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37% of users in Nigeria lost money from an incident involving digital payments.

The majority of users (97%) lost up to USD $1,000 equivalent as a result of these incidents, while 3% of the respondents reported a loss of more than USD $1,000 equivalent

According to the Kaspersky,Digital Payment survey, 37% of respondents from Nigeria experienced financial losses associated with threats when using online banking and mobile wallet services. The majority of users (97%) lost up to USD $1,000 equivalent as a result of these incidents, while 3% of the respondents reported a loss of more than USD $1,000 equivalent.

According to the Kaspersky Security Network, 161,272 financial threats were blocked in Nigeria by Kaspersky in 2022. These attacks were aimed at stealing financial information such as credit card numbers and login credentials and usually rely on social engineering tactics to lure victims.

However, the impact of a cyber threat targeting digital payments does not just impose a financial burden on consumers, but also affects them psychologically. For example, 60% of respondents from Nigeria said that they were very anxious about getting their money back. 43% of users reported that they have less trust in digital payment providers. 80% also stated that they became more vigilant after experiencing a cyber incident, and 65% installed security solutions like an antivirus on their infected devices.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, 64% of users in Nigeria faced at least one incident when using digital payments. That’s why it’s increasingly important to know how to interact securely with any emerging technologies, including online banking and mobile wallet services. And all stakeholders, like government, digital payment providers, users and even cybersecurity companies need to come together to create a sustainable and secure payment ecosystem,” said Emad Haffar, Head of technical experts at Kaspersky.

To help users embrace digital payment technologies securely, Kaspersky experts suggest the following:

  • Do not share your PIN, password or any other financial information with anyone online or offline.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi to make any online transactions.
  • Use a separate credit or debit card to make online transactions. Set a spending limit on the card which can help keep a track of financial transactions.
  • Shop from trusted and official websites.
  • Use a reliable security solution such as Kaspersky Premium  on all your devices which are used for financial transactions. It helps to detect fraudulent or suspicious activity and check the security of visited websites.

For developers, banks and companies involved in providing digital payment services, Kaspersky recommends:

  • Invest in holistic cybersecurity solutions that can help detect fraud across multiple levels of online payment processes and consumer touchpoints.
  • Complex attacks by APT groups on financial institutions are also on a rise. In-depth visibility and threat intelligence are a necessity to keep customers protected and to ensure business continuity. Using the Kaspersky Threat Intelligence  service is helpful to support your IT teams in analysing and mitigating threats.
  • Conduct cyber awareness training for employees continuously. This will help employees know the red flags to look for when an organisation is under attack and to understand their role in protecting the organisation.
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 Entertainment

Pastor Adeboye, wife host cast and crew of ‘ENOCH’.

The cast and crew of ‘Enoch’, a biopic on the General overseer of the The Redeemed Christian Church Of God; Pastor E.A Adeboye, shot by Solid Rock Foundation, in collaboration with Mount Zion Films and directed by John Oguntuase, paid a courtesy visit to the clergy man and his wife, Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye.

The visit which was led by the Executive Producer of the movie, Kemi Sodeinde, took place at  at the Redemption Camp on April 7th, 2023. The couple shared their excitement about the success of the movie and prayed for them.

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“The vision of Enoch started like a dream but today it has become a blessing to the entire world. I want to really render my sincere gratitude to God Almighty for committing such a huge vision into my hand and the grace given to a little ‘girl’ like me with no experience in the film industry. Indeed God does not call the qualified but qualifies those He calls.” Executive Producer, Pastor Kemi Sodeinde
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She added, “In the film industry. Indeed God does not call the qualified but qualifies those He calls. My unreserved appreciation also goes to my Father and mother in the Lord Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye for the privilege to make ENOCH_the movie and for the invitation to meet with the cast and crew of Enoch. It was indeed an honor to spend time with Daddy & Mummy G.O. and get such encouraging feedback from Daddy about the movie. He expressed his pleasure with the production and was especially fascinated with the role of ‘Folu’ played by Tomiwa Samson. Mummy G.O. was equally appreciative of the efforts put into the movie and the positive feedback from viewers. We do not take this honor for granted. This meeting will forever be an indelible memory that we will forever cherish, thank you sir and ma.”
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Not watched ENOCH? The Movie is still showing on Youtube. Kindly watch on Solid Rock Foundation TV (YouTube)
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 Health, Lifestyle

Teenager who was told her tumour was inoperable has life transformed by surgical charity in Africa.

A teenage girl who had to quit school and her job due to a painful, ‘inoperable’ tumour on the side of her face has had life-changing surgery from a charity.

Khoudia, 18, from the Kaolack region of central Senegal, was 10 when she first noticed a small lump on her cheek that kept on growing.

