en.Wedoany.com Reported - MTN Nigeria has launched a network-level cybersecurity solution called Webguard, powered by Whalebone, designed to protect users from malicious websites, phishing attacks, and online scams without requiring additional software installation on user devices.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is undergoing rapid digital transformation, with rising smartphone penetration, expanded mobile broadband access, and increased use of digital services such as banking and government platforms. This has driven a growing demand for cybersecurity delivered directly through telecom networks. Whalebone notes that network-level security solutions are particularly well-suited for this market. Mobile networks are the primary means of internet access for many consumers in the region, and operator-level protection can operate effectively across multiple devices without requiring users to have specialized technical knowledge. Additionally, cyberattacks such as phishing, malicious domains, and fake websites are becoming more localized and sophisticated, while traditional endpoint security software typically only protects individual devices. Currently, a significant portion of users do not use dedicated cybersecurity tools, either because they are unaware of the risks or are reluctant to install security applications.
Whalebone states that integrating security directly into the network eliminates these barriers, providing automatic, always-on protection while offering telecom operators opportunities to enhance customer trust, differentiate their services, and generate recurring revenue through value-added services.
Webguard integrates security functions directly into the network, reportedly intercepting malicious traffic in real time at the Domain Name System (DNS) level, blocking threats before they reach user devices. The service enables seamless activation at the network level, covering all connected devices under a user's plan without consuming device storage or battery power.
Chioma Nwobu, Senior Manager of Rich Media Services at MTN Nigeria, stated that as more Nigerians rely on mobile connectivity for banking, communication, and daily tasks, the risk of cyber threats also increases. Webguard is designed to provide automatically activated network-level protection, and the partnership with Whalebone enables the delivery of cybersecurity services in a scalable manner.
Both parties define this collaboration as a long-term strategic partnership rather than a one-time product launch. The scope of cooperation includes service deployment, technology integration, go-to-market strategy, performance optimization, upselling and bundling strategies, as well as ongoing threat intelligence updates. Whalebone believes that the MEA region holds significant untapped potential in network-level security services, and this launch with MTN Nigeria is seen as one of the first steps to unlock that potential.
