

“I am truly proud of both of you and just know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to expose Nigerian athletes to the best international competitions both home and abroad for podium success”.

“Your performance here means a lot to us and the NSC under the Chairmanship of Shehu Dikko is determined to ensure Nigeria continues to enjoy the feel good factor of Sports”, he said.

Team Nigeria has now won a total of eight Gold, 10 bronze and 7 bronze medals with more medals to come in Para athletics and Para-poweifting.

South-South Stakeholders, Senate Committee Demand Decentralised Approach To Curb Regional Insecurity

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
South-South Stakeholders, Senate Committee Demand Decentralised Approach To Curb Regional Insecurity

Stakeholders in the South-South region, in collaboration with the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on National Security, have strongly advocated for a decentralised, grassroots-focused strategy to address the region’s escalating security challenges.

This call for a paradigm shift was made on Thursday, November 28, 2025, during the South-South Zonal Public Hearing on National Security held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Convened under the theme “The Way Forward to Tackling National Security Issues at the Local Level,” the summit assembled executive, legislative, and traditional institutions to diagnose threats ranging from crude oil theft to communal clashes.

Speaking on behalf of Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benebo Anabraba, urged the federal government to move beyond a centralised security structure.

He argued that a “sincerely driven” approach must include the voices of local communities, describing the event as a vital feedback mechanism from the people to policymakers.

Dr. Anabraba highlighted the region’s specific vulnerabilities, asking the Senate to pay special attention to the peculiar natural environment of the coastal region, which serves as the gateway to the Gulf of Guinea.

While acknowledging the state’s collaboration with federal agencies, including the provision of operational vehicles, gunboats, and logistics, he emphasised that military hardware alone is insufficient.

He noted that the administration is prioritising youth empowerment to curb the economic desperation that often fuels piracy and illegal bunkering, asserting that security is a shared responsibility rather than the sole business of the government.

Senator Abba Moro, Chairman of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Security, described the current security situation as “hyper-headed,” citing threats that span environmental sabotage, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts.

Senator Moro admitted that these challenges are deeply rooted in weak governance structures, economic deprivation, and historic grievances that have not been sufficiently addressed.

He stated that the Senate recognises that no security architecture can succeed without a clear understanding of local dynamics and promised that the committee’s findings would form the basis of legislative interventions and policy reforms.

Adding the voice of the traditional institution, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, called for a strengthening of trust between security agencies and local residents.

He identified collaborative intelligence sharing as the key to a crime-free community, urging leaders to work together to build safer societies.

This sentiment was echoed by religious leaders, including the Secretary general of the Christian Association of Nigeria (South-South), Bishop Lazarus Azia and Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor of the Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs.

They emphasised the need for faith-based organisations to be properly integrated into the security architecture to help enlighten citizens on their civic roles.

Speaking for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Okoro Iyke reiterated that while the force remains committed to its duties, it requires robust collaboration and information sharing from all stakeholders to effectively curb criminality.

The committee is expected to compile all the submissions into a comprehensive report for the 10th Senate

Fubara Extols Former President Jonathan On 68th Birthday

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Fubara Extols Former President Jonathan On 68th Birthday

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has extended warm felicitations to former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan on his 68th birthday today, November 20, 2025.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara, in a statement on behalf of his family, Government and the good people of Rivers State, praised Dr Jonathan for his leadership qualities, commitment to democracy, peace, unity and development, noting that his patriotic and selfless service to the nation, Africa, and the world have been truly exemplary.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I warmly congratulate His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on his birthday today.

“We eulogize his remarkable achievements and contributions to our nation’s development, particularly during his tenure as president. His commitment to democracy, peace, unity, and stability has earned him respect and global admiration.”

Governor Fubara wished the former President good health, sound mind, and many more years of fruitful living to continue his service to humanity. He also prayed God to continue to inspire him with wisdom and dedication to public service.

Google Lifts Africa Commitment With AI Skilling Blueprint, $2.25m Funding

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Google Lifts Africa Commitment With AI Skilling Blueprint, $2.25m Funding

Google on Wednesday announced that it had stepped up its commitment to closing the skills gap on the continent by launching the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling Blueprint for Africa.

In a statement made available in Lagos, Nigeria, the organisation said that the Blueprint was a comprehensive policy roadmap to help governments build a future-proof, AI-ready workforce.

The blueprint, it said, focused on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, AI Implementers, and AI Innovators.

The organisation noted that the launch was part of a broader set of Africa-focused initiatives, which included a $2.25 million commitment to fund expert organisations building trustworthy public data sets for AI.

It said that the organisations are building public data sets in partnership with UN Economic Commission for Africa, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and PARIS21 to modernise national statistical infrastructure.

“New organisations like FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) are receiving support from the $7.5M Google.org Skilling Fund to embed advanced AI curricula into universities across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa,” Google said.

Google noted that with Africa’s immense potential for AI-driven economic growth, and 55% of firms reporting a need for AI talent—these initiatives provide a clear roadmap and essential investment to unlock the continent’s opportunity.

