Technology

Cybersecurity For Beginners: Understanding The Basis of Online Safety

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2024

The significance of cybersecurity in the linked world of today cannot be emphasized. The challenges in the digital sphere are constant, ranging from large-scale assaults on organizations and governments to compromises of personal data.

Knowing the fundamentals of cybersecurity is crucial for securing your online presence and defending yourself against potential dangers, regardless of experience level with computers.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the methods, tools, and procedures used to guard against illegal access, data breaches, and cyberattacks using networks, computers, and other electronic possessions. It entails putting policies in place to guarantee the privacy, integrity, and availability of data in digital spaces.

Key Concepts of Cybersecurity

Confidentiality: Maintaining sensitive data private means keeping it hidden from prying eyes. This covers bank records, personal info, and other confidential information that bad actors might acquire and use against you. To preserve secrecy, for instance, using strong passwords and encrypting files are very helpful.
Integrity: Data accuracy and integrity are guaranteed throughout processing, transfer, and storage. Preserving the integrity of data is essential to avoid any unapproved changes or manipulation that can jeopardize its dependability. Integrity policies such as checksums and electronic signatures are used to confirm the legitimacy of data.
Availability: Availability guarantees that if required designated individuals may utilize the data and system. The goal of cyberattacks like Denial-of-service (DoS) assaults is to interfere with services and prevent authorized users from accessing them. Strong recovery and backup procedures help lessen the effects of these kinds of assaults and guarantee that vital resources are always available.
Authentication: When someone or anything accesses systems and digital resources, authentication confirms their identity. Through demanding users to give various kinds of identifications like security tokens, passwords, or biometric passwords, strong authentication systems such as the multi-factor authentication (MFA)may deter illegal access.
Authorization: According to their responsibilities and advantages, authorized users are given varying levels of permissions and access. By guaranteeing that users are only granted access to the tools and features required to do their work, it lowers the possibility of illegal acts or breaches of data.
Risk Management: Identification, evaluation, and mitigation of cybersecurity risks are all part of the process of risk management which guards against future attacks and weaknesses. To efficiently handle security issues, this entails carrying out routine security evaluations, putting safety measures in place, and creating emergency response strategies.

Basic Cybersecurity Practices for Beginners

Use Strong Passwords: With regards to each online account, choose a different, unique, and strong password and change it frequently to thwart unwanted access. Steer clear of passwords that are simple to figure out like “123456” or “password”.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To provide your online accounts with an additional degree of security, enable 2FA as often as you can. Usually, you will get an email or text message with a one-time code which you need to input in addition to your password in order to log in. Do so as this is of utmost importance to security.
Keep Software Updated: Update your operating system, apps, and antivirus software frequently to fix security flaws and defend against identified risks.
Beware of Phishing Attacks: Unidentified recipients could send you unsolicited emails, messages, or links; be wary of these as they could be attempts at phishing designed to steal your login credentials and confidential data. Steer clear of entering important information via the internet or clicking on dubious links.
Secure Your Devices: To identify and get rid of unwanted software from your devices, install trustworthy antivirus and anti-malware applications. To avoid unwanted access, you should also encrypt crucial data and activate firewalls.
Backup Your Data: Make frequent backups of your most significant documents and information to an external drive or cloud-based storage provider. This aids in preventing the loss of data as a result of attacks by ransomware, hardware malfunctions, and other unanticipated circumstances.

Examples of Cybersecurity Incidents:

Data Breaches: Over 147 million people’s personal information was compromised in a significant data breach that occurred in 2017 at Equifax, one of the biggest credit reporting companies. The company’s website software had a weakness that led to the breach, underscoring the significance of applying security updates and patches on time.
Ransomware Attacks:2020 saw a ransomware attack against the Colonial Pipeline, a significant petroleum pipeline operator in the US, which caused disruptions in the East Coast’s fuel supply. The intruders installed ransomware and demanded a large payment for the decryption keys by taking advantage of a weakness in the company’s network infrastructure.

Phishing Scams: Phishing scams are still a common concern, when hackers use phony emails, messages, or websites to deceive people into disclosing personal information. Targeting Gmail users, a large phishing attack attempted to obtain their login credentials by pretending to be Google’s login page in 2016.

To keep safe online, it is imperative that you comprehend the fundamentals of cybersecurity which is an important part of our digital life. People may safeguard themselves and their digital assets from cyberattacks and data breaches by putting fundamental cybersecurity principles into practice, being watchful for possible hazards, and keeping up with the newest security trends and advancements. Recall that prevention is always preferable to treatment when it comes to cybersecurity.

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Samed Olukoya

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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Telecommunications

Lagos Residents Frustrated by Rapid Data Drain, Call for NCC Action

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Lagos residents are expressing increasing frustration over what they describe as the rapid depletion of their data bundles.

