KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com), the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is proud to announce that its AI-native platform, Artificial Intelligence Defense Agents, AIDA, enables long term culture change and human risk reduction. With the increasing threat of cybercriminals leveraging AI, KnowBe4 is committed to utilizing AI to enhance security measures and protect employees against social engineering. 

Unveiled and demonstrated at KnowBe4’s KB4-CON, AIDA represents a signficant step forward in safeguarding users against the malicious use of AI by cybercriminals. AIDA enables organizations to automate the dynamic selection of security awareness training and testing to give users a more individualized learning experience based on their specific needs. Preliminary testing has already demonstrated the effectiveness of AIDA, and as AI-enabled technologies become more integrated into KnowBe4’s operations, defenses against all types of attacks are expected to improve. 

KnowBe4 has long recognized the potential of AI in improving customers’ lives. The company has been utilizing AI-enabled tools extensively, examining AI from both an attacker’s and a defender’s perspective. Rigorous testing, research, and simulations have been conducted to understand how AI can be employed to enhance social engineering attacks, as well as to develop strategies to counter AI-enabled attacks.

“At KnowBe4, we have been using AI for nearly six years and we are researching and enabling it in everything we do to ultimately help our customers to better protect their organizations,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. “By significantly expanding the capabilities of AIDA, we are redefining success for organizations through the power of AI. By using hyper-personalization and engaging users with precisely tailored training and simulations, AIDA adapts in real-time to prepare employees to manage AI-driven social engineering attacks.”

AIDA highlights KnowBe4’s commitment to continually innovate and offer its customers the most advanced and effective security management. By harnessing the power of AI, AIDA aims to educate employees against the pitfalls of social engineering and reinforce organizational defenses against cybersecurity threats.

For more information on KnowBe4, visit www.KnowBe4.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

About KnowBe4: 
KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 65,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. The late Kevin Mitnick, who was an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4’s Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense and trust the KnowBe4 platform to strengthen their security culture and reduce human risk.

The ongoing fighting in Anfilo woreda, Oromia region, Ethiopia has left thousands of families displaced, without means of livelihood and unable to meet their basic needs.

“My husband was killed in the conflict. This pushed me to daily labor, sometimes begging [in order] to meet my needs” says a widow in Anfilo, Kellem Wellega zone of Oromia region.

Armed clashes between the government security forces and the non-state armed group active in the region has resulted in the suspension of public services, impacted access to healthcare and clean water supply, and disrupted the availability of seeds and fertilizers. People fleeing from the fighting and seeking opportunities to support their families have been repeatedly displaced as a result.

As part of our ongoing multi-disciplinary humanitarian response to the situation in Anfilo woreda and surrounding areas, in March 2024, the ICRC provided 3,000 families in Koli, Dale Koli, Mugi and Yeti rural kebeles of Anfilo woreda with food and essential household items. “I used to be a very strong farmer. I lost my land due to the conflict. I am relieved and feel like my strength has returned now that I bring this support back home” said a resident in Dalo Koli, Anfilo.

A wave of hope has swept over the four areas which have benefited from the assistance, as ICRC is the first humanitarian organization that has succeeded in reaching them amidst the ongoing insecurity. “I had lost all hope to live. Every day I worry how can I protect and feed my small child. Today, I am happy” says a mother in Dale Koli. Each family was provided with food aid comprising wheat, oil, salt, and lentils.

As ICRC’s Field Delegate, Arpita Mitra explains, “Our good dialogue with both sides allows us to access these hard-to-reach areas and engage with communities prior to such large-scale distributions of assistance. We are onsite throughout the distribution and follow up closely to ensure that our assistance reaches the most vulnerable people, in line with our principles of impartiality and independence.”

As a neutral and impartial organization, the ICRC in Ethiopia continues to assist the most vulnerable families while maintaining a strong dialogue with parties to the conflict on respect for International Humanitarian Law and protection of the civilian population.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of Rugby across Africa, introduces the Women’s Leadership and Management Training Program. The program will feature a dynamic curriculum consisting of presentations, workshops, expert testimonials and real-world case studies.

In alignment with World Rugby, the online training program is designed to equip women volunteers and employees of rugby unions with essential managerial skills. Participants, who have been identified as potential future leaders in the sport, will engage in rigorous training sessions conducted over a period of 10 months, with two days of training every three weeks.