Her mother, Atta, was quick to take her to several hospitals in the hope of treatment but was told the tumour was inoperable. As the years passed by, Khoudia’s childhood was overshadowed by feeling rejected by her peers.

Atta said: “The only thing that my daughter told me all the time was, ‘I want to keep studying. But when she used to go to school, her friends used to make fun of her, and she would come back crying.”

By the time Khoudia was 16, the tumour had become immensely painful. She felt like her face was being pricked by needles.

Khoudia said: “I used to get pain till I could not see.”

She eventually had to drop out of school and could no longer work seasonally as a maid.

During yet another unsuccessful hospital visit, Atta heard the news that international aid charity Mercy Ships had one of its hospital ships in the port of Dakar, delivering free surgery to those who have little access to safe medical care. She began exploring Mercy Ships as an option but discovered it had finished its current service.

Amazingly, the ship then returned to Senegal, and Atta was overjoyed when Khoudia was cleared for surgery at age 18.

Khoudia said: “I never thought that this tumor would be removed from my cheek. So when they told me they were going to do it, I said, ‘OK,’ but I never imagined that they would remove it all.”

American nurse, Mary Toupin who was volunteering and looked after Khoudia, said: “They were just so happy to finally be here. They had been on a journey together, and they had finally come to this day they had been waiting for.”

The volunteer surgeons of Mercy Ships performed a left parotidectomy to remove the tumour. It was a life-changing maxillofacial operation that had been eight years in the making.

“After the surgery, when they took off the bandages, they gave me a mirror,” Khoudia remembered.

“I looked at myself and said, ‘Wow!’ I was so happy from then on.”

Her mother watched the moment and was just as joyful.

Atta said: “When they came and took off the bandages and I saw that, I was so happy because I never imagined that could be removed. I never thought I would see her cheek without the tumour in my life.”

French nurse Caroline Grob was struck by Khoudia’s bravery.

Caroline said: “It just blew my mind. She had a huge mass in her face and was just smiling. Never complained.”

She added: “When she saw her face after the surgery, she was even more joyful.”

Mary said that it was “such a privilege” to be there for the bandage removal. “That’s something really special,” said Mary. She called it “a moment that they will remember forever.”

A month after her surgery, Khoudia was pain-free and her face had healed, so she was discharged from the hospital.

She and Atta applauded the good news. Atta remarked: “I am just so happy. Now, I will return home with my beautiful daughter.”

As she prepared to return to her village Khoudia said she was most excited to see her father, as she is very close to him.

Khoudia said: “There will be a big party when I come home; I know it.”

Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal.

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 Sports

Argentina to host FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023

Argentina, the most successful nation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup with six trophies will host the 2023 edition. 

This development is coming after Indonesia lost the hosting rights after the Bali governor refused to host Israel’s team. The draws will be held on Apr 21 in Zurich with the tournament scheduled from May 20 – June 11. 

“FIFA is delighted to announce that this year’s edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place in Argentina, as the home of the world champions opens its doors to the tomorrow’s superstars of world football, I would like to thank the AFA and particularly its President Claudio Tapia, as well as the governmental authorities, for their commitment to hosting this magnificent event at such short notice. The U-20 World Cup plays a key role in FIFA’s efforts to promote youth football across the world. Since 1977, this tournament has featured some of the greatest players of the past decades, including Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and many others. Having this year’s edition taking place in a country that lives and breathes football will be a tremendous inspiration for the stars of tomorrow.” A statement from FIFA President, President Gianni Infantino is quoted

Argentina have won the tournament a record 6 times – 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2007.

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 Arts

Why I support Peter Obi – Chimamanda Adichie

Literary icon, Chimamanda Adichie has revealed the reasons behind her support and admiration of Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi in the last elections in Nigeria.  According to her, her support of the candidate didn’t come from a place of tribal sentiments, but from his  his antecedents and her faith in his ability.

Speaking today on Arise TV, the Nigerian-born international writer said,  “Why I very much admire Peter Obi, respect him, there are many others out there whom I admire and respect, and I will never vote for them for president because I don’t just think they will make the president.

“And so my support for Peter Obi is deeply rooted in real things; it is rooted in my faith in his ability. Actually, I got to know him years ago when he came to pay homage to my parents because he had heard my father was the first professor of statistics in Nigeria and that my mother had retired as the first female registrar of the University of Nigeria. And so this man just sort of arrived and said he just wanted to pay homage, and I was very impressed by that because he showed me how much he values education.

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“And then, he became governor of Anambra State, and he took Anambra State to number one in education. I remember being very impressed by the story of how he had given his personal phone numbers to all of the senior prefects in secondary schools in Anambra, which I think also showed me he is interested in what ordinary people think.

