E-Business
Cyberoam Warns! Ebola Forms New Exploits among Scammers
Cyberoam at the weekend, raised alarm of scammers now using Ebola virus outbreak in West African as a lure of Phishing campaign.
In its blog post, www.cyberoam.com/blog/death-of-robin-williamsebola-epidemic-new-exploit-topics-among-scammers, Cyberoam said that in lieu of the Ebola Epidemic and as with most phishing emails, the message body warns the user of a trending problem and unsuspecting users could open the email, click on the links or even share them with others.
Kalpesh Devmurari, representative of Cyberoam reported that the scary aspect in these emails seem like they come from a legitimate source like your friends, colleagues, thus increasing the chances of a victim opening them.
“Once you open that email it will ask you to click on a link to read more about the report. Following the link, infects your computer with the Trojan.Zbot malware. This malware runs on different versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system and is often used to steal information submitted through online forms such as usernames, passwords, banking details, etc”.
He also cited the death of Robin Williams, as been exploited by the cyber criminals also.
Devmurari said, “We recently lost Robin Williams – a well-known American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. I’ve been thinking a lot about Robin Williams, and his suicidal behaviour. It’s extremely sad that such a talented, funny man – who brought joy to so many lives, felt that there was no other option than suicide. I was curious, to know the story behind his suicide. Many people received an email capsuling his life and link to photos/videos of the great comedian. I personally could not resist but open the email, following the links, as the great comedian was still playing on our minds.
“Unfortunately, those emails were later found not to be genuine. They were phishing emails launching malware. It turned out to be part of a big Phishing Scam, as Hackers exploited death of Robin Williams for a full-fledged malware campaign. I was shocked when I got to know that scammers can even use such topics for Cybercrime. I researched more and found that this is not the first time it happened.
“Over the years, scammers have used both real and fake celebrity deaths as a way to persuade users to click on links and perform actions. There has been lot of instances in past like deaths of Amy Winehouse, Paul Walker, and fake deaths of Miley Cyrus and Will Smith. News of MH 17 has also become a part of similar scams.The tragic death of actor Robin Williams had opened a world of opportunities for identity thieves as these cybercriminals use news of a celebrity death for their financial gain.
“Yet another form in which criminals utilised the incident was by using it as a social media post on their Facebook page that provides a link to videos or photos related to Robin Williams. The post appeared to come from Facebook friends who were less suspected.
“In another case, the link showed a video of a rare footage of the suicide. Both the links were fake and don’t deliver what they promise. When a user clicks on these links, they might be taken to a page that prompts them to complete a survey to unlock the rare video. This is a hoax, and by completing the survey, the user just works for the scammer who gets paid by survey sites. And that’s not all, when the user fills the survey form, they also pass critical information to the scammer who can use it to create further phishing attacks for identity theft.
“It’s not necessary that all the links will take you to the survey site, some of them are very dangerous and can right away start downloading malware on your machine. It could be key loggers stealing your credit card number, user-password details and much more”.
To avoid being victimised by such scams, Devmurari advised users should be educated about Phishing scams.
“Be cautious of emails received from unknown senders. Open email attachment with extreme care. Always check the attachment’s extension. Never open attachment with “pif”, “exe”, “bat”, “.vbs” extension. Do not visit suspicious websites or follow the links provided at those websites. Do not share personal or financial information over internet/email
Talking about Cyberoam security solutions, the Anti-Spam feature available over its appliance range offers real-time spam protection over SMTP, POP3, IMAP protocols, protecting organizations from zero-hour threats and blended attacks that involve spam, malware, botnets, phishing, Trojans and more.
Apart from that, Cyberoam also offers comprehensive Email Security, preventing sophisticated forms of zero-hour threats and blended attacks involving spam, botnets, phishing, spyware and more.
E-Business
Ozi Launches to Redefine $460Bn Global Package Delivery Market
Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.
By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.
Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.
With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”
“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient.
“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.
He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.
“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in another country outside Nigeria but for our thrust in the Nigerian dream and its potentials made us choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, Engr. Chime said.
“Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.
Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.
In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process.
“By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.
“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.
To enhance security further, the CTO said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.
“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the Azubuike added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”
“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.
“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.
Ikenna added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025. Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.
