The email that promised an iPhone by Remmy Nweke - WeekendDigits@ITREALMS

What begins as an email promising a free iPhone unfolds into a compelling exploration of phishing, identity theft and social engineering. In this edition of WeekendDigits@ITREALMS, REMMY NWEKE reveals, through the experience of a Lagos professional, how cybercriminals exploit human trust, not technology, to deceive unsuspecting internet users in today's digital world.

Friday mornings in Lagos often carry a quiet sense of relief.

After another exhausting week of battling traffic, deadlines and the relentless rhythm of city life, many professionals begin the day with familiar routines. For Gozie, let's call him that to protect his identity, the ritual rarely changed. He brushed his teeth, took his bath, grabbed a quick breakfast and, before stepping out for work, reached for his phone to check his email.

Most mornings were predictable.

There would be newsletters he never remembered subscribing to, office correspondence waiting for attention, promotional offers from online stores and the occasional message from family or friends.

iStore unveils iPhone finance deal with zero interest+ 1 year warranty

ITRealms:

iStore, an Apple Authorised Reseller based in Ikeja Mall in the capital of Lagos, has launched iDeals, the first official finance deal for iPhone, to give customers the option to finance their iPhone purchase over 12 months, reports ITRealms.

iDeals, ITRealms gathered, makes owning an iPhone more affordable than ever before by providing a cost effective solution of interest free monthly instalments, starting at just 9500 Naira a month.

Also, ITRealms reports that iDeals launch follows the recent news on the 2nd of May that iPhone was launched officially for the first time in Nigeria through Apple Authorised Resellers. Recalling that iStore is the first Apple Authorised Reseller to sell iPhone and to offer iDeals.

Rutger-Jan van Spaandonk, iStore Director says they were thrilled to launch iDeals and offer a finance option for iPhone and give Nigerians the opportunity to purchase at an affordable monthly rate.

“iDeals is genuinely interest free - if you divide the cash price of iPhone by 12, this is the monthly payment you will make, there is no additional interest,” he said.

iDeals, he further said, is available for both iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s through a StanbicIBTC salary account and starts at just 9500 Naira per month for the iPhone 5C 16GB model, 11 300 Naira per month for the iPhone 5s 16GB model, 13 000 Naira per month for the iPhone 5s 32GB model and 14 800 Naira per month for the iPhone 5s 64 GB model.

In addition, those iStore customers that would prefer to do a straight cash purchase, will have the option of cash pricing as well. Customers, he said, could apply for iDeals at iStore, any StanbicIBTC branch nationwide or online at www.ideals.com.ng. Once the application form has been submitted, processed and approved, customers will be contacted to collect their iPhone.

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Thuraya checks on social media with SatSleeve

Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) leading operator, Thuraya, has introduced its SatSleeve product; the world’s first and only satellite adaptor for the iPhone^, which provides access to users’ favourite applications, electronic mails (emails) and instant messaging.

Shereen Hanafi, Director of Communications, Thuraya, disclosed this to ITRealms, saying that the SatSleeve not only allows users to make phone calls and send Short Messaging Service (SMS) via Thuraya’s satellite network, it also enables them access to emails, as well as popular social media and instant messaging apps such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and WhatsApp among others.

Thuraya SatSleeve, according to Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of Thuraya, affords users to now post news updates, chat via messaging apps with their contacts as well as send and receive email from the most remote locations in satellite mode. The device can be used across Thuraya’s extensive satellite network with coverage in over 140 countries.

, said: “The new release of the SatSleeve, which now includes data, underscores our commitment towards delivering new and innovative mobile satellite products. Thuraya is powering ahead of the competition with our strong product innovation strategy focused on making satellite communications more accessible and user-friendly. Users today are increasingly relying on their smartphones to stay connected and we strongly believe in listening to them and to their requirements as we develop new mobile satellite products that align with their needs.”

Thuraya SatSleeve enables users to enjoy ubiquitous coverage even in the most remote environments that are not served or that are under-served by terrestrial networks. The device also serves as an important mobile communications device, in addition to being a security backup for users that are operating in remote locations and in areas where natural or man-made disasters can render terrestrial communications unavailable.

 

The SatSleeve customers, he highlighted include corporate users, enterprises from all industries, explorers, mountaineers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Just as SatSleeve could be used across the Thuraya network either with a Thuraya SIM card or with a standard GSM SIM card available from 356 worldwide GSM operators across more than 160 countries, from September 10.

"This makes the Thuraya SatSleeve highly flexible with the ability to be suited to the users’ individual needs," official says.

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*SPix: amer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of Thuraya