PIN Report exposes widespread technology-facilitated gender violence across six African nations - ITREALMS

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67% of Respondents Victimised: Paradigm Initiative Study Uncovers Severe Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Crisis Across Africa

A new, landmark study by the pan-African digital rights and inclusion organisation, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), has exposed a rapidly escalating crisis of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) across Africa, reports ITREALMS.

The research, released on International Human Rights Day, reveals that a staggering 67 per cent of respondents reported being victims of at least one or multiple forms of digital violence.

Joint security forces rescue six media crew - ITREALMS

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A joint security forces have successfully rescued the six members of the media crew who were abducted while travelling from Lagos to Uyo along Isseke-Orlu Road in Ihiala, Anambra State, reports ITREALMS.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this on Thursday, October 10, 2024 in Awka, the state capital.

FIFAfrica22: Biker to ride to Zambia across six countries - ITREALMS

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The distance between Kampala, Uganda and Lusaka, Zambia is approximately 3,300 kilometres by road. As part of a road trip to the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2022 (FIFAfrica22), Ugandan digital security expert Andrew Gole will travel between the two countries over 28 days on his motorbike, making multiple stops to impart tips and advice on digital security.

Gole’s trip will take him through Uganda, before crossing into Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, and finally to the FIFAfrica22 host country Zambia. The return trip will include stops in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Kenya. Along the way, Gole will interact with human rights organisations and communities along the way in addition to human rights organisations on the value of securing devices and communications as a means of protecting their digital rights.

Six ways to overcome social media anxiety disorder

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Ever felt jealousy or discontentment due to the seemingly higher standards or jet-set lifestyle of other people on social media? You are probably suffering from Social Media Anxiety Disorder (SMAD), a condition described by the Research and Development Unit of Yudala – Nigeria’s pioneer online and offline e-commerce outfit – as one afflicting a growing number of young adults. If you are on social media in any capacity, then you probably must have experienced SMAD, especially after being exposed to what other persons in your social network are up to.

According to Yudala, social media anxiety disorder is related to social anxiety, a mental illness which occurs when social media interferes with the mental and physical health of a person, causing one to feel inadequate, jealous, incompetent and unsatisfied. Admittedly, seeing a certain standard on social media can make anyone anxious. This feeling is referred to as social media anxiety.

Social media has grown in importance and today, plays a greater role in our daily lives. Indeed, the majority of people rely on their social media networks for a number of things including lifestyle habits, trends and social validation. Unfortunately, we are in a world where everybody tries to put their best image forward online and, as humans, we tend to compare ourselves to the sometimes make-believe representation of others.

While social media is a useful way of connecting with people and a remarkable way of bridging the gap between loneliness and companionship with just a click; it is important to exercise caution.  

All that glitters is not gold. This age-long saying holds true especially on social media where a lot of people are guilty of excess show of materialism and flaunting fake lifestyles or standards, leaving the lead to feelings of loneliness, social anxiety and depression.

Yudala shares tips on how to cope with social media anxiety:

1.Admit the problem: Social Media Anxiety Disorder can be difficult to treat, considering the emphasis on social media networking as a model of success, especially in business. The first step in treating social media anxiety is to identify the problem, admit it, understand it and try to solve it. Be honest about your social media usage and manage what you put on social media; avoid putting self-sabotaging comments of yourself in the hope of getting positive response to build your self-esteem.

2.Stop comparing yourself: Constant visits to social media platforms can make you feel like you haven’t accomplished a lot especially when you see the make-believe lifestyle of your social network. Humans are insatiable and comparing yourself is inevitable but always try to do you as opposed to studying others. The most important thing is to look back on your journey and compare with your current state; this will make you feel good about how far you’ve come because there will always be someone out there who is better than you.

3.Socialize more in real life: Nowadays, people are so addicted to social media that they focus more on holding their phones than talking and sharing their thoughts in person. But when your social media friends aren’t as responsive as normal, you may become anxious and start to feel lonely and that’s when social media anxiety sets in. It is important to strengthen your real-life relationships because your social media friends won’t be there to make lemonades for you when life hands you lemons.

4.Take a break: It is okay to take a social media break especially when you realize you are battling social media anxiety. Often, it is advisable to disengage from your social media platforms. Setting a specific social media time limit for yourself daily or weekly can be very helpful. By doing this, you can then gradually shut off from it completely until you feel comfortable. While this may not be easy initially because of the attachment you may have, you will find an alternative way to keep yourself occupied over time.

5.Embrace Some Alone-Time: Having a quiet and relaxing time by yourself doesn’t mean you’re a loner or a sad person. Being lonely is different from wanting to be alone which can actually be quite healthy. Going for a walk and being by yourself sometimes, with no distraction from your mobile phone or social media, actually gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus and think more clearly.

