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Tag: internet

  • NCC receives cybersecurity award, seeks safer Internet usage

    NCC receives cybersecurity award, seeks safer Internet usage

    The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) at the weekend received a cybersecurity promotion award from the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigerian (CSEAN) and called on relevant stakeholders to join hands with NCC to promote safer Internet experience in Nigeria.

    The award was conferred on the Commission in recognition of NCC’s sterling contributions to the protection of telecom consumers from all forms of cybercrimes. The conferment ceremony took place at the maiden edition of Cybersecurity Merit Awards (CMA-2022) organised by CSEAN in Lagos.

    Receiving the 2022 Cybersecurity Award for Best Public Sector Organisation at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who was represented by a delegation led by the Director, New Media and Information Security (NMIS), Dr. Alhassan Haru; and Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, thanked the orgainser for the recognition.

    He told the audience that tackling the menace of cybercrime in the country has become even more imperative as the success of the implementation of digital economy policy and strategy depends on a strong foundation of cybersecurity architecture in Nigeria.

    Danbatta said one of the key pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, is Soft Infrastructure, which is premised on harnessing policy and regulatory initiatives to create an enabling environment that focuses on increased protection for users of digital products and services in the country. “The Commission is committed to ensuring that the Nigerian cyberspace is protected against the nefarious activities of cybercriminals that endanger unsuspecting Internet users in the country,” he said.

    The EVC said it is in recognition of the strategic role the cyberspace plays in the advancement of digital economy that the Commission created NMIS department in charge of several activities, initiatives and programmes pivoted on collaboration to enhance cybersecurity and information security in the Nigerian cyberspace. “We have continued to be part of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), promote Child Online Protection as well as create awareness on cyber threats through the NCC’s Computer Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT), which constantly monitors the cyberspace and publishes advisories on identified cyber threats,” the EVC said.

    Danbatta said as the regulator of telecom sector, the main carrier of cyber communication, the NCC has leveraged NDEPS to work with relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment where Internet users are able to navigate the cyberspace without being abused, attacked or losing money. The Chief telecom regulator appealed to all stakeholders to join hands with the Commission in tackling every manifestation of cyber threat.

    The CMA 2020 is organized to recognise individuals, startups, private businesses, Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government, as well as state governments for excellence, innovation, and effective leadership in promoting cybersecurity ecosystem in Nigeria.

  • NCC raises alarm over destruction of telecom facilities

    NCC raises alarm over destruction of telecom facilities

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that over 50,000 cases of major destruction of telecom infrastructure and facilities have been reported across the country in the past five years, raising alarm over the implication of these incidents to the quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta made the disclosure at the 2022 edition of Youth Civil Society and Stakeholders Summit (YCSSS), which took place midweek at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    Danbatta expressed worry over how the incidents have continued to affect the Quality of Experience (QoE) of consumers and called for concerted efforts by the members of the public, and security agencies to stem the tide.

    Danbatta, who spoke through the Head, Corporate Communication Unit of the Commission, Mrs Nnena Ukoha, said the negative impacts of incessant vandalism of telecom equipment, evidenced in fibre cuts, theft of telecom facilities like generators at sites, vandalism of base stations, among other vices, have become a major burden on the service providers, while telecom consumers have continued to suffer unwarranted disruptions of their hard-earned services.

    “The impact of vandalism of infrastructure is felt by all in the quality of services rendered, as it results in increasing drop calls, data and Internet connectivity disruptions, aborted and undelivered short messaging services (SMS), as well as countless failed calls,” Danbatta said.

    The NCC‘s Chief Executive Officer said that considering the well-known fact that the ability to connect and communicate is fundamental to human existence, improvement in businesses processes, government services, education, as well as social and family networking through seamless connections, every community should get involved in protecting the critical infrastructure that makes these services possible.

    “Therefore, as a community, you are expected to report cases of vandalism of telecoms infrastructure to the nearest law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and also share adequate information received from NCC with your family, friends, and neighbours.

