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Microsoft to Cut 18,000 Jobs this Year

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Microsoft Corp said it will slash up to 18,000 jobs, or 14 percent of its workforce, this year as it trims its newly acquired Nokia phone business and tries to transform into a cloud-computing and mobile-friendly software company.

The larger-than-expected cuts are the deepest in the company’s 39-year history and come five months into the tenure of Satya Nadella, chief executive, who outlined plans for a “leaner” business in a public memo to employees last week.

“We will simplify the way we work to drive greater accountability, become more agile and move faster,” Nadella wrote to employees in a memo made public early Thursday. “We plan to have fewer layers of management, both top down and sideways, to accelerate the flow of information and decision making.”

The size of the cuts were welcomed by Wall Street, which viewed Microsoft as bloated under previous CEO Steve Ballmer, topping 127,000 in headcount after absorbing Nokia earlier this year.

“This is about double what the Street was expecting,” said Daniel Ives, an analyst at FBR Capital Markets. “Nadella is clearing the decks for the new fiscal year. He is cleaning up part of the mess that Ballmer left.”

Microsoft shares jumped 3 percent to $45.40 in early trading, reaching their highest since the technology stock boom of 2000.

About 12,500 of the layoffs will come from eliminating overlaps with the Nokia unit, which Microsoft acquired in April for $7.2 billion.

Microsoft did not say how many jobs would come from Nokia and how many from existing operations. The acquisition of Nokia’s handset business in April added 25,000 people to Microsoft’s payroll.

The Nokia-related cuts were widely expected. Microsoft said when it struck the deal that it would cut $600 million per year in costs within 18 months of closing the acquisition.

Microsoft did not detail exactly where the remaining jobs would be cut, but said the first wave of layoffs would affect 1,351 jobs in the Seattle area.

The company said it expects to take pre tax charges of $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion over the next four quarters to account for the costs of the layoffs.

Nadella’s cuts are the biggest at the Redmond, Washington-based company since Ballmer axed 5,800, or about 6 percent of headcount, in the depths of the recession in early 2009.

The new CEO’s moves are designed to help Microsoft shift from being a primarily software-focused company to one that sells online services, apps and devices it hopes will make people and businesses more productive.

Nadella needs to make Microsoft a stronger competitor to Google Inc and Apple Inc, which have dominated the new era of mobile-centric computing.

Marking this change of emphasis, Nadella last week rebranded Microsoft as “the productivity and platform company for the mobile-first and cloud-first world.”

Microsoft is not alone among the pioneers of the personal computer revolution now slimming down to adapt to the Web-focused world.

PC-maker Hewlett-Packard Co is in the midst of a radical three-to-five-year plan that will lop up to 50,000 from its staff of 250,000.

International Business Machines Corp is undergoing a “workforce rebalancing,” which analysts say could mean 13,000, or about 3 percent of its staff, being laid off or transferred to new owners as units are sold.

Chipmaker Intel Corp and network equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc both said in the past year they were cutting about 5 percent of their staffs.


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How to Choose the Best Site to Convert BTC to Naira: The Key Features to Consider

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Converting Bitcoin (BTC) to Naira has become increasingly popular in Nigeria, and choosing the right platform for this task can make a big difference in maximising your returns while keeping your funds secure.

With numerous options available, it’s essential to know which features set a great BTC-to-Naira conversion site apart from the rest. This guide breaks down the key features you should look for and includes a trusted recommendation: Breet.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Site to Convert BTC to Naira

1. Security and Trustworthiness

Security should be the top priority when choosing a BTC-to-Naira conversion platform. A reputable site should have strict security measures, such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity. To ensure the platform’s legitimacy, verify that it’s licensed or regulated.

2. Conversion Rates

Getting the best possible conversion rate means more Naira in your pocket. Rates can vary across platforms, so it’s worth comparing them to get the most value for your BTC. However, be mindful of platforms that advertise unusually high rates, as they may come with hidden fees or tricky terms.

Quick Tip: Pay attention to the platform’s fee structure. Some may charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage, which can significantly impact your earnings.

3. Transaction Speed

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, timing is crucial. A platform that offers quick processing times can help you secure the rate you want and avoid delays due to market fluctuations. Some platforms offer instant transactions, which is ideal if you need immediate access to your funds.

