E-Business
Microsoft Asks Consumers to “Do 1 Thing” To Support Safer Internet Day
In support of international Safer Internet Day (SID) and following the release of the latest results of the third annual Microsoft Computing Safer Index (MCSI), Microsoft Corporation is asking consumers to “Do 1 Thing” to stay safer online and commit to doing so on a new, interactive website it opened.
The new site allows Internet users around the world to share how they plan to avoid online risks, learn what other people are doing to help protect themselves and receive instant tips to enhance their digital lifestyle.
“The Internet touches our lives every day; we email to stay connected, share photos and videos, pay bills, and shop,” said Jacqueline Beauchere, chief online safety officer, Microsoft. “Sometimes, though, the very experiences that we love about the Internet put us at risk.”
“In Africa, this risk is growing fast”, said Marius Haman, Anti-Piracy, Legal & Corporate Affairs lawyer for Microsoft Middle East & Africa, “Sub-Saharan Africa is home to one of the world’s fastest growing internet populations, which means more and more people are accessing the internet for the first time, providing a large and unsuspecting base of targets to cybercriminals. Combine this with the lack of strong cybercrime laws and high piracy rate on the continent and its clear why we’re seeing more and more people fall victim to attacks”.
According to the MCSI survey, the annual worldwide impact of phishing and various forms of identity theft could be as high as $5 billion, with the cost of repairing damage to peoples’ online reputation higher yet at nearly $6 billion, or an estimated average of $632 per loss.
This means that education and guidance about how to avoid online risks remain key and is why Microsoft is asking people to “Do 1 Thing” today and make it part of their daily digital routine.
Of the more than 10,000 consumers surveyed, 15% said they were victims of a phishing attack, losing on average $158; 13% said their professional reputation had been compromised, costing on average $535 to repair, while another 9% said they had suffered identity theft at an average cost of $218.
In spite such losses, only 36% said they limit what strangers see on social networks and the amount of personal information online, while 33% said they adjust their social network privacy settings. And, only 33% use a PIN (personal identification number) or password to lock their mobile device.
“There are many things you can do to stay safer online. If we all do just one thing, imagine how much safer we all will be, together,” Beauchere said.
“Go to our website to share your one thing. Tell the world that you’re committed to helping keep the Internet safer and more secure. And once you do, you’ll be part of that positive change.”
Internet users can make more informed decisions and help better protect their online activities by visiting http://www.microsoft.com/saferonline, which provides a range of hints, tips and guidance including the following:
Help guard your devices and online accounts. Use a unique four-digit PIN for mobile devices and strong passwords for online accounts;
Perform sensitive transactions over secured networks. This includes paying bills, banking or shopping. Don’t share personal account information over “borrowed” or public Wi-Fi connections;
Take charge of your online reputation. Discover what information about you is on the Internet, periodically re-evaluate it, and remove unwanted or inaccurate content to cultivate an accurate, positive reputation and
Help protect your social circles. Use privacy settings to manage the information you share and with whom you share it. Be selective about what you post and accepting friends.
Now it its third year, the MCSI survey measures the online safety behavior of almost 10,500 consumers in 20 countries.
E-Business
NITDA Alerts Nigerians on Cybersecurity Risks Linked to Spotify
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about a cybersecurity threat involving the use of Spotify to promote malicious activities.
The agency, in a public notice issued on Tuesday, disclosed that threat actors are exploiting the popular music streaming platform to advertise game hacks, pirated software, and spam links that could expose users to cyber threats.
According to NITDA, cybercriminals embed malicious promotions in playlist names and podcast descriptions on Spotify, explaining that these promotions are used to advertise game hacks for popular video games such as Fortnite, GTA, Apex, and Roblox. Additionally.
They also promote pirated software (commonly referred to as ‘cracks’), spam links, and other malicious sites.
This abuse is said to leverage Spotify’s web player results to improve the search engine visibility of these harmful websites, putting unsuspecting users at risk of malware, scams, and other cyber threats.
NITDA warned that the exploitation of Spotify could lead to exposure to scams and phishing attacks, downloading of malware that can compromise user devices and Loss of personal and financial data through interactions with malicious websites.
To manage the risks, NITDA advised users to exercise Caution with suspicious playlists and podcasts and avoid engaging with playlists or podcasts that feature unusual or suspicious text in their descriptions.
It also warned users not to click Unknown Links, and also ensure the Spotify app is updated to the latest version to minimise vulnerabilities.
The agency further advised Spotify users in Nigeria to remain vigilant and adhere to cybersecurity best practices to safeguard their personal information and devices.
According to the agency, the websites posing as OpenAI’s popular AI, ChatGPT, are tricking users into downloading malicious files or software to their devices.