    “We believe, with your cooperation as critical stakeholders in the telecoms sector, we can all work with the law enforcement authorities in protecting telecom infrastructure in your community”, Danbatta stated to emphasise the role of the communities in protecting critical national assets.

  • 12 common reasons why people fall prey to online scams and how to avoid falling victim – By Rotimi Onadipe

    12 common reasons why people fall prey to online scams and how to avoid falling victim – By Rotimi Onadipe

    By Rotimi Onadipe

    Scam is simply defined as an illegitimate or deceptive plan of making money, particularly by tricking unsuspecting victims e.g. individuals, companies or organisations.

    With the advancement of technology, particularly the invention of high tech devices everywhere e.g. smartphones and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, there is no doubt that we now live in an age where almost anything seems possible, good, easy, cheap and available. The scammers are aware of this development and they are also taking advantage of the situation to trick unsuspecting victims to giving their money, property, personal or sensitive information to them. They are always looking for ways to make money at the expense of unsuspecting victims.

    Internet related crimes are getting more sophisticated every day because of advancement of technology. As far as online scams are concerned, we are all vulnerable irrespective of age, sex, status, tribe, academic qualification or nationality.

    We must be informed that the menace of online scams in our society cannot be totally eradicated in today’s technology age but we can reduce it to the barest minimum by educating ourselves, implementing best practices and staying vigilant at all times.

    There are many reasons why many people fall prey to online scams but here are some common reasons:

    1. Greediness: Most people with excessive desire for wealth usually fall victim to any kind of scam.

    2. Ignorance: A lot of people fall prey to scams because they have little or no knowledge about the common tricks used by scammers.

    3. Gullibility: Anybody that can be easily convinced that something is true or real will always fall prey to almost any type of scam.

    4. Lack of proper investigation: Scammers send a lot of scam emails every day and many unsuspecting victims respond without doing proper investigation.

    5. Urgent desire for free offer: Scammers send out information containing free offer of goods, services and free money to trick unsuspecting victims and many unsuspecting victims fall for the scams because they want free money or goods and services that they won’t pay for.

    6. Desperation to gain employment: Many unemployed people that are desperate to get job fall victim to unemployment scams on a daily basis.

    7. Fear of missing a great opportunity: Many unsuspecting victims fall for scams because they don’t want to miss the deceptive business opportunities introduced to them by scammers.

    8. Lack of special internet safety education for aged people and young children: Elderly people and young children are key targets of scammers because they are the most vulnerable.

    9. Lack of frequent awareness campaigns: Lack of regular awareness campaigns to sensitise the general public on the dangers and lasting solutions to scams makes many people to fall prey to scams.

    10. Urgent desire for cheap products: Many people fall victim to scams because they are urgently looking for cheap products.

    11. Carelessness: Many people are careless about their personal and sensitive information and this increases their vulnerabilities to any kind of scam.

    12. Many victims don’t want to share their stories: When victims don’t share their stories with others, others will continue to fall prey to scams.

    Safety tips to avoid online scams:

    1. Investigate thoroughly before you invest in any business. More importantly, don’t believe everything you see online.

    2. Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information on social media.

    3. Report any suspicious or fraudulent activity immediately to the police or other anti-crime organizations.

    4. Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information through phone conversation.

    5. Be suspicious of any goods or services that is free.

    6. When you receive strange calls or text messages frequently, be suspicious.

    7. Check your online and offline accounts regularly to know if there is any fraudulent activities.

    8. Avoid connecting to the internet through public WiFi.

    9. Avoid clicking on any link or downloading any attachment if you are not sure the information is safe and secure.

    11. When you are contacted to provide personal or sensitive information online by any individual or organization, be suspicious and do a thorough investigation.

    12. Avoid doing online transaction in any website that you don’t trust.

    13. If an offer sounds too good to be true, be suspicious and do a thorough investigation.

    14. Use anti-virus software and keep it updated with the operating system of your device.

    15. When you receive any call from your bank requesting for your personal or sensitive information, don’t provide the information but visit your bank immediately to address the issue.