“He does not just want to hear from the administrators; he wants to hear from them; he wants to hear from the students about what is really happening.

“And his focus on security, he really tackled kidnapping in Anambra, and I also remembered that he used to clash with the Anambra elites when he was tackling insecurity and kidnapping and that showed me he is quite decisive; he is just very focused on things. And that is really why I support him.”

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 Lifestyle

I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO); No, I am the CEO

Business email compromise and CEO impersonation is on the rise, and it puts the entire organization at risk…

One of the most successful cyber-attacks of 2022 is CEO fraud, also known as Business Email Compromise (BEC). According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center 2021 report,  this type of attack is one of the most profitable, and one that has seen a significant increase. It is also incredibly smart – cybercriminals impersonate the CEO or a high-level executive using email, deep fakes or audio files to trick staff into providing access to critical business information, systems or even authorizing fraudulent payment transactions. It is, says Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, pervasive and smart, and it asks that companies pay very close attention to security protocols that are designed to mitigate this threat.

“This type of fraud is one of the most prolific at the moment, probably because it has been so successful,” she explains. “Essentially, the cybercriminals either spoof or compromise the CEO/ executive’s email and then use this to send instructions to key employees. Sometimes they even combine these messages with voice notes using deepfake audio to mimic the executive’s voice, and instruct employees to transfer money or provide password information or give them access to certain systems. The fake CEO is so convincing that employees do exactly as they are told.”

BEC is usually financially motivated. The hackers use the world’s reliance on hybrid and remote working, and virtual meetings, to make millions. According to the FBI, the price tag attached to BEC scams exceeded $43 billion in 2022  and that these types of attacks now make up 35% of all cybercrime losses. Their success rate is high because the attack vector works purely on social engineering a human and without the use of any malicious software. Attackers play the long game when it comes to penetrating the systems and gaining access to the CEO’s emails.

“It usually starts out with a phishing campaign,” says Collard. “Users in the company are targeted with phishing emails that ask them to enter information into very realistic-looking websites. These emails are designed to lure employees in so that they accidentally hand over their account details to the cybercriminals. Once the latter have those, they enter into the company system, and attempt to compromise the CEO or other people at the executive level, such as the Chief Finance Officer (CFO). Once there, they can build compelling BEC scams sending emails directly from the compromised accounts.”

Once the hackers have access to the CEO’s email system, the chances of them succeeding at siphoning millions from the organisation go up exponentially. And the sums of money that they are stealing are eyewatering, especially considering their target markets. The FBI report found that banks were the most common targets, especially those located in Thailand, Hong Kong, Mexico and Singapore. According to a recent Trend Micro report, respondents believe that the top cyberthreat of 2022 was BEC and that they saw an increase of successful cyber-attacks from 84% to 90%.

“The problem is, this type of attack is so easy to perpetrate once you have all the right information,” says Collard. “Who can argue with the CEO if they are messaging you and asking you to make an urgent payment because they are busy boarding a plane? Or with an email that asks you to pay a supplier urgently? People get nervous and try and do the right thing – they want to impress the boss. That is why this attack is so effective. Who would say no to the CEO?”

Overcoming the threat requires both financial controls such as segregation of duty so that no single person is responsible for every stage in the payment process as well as awareness training. This involves constant reminders and awareness training across every level of the company that underscores the insidious nature of social engineering and the risks of BEC.

“Training and awareness are absolutely the best line of defence against the BEC attack,” concludes Collard. “This can potentially stop the initial phishing attempt that exposes the CEO’s information in its tracks, and, if that fails, it can even prevent the payment from taking place because the employee is asking the right questions instead of racing to do what they are being told. If people are aware of how these scams are perpetrated, they can make informed decisions that can save the company millions.”

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 Seria A, Sports

Victor Osimhen to join Bayern Munich this summer

Super Eagles player, Victor Osimhen is set for a sensational switch to German side, Bayern Munich this summer. The 24-year-old who joined Napoli from Lille for a club-record fee of €75m in 2020, still has two years left on his contract and is currently valued at €100m.

The serie A top marksman who has netted 21 goals in 23 games is expected to replace Lewandowski  at the club. 

Victor Osimhen, who suffered an injury while on international duty with Nigeria will miss Napoli’s #UCL quarter-final first-leg against AC Milan tomorrow evening due to an abductor injury.

“Victor is not in the conditions to play, unfortunately — so we hope to have him back for return fixture at the Maradona on April 18”,  Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli President disclosed.