E-Business
Ride the ‘Wicked’ Wave: Temu Brings Green Magic to Christmas
Temu is set to enchant the holiday season with its unique blend of green magic, bringing a touch of festive wonder to Christmas celebrations. The initiative, themed “Ride the ‘Wicked’ Wave,” promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, combining technology, entertainment, and commerce to create a magical holiday atmosphere.
Temu’s green magic initiative aims to captivate audiences with a variety of festive offerings, from fashion to home decor, handmade crafts, beauty items, chic clothes, shoes, and more.
The platform’s innovative approach ensures that customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience, with free shipping on all orders1.
As part of the celebration, Temu has also introduced a magical winter Christmas backdrop, perfect for creating a festive ambiance at home.
This backdrop, made from high-quality polyester, is designed to bring the spirit of the season to life, making it an ideal addition to any holiday decor.
With its commitment to providing exceptional products and services, Temu continues to set new standards in the e-commerce industry, ensuring that customers can enjoy the magic of Christmas in style
E-Business
Kaspersky Cybersecurity Experts Warn of Evolving Holiday Scams
With the holiday season here, it’s not only a time for magic and celebration but also a prime opportunity for fraudsters to exploit the festive rush for gifts and bargains.
Amid the sparkle of year-end celebrations, cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have identified several prominent scams targeting consumers across various regions and languages.
Fake holiday shops
Deceptive online stores mimic the look and feel of legitimate e-commerce sites, offering seasonal items such as decorations, gifts, and even trees at steep discounts.
These sites often appear highly localised, adapting their language and currency based on the user’s geographic location, leveraging data extracted from browsers.
Victims typically encounter these stores by following links in ads or pop-ups.
These sites aim to steal funds. Often, these fraudulent stores exist only for a short period, as they get flagged by the vendors of goods.
Free mobile data offer
This scam plays on the allure of free services, claiming to provide free mobile data valid across all major telecom providers.
In order to receive the free data, victims are required to share the promotion link with 10–15 contacts via WhatsApp, ensuring the scam spreads exponentially.
After sharing, victims are prompted to enter their personal details — name, phone number, and email — into a form.
The collected data is then sold on the Dark Web or used in other fraudulent activities.
In some cases, victims unknowingly download malware that compromises their devices, leading to further exploitation.
Holiday payments on behalf of government agencies
Fraudsters impersonate government authorities, promising fictitious payments in celebration of the holidays.
This scam has been reported in several African countries, including Kenya and Nigeria.
To receive payment, victims are directed to fill out a survey which requires personal details like name and phone number.
Once the survey is completed the user is asked to share the link to the announcement with their connections via WhatsApp.
These details are collected and added to fraudulent databases, then sold to third parties or used for phishing attacks and identity theft.
This scam exploits trust in government systems and the festive spirit of giving.
Christmas recipe scam
This scam begins with a seemingly harmless email promoting a holiday cake recipe.
Victims are encouraged to pay a small fee to access the recipe.
Once payment is made, the victim’s credit card information is stolen. The fraudsters also collect other personal information essential for accessing banking services.
“Holiday scams are not a new phenomenon, but they have evolved to become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging regional traditions and technology to exploit unsuspecting victims.
The rush of the holidays makes people more vulnerable — they’re distracted, eager to grab a deal, or trust promotions that align with festive themes. Cybercriminals are not just stealing money — they’re building massive databases of personal information that fuel future fraudulent schemes.
The holiday season is a time for joy and giving, but users need to remain vigilant to ensure they’re not unknowingly giving fraudsters the tools to exploit them further,” said Olga Svistunova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.
- Telecom2 days ago
From Niche App to Global Giant: TikTok’s Controversial Journey
- Telecom1 day ago
Airtel Africa to Return $100m to Shareholders via Share Buyback
- Telecom2 days ago
Group Advocates for Digital Rights at 2024 Internet Governance Forum
- Broadcasting2 days ago
Aero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony
- E-Financial2 days ago
CBN Permits BDC Operators to Buy FX from NAFEM During Festive Season
- Telecom2 days ago
Patricia Technologies Begins Repayments to Customers Affected by 2022 Security Breach
- Broadcasting1 day ago
Africa Magic Announces Call for Entries for 11th AMVCA
- E-Business1 day ago
Ozi Launches to Redefine $460Bn Global Package Delivery Market