  • Social media can be used to defame – Mayowa Adenekan

    Social media can be used to defame – Mayowa Adenekan

    Mayowa Adenekan a Nigerian talent manager and public relations expert has averred that social media can be used to defame.

    The Soil Science graduate of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB) said: “Social media is a powerful tool and can be used to either defame or became famous .The recent trend on social media resulting from an unabashed throw down by Nigerian Politicians has shown the importance of social media. Before now, Political parties who are at the top echelon, own stakes in National Television or radio stations. They can shadow ban or downplay the efforts of their political opponents. Now the game has changed. Social media has create a level playing ground for everyone .Given the power social media has to influence the outcome of an election, many politicians have considered it a powerful arsenal for their political success in the 2023 Election.”

    Adenekan who attended the London Institute of Internet Marketing and Research studies, Dubai UAE, where he completed his Diploma in Digital Marketing course also noted that the place of social media to rally political support is no longer in doubt. To advance the conversation and mobilize political supports, social media has become a critical political tool for campaign planners.

    According to him: “To advance the conversation and mobilize political supports, social media has become an important political tool for campaign planners. The use of social media in elections appears to have gathered momentum that is changing the traditional practice of campaigning. This phenomenon is premised on the fast expanding access to internet, increased availability of internet ready smart phones and other communication devices, which enable individuals to concurrently share information with any number of peers or even the public. Politicians have swerved from the use of the old media such as the print (newspapers) and the electronic media (television and radio), to the use of the new media during electioneering to actualize their political aims”.

  • Google lauds increase in software development in Africa

    Google lauds increase in software development in Africa

    Google in Africa says the increase in software development in Africa has increased tremendously, with Nigeria adding 5,000 new professionals in 2021.

    Nitin Gajria, the company’s Managing Director, said, in a statement on Monday, that the rise was impressive in spite of the pandemic and global economic challenges the continent’s developer experienced.

    Gajria said its findings were based on the Ecosystem Report 2021 conducted across 16 Sub Sahara African countries.

    The managing director said that the findings came through fielded and analysed surveys of software developers as well as interviews with local experts.

    He said that with the use of the internet by small and medium businesses by over 22 per cent, there was the need for web development services in the continent.

    Besides, he said there was a higher demand for remote development work because 38 per cent of African developers work for at least one company based outside of the continent.

    ‘’This is evidenced by the magnitude of growth in Nigeria’s professional developer population, which added an estimated 5,000 new professional developers to its pool in 2021.

    “While Africa’s tech innovation sector is making great strides, global tech companies, educators and governments can do more to ensure that the industry becomes a strategic economic pillar.

    “At Google, we are intent on further igniting training and support for this community by bridging the existing developer skills gap and concentrating our efforts in upskilling female developers who face pointed challenges,” he said.

    Gajria said that following a series of initiatives, including developer advocacy, startup acceleration, training programmes, and global technical mentorship) that the company had implemented over the last 10 years, Google would train 100,000 developers across the continent by 2022.

    According to him, to date, the African continent is home to more than 150 active Google Developer Groups and 100 Developer Student Clubs in Africa.

    He said that combined, these groups reach over 200,000 community members in 40 out of the 48 countries in the Sub-Saharan African region.

    Gajria added that the company may have contributed nearly $180 billion to Africa’s economy, saying the projected potential contribution could reach $712 billion by 2050.

    “In order to reach this potential, we have to provide better access to high-quality, world-class skilling on mobile technologies platforms coupled with increasing connectivity in Africa.

    “Our effort to increase connectivity is focused on infrastructure, devices, tools and product localisation,” Gajria said.

  • Internet giants threaten to pull out of Hong Kong over privacy plans

    Internet giants threaten to pull out of Hong Kong over privacy plans

    An association of companies such as Google, Twitter and Facebook is warning that the internet giants and their services will pull out of Hong Kong.

