AI as we know performs tasks that are commonly associated with intelligence which by extension means that it has significant role to play in cybersecurity. Its capabilities can be leveraged to enhance the security of networks, systems, and applications as in and also not limited to social engineering and any suspicious cyber attack. In this article we will be looking at ways AI can be used in Cybersecurity and the level of its adoption in Africa. Let’s get right to it. AI can aid Cybersecurity in the following ways; Threat Detection: AI can detect anomalies and patterns that can indicate a security threat, such as a cyberattack or unauthorized access. This is possible because it maintains data on user behavior and then uses pattern recognition to identify high-risk activities on the network and create effective signals in threat detection.  By analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time, AI can quickly identify security breaches and alert security teams as soon as it notices irregularities. Malware Analysis: Malware is today one of the major threats faced by the digital world. Most modern malware types are complex, and many possess the ability to change code as well as the behavior in order to avoid detection. Instead of relying on traditional defense mechanisms, typically comprising the use of signature-based techniques, there is a need to have a broader spectrum of techniques to deal with the diverse nature of malware. AI can be used to analyze and identify malware, including unknown and zero-day threats, which are difficult for traditional antivirus software to detect. By using machine learning algorithms, AI can learn to identify new types of malware and take appropriate action to mitigate the threat. Vulnerability Management: AI can help identify vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and applications, allowing for proactive measures to be taken to prevent attacks. This is because AI-powered solutions include threat and vulnerability management f

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in remote work in many parts of the world, including Africa. A survey conducted by the African Development Bank in 2020 found that about 44 percent of firms in Africa had adopted remote work in response to the pandemic. Another survey conducted by the International Trade Centre found that more than half of the firms surveyed in Africa had shifted to some form of remote work and online sales. With the popularity of working remotely increasing rapidly, being cybersafe is crucial for remote workers because they are often working outside the traditional security perimeter of the corporate network. They make use of personal devices and public networks to access corporate resources, which creates additional security risks. Now, here are some reasons why cybersecurity is important for remote workers: Protection of sensitive data: Remote workers may handle sensitive data, such as customer information, financial data, and intellectual property. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it can cause significant harm to the company and its customers. Proper cybersecurity measures can help protect this data from unauthorized access. Compliance with regulations: Many industries have specific regulations and standards related to data security and privacy. Remote workers must comply with these regulations when accessing corporate resources outside the traditional security perimeter. Reputation management: A cyber attack or data breach can damage a company's reputation and erode customer trust. Cybersecurity measures can help prevent these incidents and protect the company's reputation. Business continuity: Cyber attacks can disrupt business operations, resulting in lost productivity and revenue. Proper cybersecurity measures can help ensure business continuity by preventing downtime and data loss. In conclusion, cybersecurity is essential for remote workers to protect sensitive data, prevent cyber attacks, comply with regulati

Data breaches are a real risk for enterprises and one must continually strive to stay cybersafe. However, while more of the focus has been on how to stay Cybersafe, how to detect and take precautions and being on the defense, there is so much more to learn from following the data breaches and find out what’s its used for because by following the data, we can get a picture of what attackers are looking for, how they use the data, how much it costs, and where it eventually ends up. In this article we will be looking at where these stolen data are sold, who buys them and how much these stolen data costs. Let’s get right into it; The figures Mega data breaches cost between $50 and $387 million on average, that figure jumped to $387 million on average in 2022. The price of stolen data can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of data being sold, the quantity and quality of the data, and the level of demand for it. For example, basic personal information such as a name, address, and date of birth, may sell for just a few dollars per record. However, more sensitive data such as credit card numbers, bank account details, or social security numbers, can sell for much higher prices, ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars per record. The price can also depend on the location and availability of the data. Data from high-income countries or from specific industries such as healthcare or finance can command higher prices. Little wonder cybersecurity strongholds are surrounded by cybercriminals waiting to pounce at the sight of even the slightest crack in defenses to ravage valuable assets. The place Ever heard of #DARK WEB? The Dark web, also known as the darknet, is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines and requires special software or authorization to access. It has a reputation for being a hub of illegal activities, including the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data. The origins of the dark web can be traced back to

