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More Than One Billion Yahoo Accounts Hacked!

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  • More Than One Billion Yahoo Accounts Hacked!

Following a recent investigation, we’ve identified data security issues concerning certain Yahoo user accounts. We’ve taken steps to secure those user accounts and we’re working closely with law enforcement.

What happened?

As we previously disclosed in November, law enforcement provided us with data files that a third party claimed was Yahoo user data. We analyzed this data with the assistance of outside forensic experts and found that it appears to be Yahoo user data. Based on further analysis of this data by the forensic experts, we believe an unauthorized third party, in August 2013, stole data associated with more than one billion user accounts. We have not been able to identify the intrusion associated with this theft. We believe this incident is likely distinct from the incident we disclosed on September 22, 2016.

For potentially affected accounts, the stolen user account information may have included names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords (using MD5) and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers. The investigation indicates that the stolen information did not include passwords in clear text, payment card data, or bank account information. Payment card data and bank account information are not stored in the system the company believes was affected.

Separately, we previously disclosed that our outside forensic experts were investigating the creation of forged cookies that could allow an intruder to access users’ accounts without a password. Based on the ongoing investigation, we believe an unauthorized third party accessed our proprietary code to learn how to forge cookies. The outside forensic experts have identified user accounts for which they believe forged cookies were taken or used. We are notifying the affected account holders, and have invalidated the forged cookies. We have connected some of this activity to the same state-sponsored actor believed to be responsible for the data theft the company disclosed on September 22, 2016.

What are we doing to protect our users?

We are notifying potentially affected users and have taken steps to secure their accounts, including requiring users to change their passwords. We have also invalidated unencrypted security questions and answers so that they cannot be used to access an account. With respect to the cookie forging activity, we invalidated the forged cookies and hardened our systems to secure them against similar attacks. We continuously enhance our safeguards and systems that detect and prevent unauthorized access to user accounts.

What can users do to protect their account?

We encourage our users to visit our Safety Center page for recommendations on how to stay secure online. Some important recommendations we’re re-emphasizing today include the following:

*Change your passwords and security questions and answers for any other accounts on which you used the same or similar information used for your Yahoo account;

*Review all of your accounts for suspicious activity;

*Be cautious of any unsolicited communications that ask for your personal information or refer you to a web page asking for personal information;

*Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails; and

*Consider using Yahoo Account Key, a simple authentication tool that eliminates the need to use a password on Yahoo altogether.

For more information about these security matters and our security resources, please visit the Yahoo Security Issue FAQs page.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Telecom Operators Assure Full Service Restoration Following Undersea Cable Cut

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Telecommunications - Investors King

In the wake of disruptions caused by cuts in undersea fiber-optic cables along the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal, telecom operators in Nigeria are committed to restoring voice and data services to their full capacity by Tuesday.

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, provided assurances in an interview.

Last Thursday’s incident, which affected major undersea cables supplying broadband Internet connectivity to Nigeria and other West African countries, prompted widespread disruptions across various sectors including banking, telecommunications, and financial services.

Notable affected cables include the West African Cable System and African Coast to Europe, along with SAT3 and MainOne, which reported downtimes due to the cable cuts.

Despite the challenges posed by the disruption, telecom operators swiftly mobilized alternative service providers over the weekend to mitigate the impact.

While some providers have already confirmed partial restoration of services, others are in the process of completing migration, leading to ongoing delays and congestion.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), services have been restored to approximately 90% of their peak utilization capacities.

Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, highlighted that operators have activated alternative connectivity to ensure optimal data and voice services operation pending full repairs of the undersea cables.

Adebayo expressed confidence in the restoration efforts, emphasizing the significant progress made to minimize disruptions.

He underscored the collaborative efforts among telecom operators and alternative service providers to navigate the challenges posed by the cable cuts.

The disruptions highlight the critical importance of undersea cables in maintaining seamless connectivity in today’s interconnected world.

Going forward, plans for global collaboration to enhance the protection of undersea cables and ensure their resilience are underway, spearheaded by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

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Minister Bosun Tijani Leads Global Effort to Safeguard Undersea Cables Amidst Disruptions

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Minister Bosun Tijani of Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has initiated a global collaboration.

The minister took to social media to announce plans aimed at enhancing the protection of undersea cables, emphasizing the critical role these cables play in the digital economy.

Tijani’s proactive stance comes in the wake of undersea cable cuts that have impacted countries across West Africa, including Ghana, Togo, and Senegal.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Tijani underscored the need to review international laws and forge partnerships with regional and global bodies to safeguard this essential infrastructure.

Acknowledging the disruption faced by affected nations, Tijani assured stakeholders that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is actively engaged in resolving the issues.

His initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring the resilience and reliability of undersea cables, which serve as lifelines in today’s interconnected world.

In light of the disruptions, various sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and financial services, have encountered operational challenges.

Sarafadeen Fasasi, President of the Association Of Mobile Money and Bank Agents In Nigeria, highlighted the significant impact on financial transactions and reconciliation processes, causing headaches for businesses and customers alike.

While the cause of the cable cuts remains under investigation, efforts to restore services are underway.

However, authorities in Ghana estimate that full service restoration may take up to five weeks.

Meanwhile, stakeholders are hopeful that Minister Tijani’s global collaboration will expedite solutions to safeguard undersea cables and mitigate future disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity essential for economic, academic, and social activities.

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MTN Nigeria Grapples with Network Disruptions from Overseas Cable Damage

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MTN Nigeria - Investors King

MTN Nigeria is currently contending with network disruptions stemming from damage to an overseas undersea cable, causing widespread inconvenience for its customers.

The telecommunication giant confirmed the issue in a statement, acknowledging the connectivity disruptions experienced by its subscribers.

Reports indicate that the glitch has affected both voice and data services, resulting in communication disruptions for millions of subscribers across the country.

Subscribers have expressed frustration on social media platforms over the prolonged network outage, with complaints ranging from failed call attempts to concerns about the failure to receive bank alerts.

MTN Nigeria assured its customers that it is actively working to resolve the issue and restore services as quickly as possible.

The telecom operator emphasized the critical importance of consistent internet and communication services, pledging to swiftly address the disruptions.

Efforts are underway to reroute traffic through alternative network paths and expedite the repair process for the damaged cables in collaboration with consortium partners.

Despite the challenges, MTN Nigeria remains committed to minimizing service interruptions and maintaining connectivity for its customers.

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