Pro Tip: If speed is a priority, look for platforms with a reputation for quick confirmation times and real-time processing.

4. Ease of Use

Not everyone using a BTC-to-Naira service is a crypto expert, so an intuitive interface can make the process stress-free. A clean, user-friendly layout ensures you can navigate the site or app with ease, regardless of your crypto experience.

Bonus Tip: A mobile app can be a game-changer, allowing you to convert BTC to Naira from anywhere, anytime. Don’t forget to check for accessible and responsive customer support, as they’ll be crucial if you have questions or run into issues.

5. Payment Methods Available

The best BTC-to-Naira platforms offer direct Naira bank transfers, which allow you to receive your funds without hassle. Verify if the platform has daily or weekly withdrawal limits that fit your intended transaction size. This ensures you won’t run into unwanted restrictions when it’s time to withdraw your funds.

6. Transaction Fees and Limits

Be sure to check each platform’s transaction fees. A flat fee might be more beneficial for smaller transactions, while a percentage-based fee might be better for larger transfers. Additionally, make sure the withdrawal and daily limits meet your needs.

7. Reputation and Community Trust

Word of mouth and community endorsement go a long way in the crypto world. Platforms with high ratings from seasoned users in forums or social media groups are often reliable. Look for transparency in their terms and policies, and be cautious of any red flags, such as rates that seem too good to be true or a lack of user reviews.

Recommended Site to Convert BTC to Naira: The Breet App

After reviewing several options, Breet stands out as a highly recommended site to convert 1btc to naira today. Here’s why:

  • Competitive Rates: Breet offers competitive conversion rates with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
  • Zero Trading Fees: Breet doesn’t charge a transaction fee, so you can perform as many transactions as you want, all at no cost to you.
  • Instant Naira Payouts: The platform ensures fast, direct payouts to your Nigerian bank account, making it ideal for those who need immediate access to their funds.
  • User-Friendly Experience: Breet’s interface is intuitive and designed with all users in mind. It’s simple enough for beginners and robust enough for advanced users.
  • Community Trust: Known for transparency and reliability, Breet is well-regarded in the Nigerian crypto community and is backed by excellent customer support.

How to Convert BTC to Naira on the Breet App

Ready to convert your BTC to Naira on Breet? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

  1. Register & Verify: Download the Breet app, sign up, and complete verification for secure access.
  2. Check Rate & Confirm: View the btc to naira rate. If satisfied, proceed with your sale.
  3. Deposit Bitcoin: Transfer your Bitcoin to your unique Breet wallet address by copying it or scanning the QR code.
  4. Transaction Processing: Breet will detect and automatically process your transaction once it’s confirmed on the blockchain.
  5. Receive Naira: Your Naira balance updates instantly, ready for quick withdrawal—no delays or extra steps.

Conclusion

Selecting the best platform for converting BTC to Naira requires careful consideration of essential features, such as security, conversion rates, transaction speed, ease of use, and payment options. Breet is a trusted option for those who value simplicity, speed, and competitive rates.

For those new to converting BTC or seasoned traders looking for reliability, Breet offers a comprehensive solution that’s secure, convenient, and transparent. Try Breet today, or use our checklist above to find the platform that best suits your needs.

 


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Firm Identifies Key Signs of AI Usage in Phishing Attacks

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Cybercriminals are increasingly using Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate content for large-scale phishing and scam attacks, Kaspersky’s AI Research Center experts have discovered.

As threat actors attempt to generate fraudulent websites in high volumes, they often leave behind distinctive artifacts – such as AI-specific phrases – that set these sites apart from those created manually. So far, most phishing examples observed by Kaspersky target users of cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets.

Kaspersky experts analysed a sample of resources, identifying key characteristics that help distinguish and detect cases where AI was used to generate content or even entire phishing and scam websites.

One of the prominent signs of LLM-generated text is the presence of disclaimers and refusals to execute commands, including phrases such as “As an AI language model…”. For instance, two phishing pages targeting KuCoin users contain this type of wording.

Another distinctive indicator of language model usage is the presence of concessive clauses, such as: ‘While I can’t do exactly what you want, I can try something similar.” In other examples targeting Gemini and Exodus users, the LLM declines to provide detailed login instructions.