Here are some essential pieces of information that everyone should know about cybersecurity: Strong Passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for all of your online accounts and change them regularly. 2. Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on all of your online accounts to add an extra layer of security. 3. Keep Software Up-to-Date: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and other software to patch security vulnerabilities. 4. Avoid Phishing Scams: Be cautious of suspicious emails, phone calls, or messages that ask for personal information or payment. 5. Back Up Data: Regularly back up important files and data to protect against loss or theft. 6.Use Antivirus and Firewall Software: Install and use antivirus and firewall software to help protect your computer from malware. 7. Be Careful What You Download: Only download software and files from trusted sources and never click on suspicious links or attachments. 8. Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks, as these networks are often unsecured. 9. Secure Your Mobile Devices: Keep your mobile devices secure with strong passwords, and avoid downloading suspicious apps or connecting to untrusted networks. 10. Be Educated: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends, and learn how to stay safe online. By following these tips and being mindful of your online activities, you can help protect yourself and your sensitive information from cybercrime.

Cyber Spy and enemy: Malware;Definition and types As the use of technology and opportunities increase,malicious practices and cyber attacks are not just increasing but becoming sophisticated . Hence, it is expedient and of great importance to continually create sensitization and awareness to boost cyber security amongst individuals, businesses, organizations and even the government. Malware, short for malicious software, is a term used to describe any software that is designed to cause harm to a computer system, its users or data stored in it. This article would go a long way to provide a comprehensive overview of malware, including its definition and types. Brace up for an insightful read because by gaining a better understanding of malware, one can be able to take advantage of the knowledge to take necessary steps to safeguard digital assets and stay protected in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is intentionally harmful to a computer, network or server. It is installed on a computer without the user's consent and this software in turn performs malicious actions. Depending on the type of malware and its goal, its harm may present itself differently to the user or endpoint. In some cases, the effect malware has is relatively mild and in others, it can be disastrous. Types of Malware: Here are some common types of malware along with real-life examples: Virus: A type of malware that replicates itself and infects other programs on a computer. A computer virus, much like a flu , is designed to spread from host to host and has the ability to replicate itself. A virus operates by inserting or attaching itself to a legitimate program or document that supports macros in order to execute its code. In the process, a virus has the potential to cause unexpected or damaging effects, such as harming the system software by corrupting or destroying data. An example of a well-known virus is the "ILOVEYOU" virus

“So there was a phishing attack on my device two weeks ago. The normal notification of you updating your OS popped up, since I was busy with my device, I just clicked on install and I lost control of my device… my wallets can’t be accessed.” -anonymous Clicking on phishing links is one sure way to lose your crypto funds or even any valuable information you are holding on to, won’t you agree with me? Let’s dwell a little bit more on phishing attacks… It's thought that the first phishing attacks happened as far back as in the mid-1990s, when a group of hackers posed as employees of AOL and used instant messaging and email to steal users' passwords and hijack their accounts. In the early 2000s, attackers turned their attention to financial systems, first launching attacks on the digital currency site E-Gold in 2001. By 2003, phishers started registering domain names that were slight variations on legitimate commerce sites, such eBay and PayPal, and sending mass mailings asking customers to visit the sites, enter their passwords and update their credit card information. It has always been the same tactics, but people keep falling for the same old tricks, this is because phishing filters are steadily becoming more sophisticated; they can now vet URLs and attachments in emails against known malware sources. Even though in 2021, 40% of phishing attacks were breached, as seen in the 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report. Still, the history of phishing has proven and remains a fruitful method for attackers, and there is no foolproof solution to it. User education remains the defense! The question then becomes, how can one spot a phishing attack? Look out for these red flags signs when a link or attachment is sent to you; 1.Threats or a Sense of Urgency This is basically the predominant effect of every phishing attack. This tactic comes with a sense of urgency to encourage, or even demand, immediate action in a bid to fluster the receiver. The scammer hopes that by read