Doron Avni, Google’s Vice President , Government Affairs and Public Policy, said: “Africa’s AI moment is now, and Google is committed to being a partner for the long haul,”

“The AI Skilling Blueprint provides a clear roadmap for governments to build the workforce of the future.
“By also investing in AI-ready data and expert local organisations and partners, we are helping build the interconnected ecosystem needed for a prosperous, AI-driven future for the continent.”
According to the organisation, the AI Skilling Blueprint for Africa provides governments with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to formulate national skilling strategies.

It said that the blueprint focused on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, who will gain foundational AI literacy; AI Implementers, professionals upskilled to integrate AI tools into their work.

Google said the third cohort are the AI Innovators, which are deep technical experts dedicated to building the next generation of AI solutions.

It stressed that its $2.25 million contribution to organisations would help national statistical offices modernise their infrastructure and empower decision-makers with reliable data.

Google explained that the data are needed to address challenges from food security to economic growth.

“For Africa to drive sustainable development, evidence-based policymaking is indispensable. This requires accessible, reliable, and AI-ready data.

“This effort is a crucial step forward. By building a Regional Data Commons, we can empower African institutions with the data and tools they need to make strategic choices that will drive growth and prosperity,” said Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

Google further announced that FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) are among the first set of expert social impact organisations to receive funding to execute on projects consistent with its skilling mission.

It said the funding from its $7.5 million Google.org Skilling Fund commitment, would enable the two organisations embed advanced AI curricula into universities.

Google added that two other expert social impact organisations – JA Africa and CyberSafe Foundation would advance crucial work in online safety and digital literacy.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the African Institute of Management Sciences on the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project, with support from Google.org.

“This groundbreaking initiative is a direct response to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

Responding, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director, FATE Foundation said: “This strategic support aligns perfectly with FATE Foundation’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth across the continent, ensuring Africa is fully equipped to lead in the global technological future.”

Also, Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO, Junior Achievement Africa (JA), said: “We live in an age defined by rapid technological change and our mission at JA Africa is to ensure that African youth are not left behind.

“However, even as we engage our youth in more digital programmes and encourage AI literacy, we are fully aware of the harmful effects of unchecked online exposure and, therefore, invest equally in protecting their data, physical safety and mental wellbeing.

“Through this support from Google.org, we will give young people the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.”

PDP BoT Restates Support For Turaki-led NWC

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
PDP BoT Restates Support For Turaki-led NWC

The Senator Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has restated its support for the Senator Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) elected at the National Convention in Ibadan.

Wabara, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, said the board believes that the convention was convened in strict compliance with the Party’s Constitution, and Guidelines, the Electoral Act, all extant regulations.

He said that the convention represented the collective will of delegates and stakeholders of the PDP across the country.

Wabara condemned the invasion of the party National Secretariat by the those he described as “expelled members and armed thugs” to unleash violence on party members in an attempt to forcefully take over the party secretariat.

The BoT also condemned the action of the expelled elements who mobilised the thugs in an attempt to prevent the elected members of the National NWC led by Turaki.

He noted that Turaki was accompanied by the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, his counterpart, Seyi Makinde aend other party leaders from gaining access into the complex.

The board saluted the courage and resilience of the governors, NWC and BoT members, other party leaders, teeming members and supporters for resisting the invaders.

“The BoT therefore strongly denounces the statements, actions and media pronouncements by individuals who were lawfully expelled from the party.

“Their attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the Ibadan Convention and create confusion within the party structure are not only mischievous but also constitute a direct assault on the principle of internal democracy in our country.

“The BoT calls on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the wave of attacks on the PDP National Secretariat and ensure that those responsible are held to account.

“Democracy thrives only where institutions remain impartial, professional, and insulated from partisan manipulation,” he said.

Wabara said that as the conscience of the party, the BoT remained committed to safeguarding the unity and democratic values of the PDP and ensuring that the mandate freely given by party members at the Ibadan Convention is respected.

He urged the new NWC not to be deterred but remain focused on rebuilding and repositioning PDP as they march to victory in the 2027 general elections.

NLC Condemns Kebbi Kidnap, Urges FG To Act Fast On Victims’ Rescue

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
NLC Condemns Kebbi Kidnap, Urges FG To Act Fast On Victims’ Rescue

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the abduction of college students in Kebbi State and urged the federal government to take urgent action to halt rising insecurity.

The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made the position of the congress known in a statement in Abuja.

Ajaero said that the incident was shocking, especially happening in a state known for proactive security measures and steady social interventions.

He said the attack showed that the country must rethink its current security strategy to prevent further breakdown of safety across communities.

“The abduction of students in Kebbi is a painful reminder that insecurity is far from over.

“Kebbi has enjoyed stability due to regular payment of salaries, pensions, and visible infrastructural development, making the attack even more troubling

“That bandits struck with ease despite existing measures, points to something more sinister, something we must all be concerned about,’’ he said.