In collaboration, the Executive Masters in Sports Organizations Management Association (MEMOS) and the International University of Health, Exercise and Sport (LUNEX) (https://LUNEX.lu), are providing their expertise and support to ensure the success of the program. Through the online platform provided by LUNEX, participants will have access to invaluable resources and guidance as they enhance their leadership and management capabilities.

The initiative highlights Rugby Africa’s commitment to developing rugby across the African continent while empowering women in the sport. By providing opportunities for female participants to engage in management training and leadership development, Rugby Africa is actively working towards fostering inclusivity and gender equality within the realm of rugby across Africa.

Upon the completion of the Women’s Leadership and Management Training Program, participants will devise a women’s rugby development project tailored to their environment, encompassing all elements necessary for its success. In December 2024, three of the top projects will be selected.

Hebert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa: « Rugby Africa and World Rugby stand united in our vision to empower and uplift the women who will drive the force behind rugby’s growth and development in Africa. We’ve crafted a program that champions inclusivity, ambition and leadership among women. This signifies our ongoing commitment to forging a future where every woman thrives in sports, assumes leadership roles with confidence and where their invaluable contributions are acknowledged and celebrated ».

Coralie Van Den Berg, Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa at World Rugby: « Accelerating the growth of women’s rugby stands as a top priority for World Rugby. Our commitment to this cause is evident on the global stage, as seen through the success of the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and the launch of WXV, a global women’s competition. Nonetheless, World Rugby acknowledges the need for more off-field efforts to promote women in leadership roles and drive growth for girls and women in the sport. Rugby Africa’s Sports Leadership and Management Training Program, in partnership with LUNEX, is a pioneering initiative we proudly support. This program will empower talented women to contribute to the game’s sustainable development in Africa ».

Maha Zaoui, Rugby Africa Women’s Rugby Manager: « As Program Director and Rugby Africa Women’s Rugby Manager, I strongly believe this program not only empowers women to excel in leadership roles within sports but also serves as a catalyst for the growth and advancement of rugby in Africa. By equipping women with the necessary skills and opportunities, we are sculpting a legacy of excellence, ensuring that sport in Africa truly is inclusive for generations to come ».

Paula Lanco, Rugby Africa Executive Member and Chairperson of the Women’s Rugby Advisory Committee (WRAC): « Empowering women in leadership roles not only strengthens teams but also serves as a source of inspiration for girls and women aspiring to join the rugby world. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and mentorship, we are guaranteeing that young girls across Africa know they have a place within the rugby community, with full access to the necessary tools and guidance ».

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com

About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.

Perenco’s recently-appointed CEO, Armel Simondin, will participate as a distinguished speaker at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) forum, accompanied by a five-person delegation. Taking place in Paris on May 14-15, the event serves to facilitate connections between European and African energy players, with a view to advancing sustainable energy solutions and achieving shared energy security.

Perenco, an Anglo-French independent energy company, is an active player on the African continent, with operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo (ROC). Accelerating its engagement across Central Africa, the company acquired Eni’s non-core assets in the ROC for $300 million last June, as well as successfully completed an offshore 3D seismic acquisition campaign last November, in partnership with national oil company SNPC. In Cameroon, Perenco recently signed a 20-year production sharing contract for the continued development of the Rio del Rey Basin and commenced production at the offshore South Kole Marine oil development, producing roughly 3,800 barrels of oil per day. 

In Gabon, the hydrocarbon producer is leading the construction of a one-billion-dollar LNG facility in the Cap Lopez Oil Terminal, which will valorize Gabon’s gas fields to produce 700,000 tons of LNG and 20,000 tons of LPG per year. Perenco also inaugurated its $50-million Batanga LPG plant last December, producing 15,000 tons of LPG dedicated to the local market and reducing Gabon’s imports by 40-50%. The gas produced will also contribute to a 20 MW power plant in Mayumba, supporting local electricity demand and showcasing Perenco’s commitment to securing Africa’s energy future.

“With new exploration and gas monetization initiatives across the continent, Perenco exemplifies a European company who is actively invested in and committed to the development of Africa’s energy sector,” stated Sandra Jeque, International Conference Director at ECP. “As a leading authority in the energy industry, Armel Simondin will share valuable insights into the future of African oil and gas exploration in the age of the energy transition, while promoting continued investment, partnership and collaboration between Europe and Africa.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Organized by Energy Capital&Power, IAE 2024 is an exclusive forum designed to foster collaboration between European investors and African energy markets. Taking place May 14-15, 2024, in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors, and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com.