6.Focus on your Passion: We all know social media can be distracting. What starts as a check in on Facebook or Instagram can all of a sudden turn to a 2- 3-hour waste of time. Instead of that, you can develop your hobbies. Find something you are really passionate about and focus on them, rather than spending time on social media and thinking someone else is doing better than you. This may even help give you a sense of direction and fulfillment.

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ISOC Nigeria elects Dewole Ajao, president, six others

ITREALMS:

The Internet Society (ISOC) Nigeria Chapter has elected Mr. Adewole  Ajao, as its president for the next two years, reports ITRealms.

According to Mr. Wale Adedokun of ISOC Nigeria Chapter Election Committee, the winners emerged after obtaining a majority of votes for the various positions.

He also announced that Mr. Ajao would be joined in the ISOC exco by Prince  Iniobong Eka as the Vice President; Auwal Alhassan Tata as the Secretary General, Mary-Jane Sule, Treasurer; Fawole Bukola as the Financial Secretary, and Ogundele Olumuyiwa Caleb who was elected as the Programme Secretary as well as Akinbo Adebunmi Adeola, who emerged the Public Relation Officer.

While congratulating all the elected candidates, Adedokun also extended ‘a very big thank you to all the other candidates,” describing it as a worthwhile exercise.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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Police arrest six over kidnap, killing of Catholic priest, Fr. Onunkwo

ITRealms:

The Police in Imo State has confirmed the arrested of some six suspects over the kidnapping and killing of Reverend Father Cyriacus Onunkwo barely a week after, including a Police Corporal, reports ITRealms.

The Imo State police command, ITRealms reports, Friday afternoon paraded five suspected kidnappers and killers of Father Cyriacus Onunkwo. 

ITRealms recalls that the deceased was kidnapped on Friday, September 1st in Orlu Local Government Area in the state and his body was later discovered in a bush in Omuma Village, Oru East Local Government Area on Saturday, September 2, 2017.  
                     
According to the Police, “the suspects have confessed to the crime. One of them is a Police Corporal. They said he died out of suffocation, given that they cello-taped his mouth and nose. Six of them were arrested. First person was arrested at Control Post, Owerrı. Another was arrested at Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt.”

The Police noted that the ring leader is from Ukwu-Ukwa village, Azia in Anambra State. One is from Okwelle, Onuimo LGA, Imo State. One is from Obowo and others are from other neighboring States. They were tracked through Father's phone number. 

Nweke Ozo Nweke/GEE

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Six influencers of Artificial Intelligence

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The world has gone digital. In fact, we are approaching the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also described as Industry 4.0: an age in which a range of new technologies is expectedly fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds in addition to impacting all disciplines, economies and industries.

This is an age marked by emerging technology breakthroughs in a number of fields, including artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented reality, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, The Internet of Things, 3D printing and driver-less vehicles, among others.

One of these emerging technologies, Artificial intelligence or AI, as it is commonly referred to, has the potential to cause significant disruptions to many established industries, presenting amazing new ways for business leaders and individuals to simplify complex tasks.

According to the Research and Development Unit of Yudala, Nigeria’s fastest growing e-commerce outfit, here are six ways Artificial Intelligence will shake up things in the corporate world.

1.Double-edged impact on jobs and employment opportunities: Artificial intelligence promotes the growing reliance on machines which possess the ability to perform a wide range of physical and cognitive tasks, admittedly with more efficiency and accuracy. This poses a great deal of concern for the future as these machines may put many jobs at risk and ultimately reduce human employment. While these concerns are legitimate, research posits that the rise of artificial intelligence and automation may, nevertheless, have a double-edged impact on employment: negative and positive. In the negative sense, AI may displace humans by directly replacing them in tasks previously performed by these workers. On the positive side, the deployment of machine learning and artificial intelligence may end up increasing the demand for labour in other industries or create new jobs or openings as a result of automation.

2.Data analysis and presentation: With the emergence of machine learning which is a direct off-shoot of artificial intelligence, the task of crunching numbers, analyzing data and presenting this as useable information just got easier. A single supercomputer using artificial intelligence running on continuous machine learning will definitely out-perform the work of ten or more humans working with spreadsheets to analyze and interpret the same amount of data. Most machine learning apps have the capability of, not only analyzing huge amounts of data in record times, but also reducing errors to the barest minimum -  a factor that makes them logically preferable to high-cost and error-prone human accounting or consultancy teams.

3.Budgeting: Closely related to the foregoing is the refinements and research-backed approach to the process of budgeting which AI lends. For most businesses, budgeting is often carried out haphazardly on a yearly basis, with funds allocated in similar patterns to various activities and business units. This inadvertently results in a situation where certain business units get more working capital while other units which yield more returns struggle with the meagre figures allocated to them. By deploying artificial intelligence, business leaders can generate valid information on the performances of various business units and gauge more accurately the returns on the investments made on specific activities. This will potentially cause a major overhaul of existing budgeting systems used by corporate organizations and bring more value and objectivity to the entire process.