Blockchain networks can be much more secure than traditional networks and can provide several security benefits, it can even be regarded as the future of cyber security. However, recent blockchain attacks haven't focused so much on the technology, but on basic human vulnerabilities.This act has been carried out through social engineering “hacking humans”, this is simply the manipulation of humans into taking actions that leave them vulnerable to attack. Such attacks include; Clicking on Phishing link: Phishing attacks are a common if not the most rampant information-stealing technique used by hackers. Attackers utilize cloned websites that look strikingly similar to legitimate cryptocurrency platforms to defraud targets. Misleading domain names are also deliberately chosen for the schemes. For example: Binance.co instead of Binance.com because the websites are in many cases indistinguishable, targets are easily hoodwinked into logging onto the cloned websites and using their crypto account credentials to log in. Upon inputting this information, the data is transferred to the hackers. Once they get this information, they then use it to access the victim’s real account on the legitimate crypto website. In this category we find out that one of the major ways to get people to click on such Phishing links is through; Scam airdrops: Airdropping tokens appear to be a marketing stunt to create awareness about a new currency entering the market. However, recent developments indicate that scammers are airdropping fake tokens to digital wallet holders and stealing personal information and funds instead. Malware: Some time last year, it was discovered that a Software which seems to be a harmless and popular content viewer,  was modified by hackers to be a whole "suitcase" of unpleasant surprises. The package contained a hidden miner and a program for monitoring the clipboard, that replaces the addresses when the user copies and pastes the password, and it was disco

“Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of the ability to respond to it”-Anonymous. When faced with a hacking threat, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to react.  However, by staying calm and taking a few simple steps, you can protect yourself and prevent further attacks. You are in charge  of your own security and taking action is the best way to keep yourself safe. If you suspect that you have been hacked, these are some vital steps you should take immediately to protect yourself and your personal information: Change your passwords and Use stronger ones: The hacker may have gotten access to your account by guessing your password. The best response to this should be to change the passwords for all of your accounts, especially those that contain sensitive information. This is because a hackers default action is to try other accounts related to you immediately they got access to one. You should take action by using a strong, unique password for each account. Run a scan: Run a scan of your computer or mobile device using updated antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious software that you must have installed unknowingly thereby causing vulnerability to hack attempts. Update your software: Make sure all of your software, including your operating system and browser, is up to date. Watch for suspicious activity: After you’ve done all of the above, it’s important that you keep monitoring your accounts for any suspicious activity so as to know if any other account has been compromised. Contact your contacts: If you notice that your email or social media accounts have been compromised, “contact your contacts” and let them know that they should not open any suspicious links or messages that appear to come from you. Let them know you suspect suspicious activity so they can keep an eye out for phishing messages or unusual communications so as not fall victim as well. This step is highly relevant. Contact t

The thought of a hacker gaining access to your personal information and causing harm can be unsettling but the truth remains that cyber attacks and hacking attempts are becoming prevalent. Stories have been told ranging from how a device has been compromised without the owner noticing to a different hack experience that changes the whole device, making it quite obvious that the device was hacked. You would be right to ask questions like; how do I find out if my device has been hacked? I am experiencing strange or suspicious activity on my device, could this be a hacking attempt? What are the common signs to show that my device has been hacked?. We can therefore decide to call them signs or red Flags whichever one you choose,this article promises not to be a long one so we can all be Cybersafe while we carry out our daily task. Here are some basic changes you should look out for; Unexpected changes or activity on your accounts such as deduction of unexpected charges on your credit card. Unfamiliar devices or locations appearing on your account activity page Being locked out of your accounts despite entering the correct password Unusual network activity, such as a spike in data usage or slow internet speeds Noticeable slow down in your device's performance Receiving error messages when trying to access certain websites Unexpected software or toolbars appearing on your device Receiving emails or texts from unknown sources asking for personal information. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action immediately to protect yourself and your personal information. These actions may include changing your passwords, running a malware scan, or contacting your bank or credit card company if you notice any suspicious charges. Remember, it is always better to be proactive and take preventative measures such as using complex passwords, two-factor authentication, and keeping software updated to minimize the risk of being hacked. Now you know, h