Ajaero said the promise made after the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction that such incidents would not happen again had not been fulfilled.

“We had promised that after Chibok, it would not happen again, yet, here we are back to where we started,’’ he added.

He called for collective support for the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, as the government and families dealt with the emotional trauma.

“The governor needs all the support he can get at this point in time,’’ Ajaero said.

He urged the federal government to intensify efforts in securing the country’s vast landmass, stressing that existing budgetary allocations had not produced meaningful results.

Ajaero said the shrinking physical and psychological spaces across the country should worry every Nigerian.

He warned that states currently facing attacks might not be the only ones at risk, noting that insecurity could escalate if not addressed urgently.

Rivers Communities on Edge As Government Moves To Revoke Land Titles In Two LGAs

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Rivers Communities on Edge As Government Moves To Revoke Land Titles In Two LGAs

Land and property owners in parts of Elelenwo and Igwuruta communities in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State have been gripped by anxiety following a fresh move by the state government to revoke Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) covering extensive parcels of land.

The Atlantic Bell reports that the panic was triggered by a public notice published on Friday, November 14, 2025, in The Tide Newspaper, in which the state government announced its intention to withdraw titles for multiple plots — totalling more than 500 hectares — in Igwuruta, surrounding communities in Ikwerre LGA, and Elelenwo in Obio/Akpor LGA.

Issued under the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and citing “overriding public interest” pursuant to Section 28 of the Land Use Act 1978, the notice directs affected landowners to submit claims and supporting documents to the Ministry of Lands and Survey on or before November 28, 2025. Lands for which no claims are submitted will be deemed unclaimed and automatically taken over by the state.

Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr Tamunosaki Sordum, said valuation teams have begun assessing affected properties, assuring that compensation will reflect current market value plus an additional 10 per cent disturbance allowance.

The Atlantic Bell reports that the announcement has triggered a rush for clarification, with many buyers reportedly discovering encumbrances previously flagged in the state’s 2023 GIS land registry.

Government sources say the targeted area, strategically located near the Port Harcourt International Airport, has been earmarked for major infrastructure expansion, new road networks, and housing schemes under Governor Fubara’s 2025 development blueprint.

However, legal experts warn that classifying unclaimed plots as “unoccupied” could raise constitutional concerns over fair hearing, recalling previous controversies surrounding mass land revocations during the Greater Port Harcourt City project.

Community leaders in Elelenwo and Igwuruta have begun convening emergency meetings, urging residents to remain calm while advocating for transparent engagement and prompt compensation.

Meanwhile, long queues have formed at the premises of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in Diobu, Port Harcourt, as desperate landowners scramble to obtain copies of the November 14 edition of The Tide to study the notice. With the newspaper snapped off newsstands, prices reportedly surged to between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 per copy, while photocopies sold for about ₦2,000.

Despite the tension, government officials maintain that the acquisition of dormant lands is essential to the state’s broader development agenda, aimed at decongesting Port Harcourt, boosting investment inflows and creating jobs for the state’s growing youth population.

Wike Warns South-South Development Commission Against Repeating Past Failures

The Atlantic Bell
-
0
Wike Warns South-South Development Commission Against Repeating Past Failures

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the newly inaugurated South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to remain firmly focused on its mandate and avoid the pitfalls that plagued previous regional intervention agencies.

Wike gave the charge on Wednesday when he received the Commission’s board and management team, led by its chairman, Mr. Chibudom Nwuche, and Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio.

The Minister warned the leadership to steer clear of distractions and resist external pressures capable of derailing the Commission’s developmental objectives. According to him, several interventionist bodies in the past underperformed due to corruption, divided loyalties and weak leadership.

He stressed that the progress of the South-South region would depend on the personal commitment of those appointed to drive development, rather than the pursuit of titles or influence. Wike lamented that many officials in similar bodies lacked dedication, noting that only hard work and discipline would justify their appointments and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Taking a swipe at the performance of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Wike decried a culture where contractors “arrived with portfolios,” yet billions of naira yielded scant results. He urged the SSDC leadership to avoid duplicating projects, awarding politically motivated contracts or sidelining community involvement.

Wike further tasked the board to uphold discipline, maintain internal cohesion, resist undue pressures and adhere to prudent financial management, insisting that the South-South was expecting a distinctly higher standard of performance.

He commended the commissioners and directors for their willingness to serve, expressing hope that they would project the region positively and reinforce the President’s confidence in their appointments.

Responding, Ms. Akpabio said the delegation’s visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relationships and deepening collaboration with federal agencies and stakeholders. She pledged that the Commission would prioritise regional development planning and ensure the South-South remained central to national policy implementation.

She added that the SSDC’s liaison office in Abuja would be enhanced to improve engagement with relevant federal bodies, affirming the Commission’s resolve to deliver on its mandate and advance economic growth across the region.

1...111112113...191Page 112 of 191