    The companies warned that their services will be pulled out if a planned tightening of data protection was implemented.

    The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) criticised the proposed doxxing legislation as too vague and disproportionate, according to a letter to Hong Kong’s data protection commissioner, Ada Chung Lai-ling, posted on the AIC website on Tuesday.

    The privacy law was proposed after the personal information of police officers, and other public figures including the names, addresses, photographs of individuals were circulated online during the social unrest of 2019 and 2020.

    The publishing of such private information without permission is what is known as doxxing.

    AIC said it was “unnecessary and excessive’’ to prosecute local employees as intended if their overseas-based companies did not remove content from their platforms as required by authorities.

    “The only way to avoid these sanctions for technology companies would be to refrain from investing and offering their services in Hong Kong, thereby depriving Hong Kong businesses and consumers, whilst also creating new barriers to trade,’’ the letter said.

    The industry association shared the serious concern about “doxxing’’ but stressed that laws against it must be built upon principles of necessity and proportionality.

  • Use Internet responsibly – NCC tells Nigerian youths

    Use Internet responsibly – NCC tells Nigerian youths

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian youths to leverage Internet/broadband access to unleash their potentials for innovation and creativity, as well as their quest for job opportunities and skills acquisition.

    The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, made the call during the presentation of 100 pieces of mattresses to the Federal Capital Territory’s Permanent Orientation Camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kubwa, Abuja recently.

    The presentation of the mattresses was in demonstration of the Commission’s solidarity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to support the replacement of some of the items carted away from the camp by hoodlums during the EndSARS protests of October 27, 2020.

    Speaking on behalf of Danbatta during the presentation, NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, said the youths play a great role in nation building as they contribute to national development by bringing about social reforms, noting that the NCC will always support the course of the youth in the country.

    Adinde said the Commission, has various youth initiatives and programmes aimed at making them self-reliant while enhancing their contributions to the economy.

    He, therefore, charged the corps members to use Internet services for gainful and profitable activities, while also advising them to refrain from using their access to telecoms services for irresponsible and nefarious activities, which could land them in trouble.

    “Access to telecommunication services, especially the Internet, plays a key role in job creation for the youths and ultimately for accelerating economic development. It is critical to the overall socio-economic well-being of every economy and the youth have a greater role to play, as agents of social change, in using the Internet for positive ventures,” he said.

    He also charged the large gathering of corps members, who attended the presentation ceremony, to take advantage of the various consumer-centric initiatives which the Commission has emplaced to protect and empower them as active users of telecoms services.

    These include the NCC’s toll-free number 622 for consumer complaints resolution, the NCC Do-No-Disturb 2442 Short Code for dealing with unsolicited text messages, the 112 National Emergency Number managed by the Commission’s Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) located across the country.

    Meanwhile, NYSC FCT Coordinator, Abdul Suleman, expressed appreciation for the solidary and support shown by the NCC to the NYSC family, especially regarding the welfare of corps members deployed to the Federal capital for the mandatory one year service to the nation.

    “I am happy to receive 100 mattresses donated by the NCC, under the leadership of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, to alleviate the pains inflicted by the miscreants who vandalized the camp. The generosity of the NCC is coming at a time it is most needed, especially with the orientation camp in session.”

    “On behalf of the Director-General, Management, Staff and Corps members, I wholeheartedly express our profound gratitude to the NCC for the magnanimous gesture and for investing in the Nigerian youths,” Suleman said.

    At the presentation ceremony, the Commission created a lot of fun and excitement for the corps members through the ‘fast-finger’ game where airtime of different network operators were picked up freely by the corps members. Smart phones were also given out to lucky winners of the raffle draw organized by the Commission.

  • Donald Trump pulls own blog from internet

    Donald Trump pulls own blog from internet

    Donald Trump has canceled his own blog, an advisor announced Wednesday, highlighting the ex-president and election conspiracy theorist’s struggle to escape the social media wilderness.

