In this exclusive interview with Telecom Review, cybersecurity expert Doreen Mokoena discusses the growing challenges African telecoms face with cyber threats, regulatory hurdles, and data breaches. She shares insights on the role of AI and blockchain in enhancing data protection and offers guidance on how telecoms can maintain a balance between compliance and innovation.
What are the biggest challenges telecom operators face in ensuring data privacy and protection, and how can they address them?
African telecom companies face significant obstacles when it comes to data privacy and protection. The situation is more difficult due to persistent cybersecurity threats, insider threats, weak and uneven rules throughout the continent, and a general lack of public awareness. The situation is further complicated by government surveillance. Consider South Africa, where strict privacy standards are established under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). However, many nations lack strong regulations or the capacity to enforce them. The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) attempts to protect user data in Nigeria; however, it is difficult to enforce, which allows for regular breaches.
Cybersecurity threats are significant because hackers frequently attack telecom networks to obtain private data, such as call logs and financial information. Many African telecom companies do not have the necessary cybersecurity defenses in place, making them vulnerable. A clear reminder of this occurred in 2022 when major companies, including South Africa's largest telcos, suffered serious data breaches that exposed millions of client records.
Insider threats further exacerbate the problem. Sensitive information may occasionally be misused or sold by contractors or employees who have access to it, as was the case in Kenya when Safaricom was accused of data leaks that made fraud possible. Another significant obstacle is the general lack of awareness about data protection. Telecom corporations can sell user data to advertising without explicit authorization since many individuals are unaware of how their data may be used. There have been cases of telecoms being accused of selling data without authorization, according to reports from Ghana and Uganda. These challenges highlight the urgent need for stricter data protection laws, better cybersecurity infrastructure, and greater transparency in telecom operations throughout Africa. Both companies and governments must work together to create a safer environment for everyone’s data.
How is AI transforming cybersecurity in the telecom industry, and what are some real-world applications?
It's an exciting shift as AI is changing how the telecom sector approaches cybersecurity. Fraudsters find telecom networks to be appealing targets because they manage vast amounts of sensitive data. AI-powered security systems are standing up to the challenge to counter this. By using machine learning to analyze network traffic in real-time, these systems can identify anomalies and anticipate possible cyber threats before they occur. For example, intrusion detection systems (IDS) driven by AI can identify unusual patterns that may indicate malware or hacking efforts, allowing telecom operators to take prompt action to stop damage.
Another area where AI has had a significant impact is fraud. AI-driven fraud detection systems constantly monitor user behavior and report anything unusual in order to fight against problems like SIM swap fraud, phishing, and identity theft. AI can take immediate action with automatic incident responses when something does go wrong. It can rapidly isolate impacted network segments, reducing downtime and damage. Significant real-world achievements have already been made, such as MTN's AI-driven threat intelligence system that strengthens cybersecurity throughout its African markets and Vodafone's use of AI to lower SIM-swap fraud. By embracing AI, telecom companies can build faster, more accurate, and more proactive cybersecurity defenses, ensuring that both their infrastructure and their customers’ data are better protected from a constantly evolving landscape of threats.
In what ways can blockchain technology enhance data security and prevent fraud in telecom networks?
Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the telecom sector by offering decentralized, transparent identity verification and fraud prevention solutions. Its ability to prevent identity theft and SIM swap fraud is one of its most notable advantages. Telecom businesses can construct user profiles that are almost impossible to alter or falsify by using blockchain-based identity management. As a result, there is significantly less chance of sensitive accounts being accessed without authorization. By distributing data among multiple nodes instead of storing it in a single, centralized database, blockchain improves the security of consumer data. This is why hackers find it very difficult to compromise systems and steal data.
In order to combat call and SMS fraud, including problems like caller ID spoofing and Wangiri scams, technology is also essential. Real-time call and message authentication guarantees that the content that reaches your phone is authentic. Blockchain promotes transparency in billing and roaming services. It provides a permanent record of transactions between telecom operators, which helps to prevent fraudulent charges and disputes. Companies like Telefonica are already implementing blockchain-based solutions for data privacy, and there are collaborations like that of IBM and Orange which are working together to fight against call fraud. Overall, blockchain is proving to be a game-changer, safeguarding telecom networks from cyber threats and dishonest practices.
How can telecom companies balance regulatory compliance with the need for innovation in data protection strategies?
Telecom firms can balance innovative data protection techniques and regulatory compliance by viewing laws like the CCPA, NDPR, GDPR, POPIA, and CPRA not as obstacles but as opportunities to build customer trust. These businesses might welcome them as an opportunity to gain their clients' trust. They can improve security and show their dedication to data privacy by adopting a proactive, technologically astute strategy that complies with these legal standards. Data protection measures can be greatly enhanced while maintaining regulatory compliance by using cutting-edge technologies like end-to-end encryption, blockchain for identity verification, and artificial intelligence (AI) for threat detection.
Another idea is regulatory sandboxes, which are safe spaces where businesses can test out new security technology while regulators keep an eye on them. As a result, telecom companies can innovate without worrying about breaking the law. Engaging continuously with policymakers and promote collaborations within the industry can help shape regulations that encourage both adherence and technological progress. Some telecom companies in South Africa(not sure if this is correct) have invested in blockchain technology to secure transactions, aligning with regulatory requirements. By integrating compliance into their innovation strategies, telecom companies can achieve not just regulatory approval, but also reliable cybersecurity. This approach ultimately strengthens customer trust and enhances the resilience of their businesses.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, how should telecom providers integrate AI and blockchain to build a more resilient security framework?
Combining blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) can help telecom carriers build a stronger security framework. In real time, AI-powered cybersecurity can sort through enormous volumes of network data, finding anomalous activity, possible dangers, and even automating attack response. These systems can become more intelligent over time through machine learning, which improves threat detection and lowers the likelihood of breaches. By offering a decentralized, immutable ledger for data storage and transaction verification, blockchain technology offers a unique set of benefits. This prevents data from being tampered with, helps avoid situations like SIM switch fraud, and makes it far more difficult for unauthorized users to access vital information.
Telecommunications businesses can build a strong, multi-layered protection system by combining these two potent techniques. Blockchain protects the integrity of the data they handle, while AI can swiftly recognize and respond to threats. There are already some impressive real-world applications out there, like IBM’s blockchain solution that helps authenticate calls and prevent spoofing or robocalls. Combining AI and blockchain, telecom providers can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, fortifying their data protection measures, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building trust with their customers in this increasingly digital age.