E-Business
Konga Yakata’s Last Week: Don’t Miss Out on Incredible Deals
Excitement is reaching a fever pitch among shoppers as the Konga Yakata Black Friday shopping fiesta enters its final week. Shoppers nationwide are gearing up for a rain of last-minute deals and irresistible offers, with the promotion set to end on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
The month-long Konga Yakata campaign, which kicked off on Friday, November 1, has delivered an unparalleled shopping experience, treating customers to incredible discounts, engaging promos, and unbeatable incentives.
In addition to massive price cuts across a wide range of products, Konga has thrilled shoppers with exciting events such as Treasure Hunts, Flash Sales, Bargain Bash, Brand Days, and specialized Black Friday packages like the Budget Store, Under 50k Store, and TGIF Epic Drop.
The highlight of the Yakata 2024 season will be this year’s Black Friday, which takes place on Friday, November 29. Thousands of customers will be able to score exclusive discounts on items including electronics, clothes, home appliances, computers, and groceries.
Reflecting on the experience so far, a satisfied anonymous shopper who snagged a TV at a discounted rate said, “Konga Yakata has been nothing short of amazing this year. The discounts are unbelievable but true, and the convenience of shopping online is unmatched.
“I’ve already made several purchases, and I’m excited to see what other deals are in store for the final week.”
Konga’s Black Friday sale has been a boon for consumers, offering respite from the economic challenges many Nigerians face. By providing access to affordable products and services, Konga has empowered shoppers to make the most of their money.
Despite the prevailing economic challenges, shoppers have embraced the Yakata season, targeting high-value deals and leveraging Konga’s tailored offerings to make significant savings. With the countdown underway, the excitement is expected to hit its peak on Friday as customers traditionally wait for that day to grab the most exclusive deals.
Speaking on the heightened anticipation, Kunle Ajani, Group Head of Marketing at Konga, stated, “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming response to Konga Yakata this year, and we’re committed to ensuring the final week delivers the biggest surprises yet.
“We are proud to offer a platform where shoppers can enjoy exceptional value, despite the economic realities.”
As the curtain closes on the 2024 Yakata season, shoppers can look forward to a flurry of last-minute deals, culminating at midnight on November 30. From tech enthusiasts to lovers of electronics and deal hunters, Konga Yakata continues to redefine the shopping experience, making it a season to remember for all Nigerians.
Take advantage of the final week of Konga Yakata. Visit Konga.com and experience the thrill of shopping at unbeatable prices.
E-Business
NITDA DG Harps on the Role of Innovation in Nigeria’s Sustainable Development
Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reiterated the critical role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.
Inuwa made this remark while delivering a keynote address at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), where he called on academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive transformational innovation as a tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and unlocking its immense potential.
Speaking on the theme, “Disruptive Transformational Innovation; Shaping the Future,” Inuwa commended NSUK for organising an event that aligns with Nigeria’s pursuit of growth through knowledge-driven solutions.
Inuwa who was represented by the Deputy Director, eGovernment and Digital Economy Development Department, Engr Ya’u Garba, applauded the university’s increasing focus on transformation, noting that such initiatives reflect an understanding of the need for impactful innovations to address real-world issues.
Inuwa emphasised that while inventions remain a cornerstone of academic inquiry, their significance lies in their ability to move beyond theoretical exploration to become practical innovations. These innovations, he explained, have the power to reshape industries, tackle societal challenges, and accelerate national progress.
He urged institutions to prioritise creativity and bold thinking, ensuring that research outputs translate into tangible benefits for society.
Explaining the concept of disruptive transformational innovation, Inuwa described it as a profound force capable of altering established systems, processes, and products in ways that redefine societal functions. Unlike incremental innovations, which focus on improving existing frameworks, disruptive innovations introduce entirely new paradigms, addressing challenges in groundbreaking and previously unimaginable ways.
He cited historical examples such as the Printing Press, the Steam Engine, and Electricity, which have significantly transformed human existence and set the foundation for modern development.
Inuwa pointed out that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources present a unique opportunity to harness innovation for sustainable development. He called for a collaborative approach involving academia, industries, and government to build an environment that nurtures creativity, supports bold investments, and encourages inclusive growth. Such an ecosystem, he said, is vital for fostering homegrown innovations that can propel Nigeria to the forefront of global technological and economic advancements.
He further highlighted NITDA’s dedication to fostering innovation through various initiatives, including the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) to digitally transform the agricultural sector, the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy to enhance digital trust and transparency, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at building a robust AI ecosystem in the country, among other impactful projects, which are part of the Federal Government broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.
Inuwa also urged NSUK to deepen its commitment to innovation by establishing hubs that support facility-led startups, fostering collaborations with industry stakeholders, and equipping students with essential technological skills. He noted that such efforts would not only empower the university community but also contribute significantly to national development.
Inuwa expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to not only adopt global innovations but also create groundbreaking solutions that could influence the trajectory of Africa and the world.
He called on all stakeholders in the country to embrace the transformative power of innovation in order to drive sustainable development, economic diversification, and global relevance.
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