    The blog “will not be returning,” Trump aide Jason Miller told CNBC.

    Named “From the Desk of Donald J. Trump,” the blog was launched only a month ago in response to decisions by Twitter and Facebook to ban the Republican for inciting rebellion against President Joe Biden’s election win.

    The blog on the donaldjtrump.com website was touted as a major new outlet following Trump’s defeat in November and punishment by the top social media players for stirring up a mob that ransacked Congress on January 6.

    Fox News heralded the blog — in fact a basic set up where Trump could post statements — as a “communications platform.”

    The Trump website itself described the blog’s appearance in even grander terms, calling it “a beacon of freedom” in a “time of silence and lies.”

    Trump, also banned from Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat in the wake of the Capitol mayhem, continues to promote the conspiracy theory that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

    In angry emailed statements and in interviews with niche right-wing outlets like OAN, as well as the more mainstream Fox News, he continues to claim without evidence that he was victim of a conspiracy.

    Now in place of his blog page, a form appears allowing sign-ups for alerts from the ex-president.

    Miller told CNBC that the blog had been “just auxiliary” to broader efforts at rebuilding Trump’s social media presence, though he said he did “not have a precise awareness of timing” on those plans.

    Later, Miller responded to a suggestion that the blog’s demise was in preparation for Trump joining some other social medial platform, tweeting: “Yes, actually, it is. Stay tuned!”

  • Internet, Lies, Character Assassination

    Internet, Lies, Character Assassination

    By Fola Olugbemi

    Since the invention of the Internet, the creators have battled to see it used for more good than evil. It seems that they, and ultimately, humanity, have lost the battle and wickedness has completely taken over the space. Today, a disproportionate portion of what is found on the Internet is untrue, unclean, unhelpful, unwanted, unwarranted and corrupting. You can hardly tell what is fact and what is fiction. Evil rules the space and we are almost helpless to correct this.

    Lately, the scourge of fake news has surfaced again, this time, around the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire. This admirable lady, who has served in several capacities, including as the first female Lawmaker in Lagos State far back in 1992 (Third Republic) and many other offices to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State without blemish, is being made to clear her name for no just reason. In one of the most irresponsible journalism rags ever to be found on the Internet, she was said to have been queried by the Secretary to the Federal Government and recommended for dismissal. This is not only untrue, it is also devious and appaling.

    On 21st May, her office vehemently denied being queried on any aspects of their operations. In a strongly worded statement, they refuted the claim by some online media that it had been queried by the Presidency as false and a calculated attempt to create confusion.

    The statement said, “We wish to state categorically that the allegation as contained in a poorly written story, smacks of attempt at blackmail which ordinarily is not worth responding to as it is bereft of any form of fact whatsoever.

    “But for the sake of the general public, we wish to state empatically that the leadership of the OSSAP SDGs or indeed, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs was not at any time querried or invited by any constituted authority as insinuated in the publication.

    This event further adds fuel to the calls for the regulation of the digital space. Nobody should be allowed to make false claims without facing grave consequences. It is especially wrong that a lady like Princess Orelope-Adefulire, who has done more for Nigeria via the SDGs, should be forced to bare such ignominy. And this begs the questions… “Why the lies? Who wants her gone?”

    And this is not the first time either. On June 15, 2020, the Punch newspapers published a news item titled, “No missing N23bn in my office, says Orelope-Adefulire.” In it was a statement where her office was denying yet another story alleging misappropriation of funds. It is a shame that these transducers are neither interested in facts or probitity. They keep throwing mud at her, in the hope that some will stick. Haven’t they learnt yet?!

    It was the brilliant decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to create her office because of the importance of the SDGs to development of the country. It was also his choice to entrust Princess Orelope-Adefulire with the onerous task of implementing and monitoring the projects. That faith in her have been repaid as she ensure that all the SDG projects earmarked since she was appointed have been completed, commissioned and handed over to the host communities.

