The partnership comes as the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region continues to experience rapid digital transformation, driven by growing smartphone adoption, expanding mobile broadband access and increasing use of digital services such as banking and government platforms.
MTN Nigeria has partnered with Whalebone to introduce Webguard, a network-level cybersecurity solution designed to protect subscribers from malicious websites, phishing attempts and online scams without requiring users to install additional software.
The partnership comes as the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region continues to experience rapid digital transformation, driven by growing smartphone adoption, expanding mobile broadband access and increasing use of digital services such as banking and government platforms. According to Whalebone, these trends have also heightened the need for stronger cybersecurity measures delivered directly through telecom networks.
The company said network-level security is particularly suited to the MEA market due to three key factors. First, mobile networks serve as the primary gateway to the internet for many consumers, making operator-level protection effective across multiple devices without requiring technical expertise. Second, cyber threats such as phishing attacks, malicious domains, scam campaigns and fraudulent websites are becoming increasingly localised and sophisticated, while traditional endpoint security often protects only individual devices. Third, a large proportion of users remain underserved by dedicated cybersecurity tools, either because they are unaware of the risks or unwilling to install security applications.
Whalebone noted that integrating security directly into the network removes these barriers by providing automatic, always-on protection while offering telecom operators an opportunity to strengthen customer trust, differentiate their services and generate recurring revenue through value-added offerings.
Under the partnership, Webguard delivers real-time protection at the Domain Name System (DNS) level, blocking malicious websites, phishing attempts and online scams before they reach users. The service offers seamless network-level activation, covers all connected devices under a subscriber’s plan, and operates without consuming device storage or battery power.
“As more Nigerians rely on mobile connectivity for banking, communication, and everyday services, the risks associated with online threats continue to grow. With Webguard, we are providing simple, network-level protection that works automatically for our subscribers. Our partnership with Whalebone enables us to deliver advanced cybersecurity in a way that is seamless, scalable, and aligned with our mission to create a safer digital environment for all.”
– Chioma Nwobu, Senior Manager, Rich Media Services, MTN
The collaboration is designed as a long-term strategic partnership rather than a one-time product launch. The company will provide ongoing support throughout the service lifecycle, including deployment and technical onboarding, go-to-market strategy, performance optimisation, upsell and bundling strategies, and continuous threat intelligence updates to address evolving cyber risks.
The company said this approach is intended to ensure that Webguard becomes a sustainable component of MTN Nigeria’s service portfolio while providing Nigerian consumers with safer internet browsing without added complexity.
Whalebone added that the MEA region presents significant untapped potential for network-level security services, describing the launch with MTN Nigeria as one of the first steps toward unlocking that opportunity.