He has four goals in five UCL games this season

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 La Liga, Sports

Henry Thierry reacts to PSG fans’ treatment of Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi’s name was booed at the Parc des Princes when his name was announced in the starting lineup as rumours continue of the Argentine’s summer return to Barcelona. French football legend, Henry Thierry, who played alongside the World Cup winner wasn’t having any of the situation.   

“It’s embarrassing to hear whistles from the Parc. You can’t whistle one of the best players on the team, who has 13 goals and 13 assists this season.” He  said. He has however urged the Barcelona star to end his career at Camp Nou.

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“Personally, I would like to see him finish his career at Barcelona, in Europe. After that, I don’t know what he will do. Because the way he left Barcelona after everything he did… I didn’t really like it. For the love of football, he should go back to Barcelona.” He told Amazon Prime.

 

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 English Premier League, Sports

English Premier League sets unwanted record.

Getting a managerial role in the Premier League is easy but staying in the dugout is a more serious task.

An unwanted record has been set for the most sackings in a Premier League season. A total of 12 coaches have now lost their jobs in an English Premier league season with Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Chelsea’s Graham Potter becoming the latest casualties. Below is a list of managers who have been relieved of their jobs this campaign period.

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Scott Parker – Bournemouth  (August 30)

Thomas Tuchel – Chelsea (September 7)

Bruno Lage – Wolverhampton Wanderers (October 2)

Steven Gerrard – Aston Villa (October 20)

Ralph Hasenhuttl – Southampton (November 6)

Frank Lampard – Everton (January 23)

Jesse Marsch – Leeds (February 6)

Nathan Jones – Southampton (February 12)

Patrick Vieira – Crystal Palace (March 17)

Antonio Conte – Tottenham (March 26)

Brendan Rodgers – Leicester – (April 2)

Graham Potter – Chelsea – (April 2)

 

0 242
 Health

“World Autism Acceptance Week 2023” By: Tony Ogunlowo

The theme for the World Autism Week 2023 is colour: the powers that be want to promote autism awareness with a splash of colours. As usual the autism activists will be out there in force on sponsored walks, raising money, doing talks trying to educate the general public on autism.

I believe those on the autistic spectrum really don’t care about an awareness week devoted to trying to understand what they are: most would prefer to be given a fair chance to live in a world that rejects them and treats them like circus freaks. Perhaps more time should be spent on educating the ordinary man on the street about what autism really is like and how those affected by it try to live their lives.

Autistic people are no different to anybody else except their brains are wired differently: same human being but different way of thinking and living. The common belief that all autistic people are non-verbal retards is not exactly true, some will be but not all, in the same way not all ‘normal’ people are clever and can boast of high IQs. The mere fact you’ve met one autistic person doesn’t mean you’ve met them all. Don’t stereotype! People like Elon Musk, bullied as a kid in South Africa because he was autistic and weird (- he still is weird!) is on-and-off the Worlds Richest Man following in the footsteps of people like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett and Mark Zuckerberg, all rumoured to be on the spectrum, who are using their unique talents and abilities to re-shape the world we live in. Recently Jason Arday an autistic 37-year-old Black Briton became the youngest Black professor at Cambridge University: he didn’t utter a word until he was 11 and didn’t learn to read or write until he was 18. A few years down the road and he worked hard and quickly got a first degree, 2 Master degrees and finally his PhD in Educational Studies. Not bad for an autistic ‘retard’!

The mere fact somebody is slightly different to everybody else, perhaps a bit antisocial and weird is not an excuse to discriminate against or ostracize a person.

Discrimination is a big crime in the world today: we prosecute people for discriminating against others because of their race, sexual and religious orientations and cultural differences. But sadly, people who have autism and other mental health conditions seem to be exempt from this rule. For some strange reason its ‘O.K’ to bully, harass, ridicule, alienate and ostracize people who have mental health conditions.

Nobody has any control over what they are born as, it’s a Lottery of Life: if you were born ‘O.K’ you’re lucky, if not you’re stuck with what ever you are born as for the rest of your natural life. Think about that next time when you’re ridiculing somebody who’s on the autistic spectrum or who has mental health issues.

So Autistic Awareness week, in my opinion, should  be dedicated to not just learning more about the condition – or making a song and dance about it – but to show how people live with a condition that imposes certain limitations on how they live their lives: limitations the average person would find impossible to live with. Simple things like going to a shopping mall, attending social functions can cause a sensory overload or even going outside of their own front doors can be difficult for most people on the spectrum and that’s not to talk of being hyper-sensitive to common things such as noise, bright lights, smells or even certain foods and at the same time being prone to meltdowns, struggling with depression, loneliness (-often leading to suicidal intentions), while at the same time being de-humanised by everybody around them.

Follow Tony on Twitter: @Archangel641 or visit http://www.archangel641.blogspot.co.uk

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