“With LLMs, attackers can automate the creation of dozens or even hundreds of phishing and scam web pages with unique, high-quality content,” explains Vladislav Tushkanov, Research Development Group Manager at Kaspersky. “Previously, this required manual effort, but now AI can help threat actors generate such content automatically.”

LLMs can be used to create not just text blocks but entire web pages, with artifacts appearing both in the text itself and in areas like meta tags: snippets of text that describe a web page’s content and appear in its HTML code.

There are other indicators of AI usage in creating fraudulent sites. Some models, for instance, tend to use specific phrases like “delve”, “in the ever-evolving landscape”, and “in the ever-changing world”. While these terms are not considered strong indicators of AI-generated content, they may still be viewed as signs.

Another feature of text generated by a language model is the indication up to which the model’s knowledge of the world extends. The model typically articulates this limitation using phrases such as “according to my last update in January 2023”.

LLM-generated text is often combined with tactics that make phishing page detection more complicated for cybersecurity tools. For instance, attackers may use non-standard Unicode symbols, such as those with diacritics or from mathematical notation, to obfuscate text and prevent matching by rule-based detection systems.

“Large language models are improving, and cybercriminals are exploring ways to apply this technology for nefarious purposes. However, occasional errors provide insights into their use of such tools, particularly into the growing extent of automation. With future advancements, distinguishing AI-generated content from human-written text may become more challenging, making it crucial to use advanced security solutions that analyse textual information along with metadata, and other fraud indicators,” said Vladislav Tushkanov.


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Jumia Nigeria Expands E-commerce Access Nationwide as it Kicks Off 2024 Black Friday Campaign

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Jumia, Nigeria’s leading e-commerce platform, has launched its highly anticipated Black Friday campaign, running from November 1st to November 30th.

L-R: Robert Awodu, Regional Head of Public Relations and Communications (Sub-Saharan Africa); Richmond Otu, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Jumia Nigeria; and Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria, at the recent Jumia’s Black Friday roundtable.

This year’s theme, “No Too Calculate,” highlights Jumia’s commitment to creating a simpler, stress-free shopping experience for Nigerians amid economic challenges, allowing consumers to enjoy great savings without budgetary worries.

This year’s Black Friday campaign is supported by Xiaomi as the platinum partner, alongside renowned brands such as Oraimo, Nivea, Infinix, Tecno, Itel, Haier Thermocool, Binatone, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Bacardi, Hikers, Ecoflow, Skyrun, Glamstar, Ledrop, Unilever, Macallan, LG, and others.

“We are excited to launch another Jumia Black Friday. For us, this campaign is about making e-commerce more accessible to consumers in Nigeria.

“We recognize the current economic situation and have worked closely with our brand partners to offer the best possible deals to consumers during this period.

“Additionally, our expanding network of Pickup Stations ensures that even more consumers, regardless of their location, can benefit from the convenience of online shopping.

“As we grow, our focus remains on creating real value for both our consumers and sellers through our extensive ecosystem,” said Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria.

The Black Friday campaign serves as a powerful platform for international and local brands as well as SMEs to expand their reach and boost sales.

Furthermore, with Jumia’s extensive logistics network, which partners with hundreds of local logistics service providers, delivery to all corners of Nigeria, including smaller towns and rural areas is guaranteed.

“At Xiaomi, we believe that everyone deserves access to the latest cutting-edge technology. Jumia Black Friday is the perfect opportunity for consumers to experience our innovative products at unbeatable prices.

“Our Black Friday deals reflect our commitment to making advanced, high-quality technology accessible to all.

“Whether you’re upgrading your smartphone or enhancing your smart home, Xiaomi offers products that are not only powerful but also beautifully designed, helping you stay connected in smarter, more efficient ways,” said Xingyu Yang, Country Manager, Xiaomi Nigeria.

Since Jumia introduced Black Friday to Nigeria in 2014, the company has continued to unlock new opportunities for both consumers and businesses. With online shopping in Africa projected to reach $75 billion by 2025, Nigeria will play a pivotal role in this e-commerce growth.

Shoppers can visit Jumia’s website or app starting November 1st to take advantage of these exclusive Black Friday deals.


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