In today’s digital age, cyber attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent and severe. Although hackers hack for different reasons; find more in this article https://www.wazoplus.com/community-space/post/an-insight-ino-the-minds-of-hackers-41360749 It is expedient that we are not ignorant of how we can make ourselves vulnerable to hackers from large-scale data breaches to individual cases of identity theft. Truth is the consequences of falling victim to a hack can be devastating. However, one of the most effective ways to prevent this, is to know and protect oneself from common mistakes that make people vulnerable to hacking. In this article we will be discussing some mistakes people make that leave them open to hacking, subsequently we would also explore the consequences of these mistakes, and offer tips and best practices for protecting your personal information from hackers (black-hat hackers). Always remember “hackers are like artist, they try to make something where there was once nothing.” - Anonymous. Stay tuned! Common mistakes that make people vulnerable to hacking include; 1)  Using the same password across all accounts: Using the same password for everything makes you hackable because if a hacker is able to obtain your password through a data breach or phishing scam. This is because if you use the same password for multiple accounts and one of them is compromised, the hacker can use that password to try to gain access to other accounts, increasing the likelihood of a successful hack. Additionally, it's also difficult to determine which account has been compromised. 2)Installation of apps from wrong or malicious sites: This can make you hackable because some of these apps can contain malware or other malicious code that can compromise your device and steal sensitive information. Some malicious apps on your device may be designed to gain access to other apps on your device, such as your banking apps and social media accounts, which can give hackers ac

Having raised some dust about hackers, you would be right to ask questions like ‘why do hackers hack? It is widely believed that the knowledge gained by these hackers and the self-esteem boost that originates from successful hacking could become an addiction and a way of life. Whatever the case maybe, This article will give us a few out of the numerous insight into the reasons why hackers hack. Just like every other thing in the world, motives are the underlying reasons or driving forces behind an individual’s actions or behaviour. They serve as the foundation for every decision making process. Not to bore you with the icing, let’s get right into the cake. 5 Most Common Reasons for Hacking  1. Basic bragging rights:  Bragging rights or a desire for fame, recognition, or a sense of superiority in some cases, motivate hackers to do what they do. Some of this individuals participate in hacking competitions or challenges in order to prove their skills and gain recognition, to prove their technical prowess. At the end of the day, they feel a sense of accomplishment or power from being able to compromise a previously secure system. 2. Curiosity:  Another common motivation for hackers! Many hackers start off as enthusiasts who are interested in learning how systems and networks work. They may involve in hacking activities as a way to explore and experiment with new technologies and gain insight into how systems can be manipulated or controlled. This type of hackers are known as white-hat hackers or ethical hackers.They use their curious minds to understand the limitations and vulnerability of certain systems and from there, propose solutions to prevent future breaches. 3. For State Security:  This is also known as ‘State-sponsored hacking’ and it refers to hacking conducted by or on behalf of the state government in other to gather intelligence, protect security, and carry out other official duties. It is aimed at identifying vulnerabilities &n

I have always had this admiration for hackers in movie, where they are seen looking all smart, probably dressed in black or just casual clothing.  Their ability to strategize and crack a code to hack into algorithms amazes me.  I'm quite sure you've noticed how remarkable fast they are with the keyboard. Interestingly, I've noticed that some of the females amongst them wear black nail polish. All these and more have led to the further discovery of more interesting facts about this set of individuals and an insight into their minds. Hence, the publishing of this article about hackers. 10 Interesting facts about Hackers;  1. According to the 2018 Hacker Report, there are currently 166K+ registered hackers in the world. Of course, they should be more but these are just the registered ones.  2. Hackers made your computer more secure; Underground hackers, often demonised in the mainstream media, became professional security researchers motivated by a sense of civic duty and contibute largely to the security of your device. 3.The first recorded instance of hacking occurred in the 1960s reported by MIT’s student newspaper. A group of students used a computer to gain unauthorized access to a telephone network and make long-distance calls for free. 4.The different types of hackers are basically classified under Hat colour. Example; White hat hacker- ethical hacker, black-hat hacker - Cyber-criminal etc.   5. White hat hackers earned over $19 million in bounties in 2018. What’s interesting here is that 81% of them learned their craft mostly through blogs and educational materials online. Only 6% completed a formal class. You might want to consider a career in Cyber Security. 6.Interestingly enough, the average age of hackers is 40+ years old, which represents 58% of the population but the youngest known hacker Kristoffer von Hassel was born in 2008 making him 15 years old in 2023.  7.The first recorded instance of hacki