    The only time this record was ever matched was when Amina J. Mohahmmed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Nigerian President, Millenium Development Goals between 2002 and 2005. She did so well at the role, which prepared her for the role she currently occupies. Since then, the office has been used to fleece Nigeria of funds by the past administrations. It is that culture of malfeasance that these crooks wish to extend to Princess Orelope-Adefulire. They have failed.

    My advice to these Internet trolls is simply… back off Princess Orelope-Adefulire! You have failed in the past and you will fail again. President Buhari knows those working assiduously for the country’s success. The SSA on SDGs is on that revered list. Your propaganda has been punctured.

  • BREAKING: Microsoft makes big announcement for Nigeria

    BREAKING: Microsoft makes big announcement for Nigeria

    American multinational technology company, Microsoft on Monday made a big announcement for Nigeria, saying it has earmarked the six regions of the country for the development of cheaper high-speed internet infrastructure.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Brad Smith, Microsoft President, who made this known in a statement, revealed that the efforts were in support of the government of Nigeria.

    Smith stated that Microsoft would be deploying it’s Airband team to work closely with local partners for the project.

    “Following discussions with the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and local partners, six regions in the country have been earmarked for the development of high-speed internet infrastructure.

    “Microsoft’s Airband team will work closely with local partners to improve broadband connectivity in these communities while also assisting with the design and implementation of hyper-scale cloud services,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, in a joint announcement with the government of Nigeria, Microsoft has detailed several projects aimed at intensifying the nation’s move to become a more digital economy.

    After extensive consultations with the government, Microsoft identified three key pillars that will help to build strong foundations for a digital economy in Nigeria: connectivity, skilling and digital transformation.

    “We believe in the future of Nigeria, and we are excited as a company to add to our investments.

    “Together, we have an enormous opportunity to put technology to work, create jobs, to foster the technology ecosystem across Nigeria, and to use technology to preserve the best of the past and take us into the future,” the Microsoft boss said.

    TNG reports Microsoft’s Airband Initiative has succeeded in bringing high-speed internet connectivity to underserved communities around the world, tapping into the unused broadcasting frequencies of television white spaces.

    The technology is cheaper and faster to deploy than fibre and has the added benefit of being able to travel long distances and through forested terrain.

    Also, Microsoft owned up that technological infrastructure alone is not enough to ensure sustainable digital transformation, so it is committing to upskilling five million people in Nigeria over the next three years.

    “To help reach this goal, 1,700 trainers will provide blended online and in-person training courses to the country’s youth as well as government workers.

    “Government will also be given the tools to digitally transform skilling, education, and employment methods to match job seekers with the right employers. In doing so, we hope to create over 27,000 new digital jobs in the next three years.

    “We are setting ourselves a big goal, to bring access to digital skills to five million people in Nigeria over the next three years.

    “But this is not something we can do by ourselves. We will equip master trainers and, along with them, are committed to creating thousands of new jobs.

    “The final pillar, digital transformation, will initially be made up of two initiatives. The first will address corruption, a major global challenge with economic losses totalling $3.6 trillion each year.

    “By collaborating with local partners, Microsoft will support the design and implementation of cloud-based tools to further enable government’s fight against corruption.

    “Microsoft will be partnering with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to apply technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to help identify potential risk, highlight them, and reduce corruption.

    “The second initiative will help protect Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, as Microsoft will look to deploy artificial intelligence tools to safeguard these treasures for future generations.

    “Through a newly formed partnership with the National Institute of Cultural Orientation, Microsoft will support the organisation’s efforts to preserve and revive Nigeria’s three major indigenous languages: Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.

    “This is one of my favourite projects that we pursue around the world. It uses the most advanced technology of the 21st century to nurture and keep alive the culture that has been so important for humanity from the centuries past.

    “A joint working committee will guide these investments, and will provide updates on the programmes announced, and new programmes that may follow,” a statement by Microsoft reads.