Many subscribers are now calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to address their concerns as they suspect changes in billing practices by telecommunication providers.

Numerous subscribers have reported that their data does not last as long as it used to. A Lagos-based teacher, Mrs. Nafidah Zaynab, shared her experience, stating that a N2,000 data bundle, which previously lasted almost a month, now depletes within just a few days.

This sentiment is echoed by many, including Idowu Anabili, a trader who has reduced his data usage due to rising costs.

Abdullahi Yunus, who runs a café, noted a significant increase in his data expenses, spending between N70,000 and N100,000 monthly, up from N30,000. He attributes this spike to faster data consumption.

Telecom operators deny any wrongdoing, attributing the faster data consumption to increased usage by subscribers.

An anonymous official from MTN explained that the variety of activities performed on smartphones has increased, leading to faster data usage.

Airtel Nigeria’s spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adeniran, suggested that background apps and high-definition streaming contribute to the issue.

Despite complaints, operators assert they have not officially increased data prices. They emphasize that automatic app updates and other technical factors may be responsible for the perceived quick depletion.

Experts suggest that the challenging economic climate may be pressuring telecom companies to subtly reduce data value.

The industry has reported a 43% rise in operational costs, although no formal tariff hikes have been announced.

The NCC has clarified that it has not authorized any increase in data tariffs. The commission highlights technical factors like automatic video play and app updates as potential causes for quick data depletion.

In a bid to assist consumers, the NCC has advised turning on data saver modes and managing app updates to conserve data.

To combat the issue, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have initiated a campaign to educate consumers on optimizing their data usage.

They recommend practices such as disabling automatic updates and closing unused apps.

Social Media

Meta Shuts Down 63,000 Nigerian Accounts in Sextortion Crackdown

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2024

Samed Olukoya

In a significant move to combat online crime, Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has removed 63,000 accounts in Nigeria linked to sextortion scams.

This sweeping action is part of Meta’s ongoing effort to address the growing threat of digital extortion on its platforms.

Unmasking the Scammers

The crackdown, which took place at the end of May, targeted accounts engaged in blackmail schemes.

These scammers posed as young women to coerce individuals into sharing intimate photos, which were then used to extort money from the victims.

The removal follows a Bloomberg Businessweek exposé highlighting the rise of such crimes, particularly affecting teenagers in the United States.

The Global Impact

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified sextortion as one of the fastest-growing crimes targeting minors.

The schemes often lead to severe consequences, including the tragic suicides of more than two dozen teens.

In one high-profile case, the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay in Michigan led to the arrest of suspects traced back to Lagos, Nigeria.

The Role of the Yahoo Boys

Many of the dismantled accounts were linked to the “Yahoo Boys,” a notorious group known for orchestrating various online scams.

These individuals have been using social media to recruit and train new scammers, sharing blackmail scripts and fake account guides.

Meta’s Response

Meta’s spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to user safety, stating, “Financial sextortion is a horrific crime that can have devastating consequences.”

The company is continually improving its defenses and has reported offenders targeting minors to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

To enhance protection, Meta has implemented stricter messaging settings for teen accounts and safety notices regarding sextortion.

They are also employing technology to blur potentially harmful images shared with minors.

Ongoing Efforts

Meta’s actions highlight the complex and evolving nature of online crime. The company has pledged to remain vigilant, adapting its strategies to counter new threats as they emerge.

“This is an adversarial space where criminals evolve to evade our defenses,” Meta noted.

Looking Forward

As digital platforms continue to grapple with issues of privacy and security, Meta’s recent actions demonstrate a proactive stance in safeguarding users.

By dismantling these networks, the company aims to reduce the prevalence of sextortion and foster a safer online environment for all.

The crackdown serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between tech companies and law enforcement to protect individuals from the harmful effects of digital exploitation.

Fintech

Flutterwave Celebrates Inclusion in CNBC’s Top 250 Global Fintechs

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Flutterwave has been recognized as one of the Top 250 Fintech companies globally by CNBC and Statista.

Joining the ranks of industry giants like Ali Pay, Klarna, Piggyvest, and Mastercard, this accolade underscores Flutterwave’s impact on the financial technology sector.

This honor follows Flutterwave’s recent inclusion in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, highlighting the company’s pivotal role in transforming Africa’s payment landscape.

The recognition is a testament to Flutterwave’s dedication to innovation and excellence in providing seamless payment solutions across the continent.

Expressing gratitude, Flutterwave acknowledged its talented team, supportive board, reliable partners, and loyal customers for contributing to this success.

The company continues to drive progress in the fintech industry, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing financial accessibility and inclusion in Africa and beyond.

Flutterwave’s recognition on these prestigious lists marks a proud moment and a significant milestone in its journey, reflecting the company’s growing influence and leadership in the global fintech arena.