4.More personalized marketing: The exciting benefits of artificial intelligence will also be keenly felt in the field of marketing, as advances in the field will usher in landmark advances in the marketing value chain, leading to more personalized experiences for consumers. Through AI tools, marketing will assume an automated dimension, enabling companies to deliver a richer, more personalized experience for all classes of consumers and resulting in stronger connections between brands and consumers. Ultimately, these new approaches will build brand affinity/loyalty and positively impact bottom lines. Presently, a number of organizations are deploying artificial intelligence principles to simplify the processes involved in various branches of marketing including email marketing, SEO, mobile, social media, among others. Global e-commerce giant, Amazon, is playing a leading role in this aspect –  a step that is on the verge of being replicated by Yudala – by relying on a series of algorithms to determine what customers are likely to buy or require next, with these suggestions and creatives sent to the target customers via customized emails in a process that is entirely automated.

5.Recruitment/Human Resources: AI will radically transform the recruitment and human capital management function by infusing more objectivity and transparency into the entire process. This will equip business leaders or owners with the requisite insight to take more informed decision on hiring, compensation, promotion and gender pay disparity/biases in the work-place. By leveraging the benefits of advanced statistical tools and machine learning, AI can help organizations recognize and reward performance more objectively among the entire work-force through the detection and elimination of partiality, imbalances and subjective appraisals.

6.Banking and finance: The entire financial services sector will also be disrupted by the emergence of artificial intelligence solutions and applications. A recent research survey carried out by The Economist revealed that 49% of banking executives believe the traditional transactional banking model will be dead by 2020. Through AI, banks, insurance companies, asset/wealth management firms and capital markets will have a plethora of cutting-edge tools that will streamline and bring unimaginable simplicity and ease to their core financial processes and customer service offerings. The potential is limitless. Robo-advisors are being mooted in the sphere of asset management; banks will expectedly rely on chatbots to boost customer experience while other AI tools will simply thorny reconciliations, reporting of earnings, financial analysis and asset allocation, among others. AI will also help insurance firms process claims, streamline their processes and uncover fraud. Understandably, a number of financial institutions are awake to this reality, head-hunting and mopping up fintech talents, in a sort of arms race to ensure they are not left behind in the sweeping wave of tech-mediated changes that is afoot in the sector.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI, also known as machine intelligence, MI) is intelligence exhibited by machines, rather than humans or other animals (natural intelligence, NI). In computer science, the field of AI research defines itself as the study of "intelligent agents": any device that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of success at some goal. Colloquially, the term "artificial intelligence" is applied when a machine mimics "cognitive" functions that humans associate with other human minds, such as "learning" and "problem solving". 

AI research is divided into subfields that focus on specific problems, approaches, the use of a particular tool, or towards satisfying particular applications. Artificial intelligence is not one technology but rather a group of related technologies – including natural language processing (improving interactions between computers and human or “natural” languages); machine learning (computer programs that can “learn” when exposed to new data) and expert systems (software programmed to provide advice) – that help machines sense, comprehend and act in ways similar to the human brain.  

These technologies are behind innovations such as virtual agents (computer-generated, animated characters serving as online customer service representatives); identity analytics (solutions combining big data and advanced analytics to help manage user access and certification) and recommendation systems (algorithms helping match users and providers of goods and services) which have already transformed the ways in which companies look at the overall customer experience.

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Six must have features for new laptop

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For the contemporary tech-smart population, a laptop is often regarded as more than just a work tool.

Many rely on the laptop for multi-faceted purposes spanning social, entertainment, educational and business-related needs. This makes it imperative for the right decision to be made when shopping for a new device or a replacement unit for your old laptop.

According to the Research and Development Unit of Yudala, Nigeria’s fastest growing composite e-commerce outfit, here are major things to look out for when shopping for a new laptop.

1.Size: Gone are the days when laptops weighed a ton and took up so much space. On-going advancements in the sphere of computer manufacturing has seen a lot of refinements in laptop sizes. For students and busy executives, portability is a core requirement. The easier it is to fit your laptop PC into a small bag, the better. 

Therefore, a laptop with a screen size between 12.5 - 14 inches and weighing between 1 – 1.5kg fits the bill. When shopping for such a portable device, it is often best to go for a notebook. A notebook is a personal computer that foregoes some functionality to remain light-weight and small. Notebook computers are sleek, typically weigh less than five pounds and are small enough to fit easily into your briefcase or a back-pack.

An Ultrabook also falls into this category as they are portable and light-weight.

2.Processor Speed: Processor speed is a major selling point to look out for when shopping for a new laptop. Most computer applications require that the computer system meets minimum requirements in order for the installation to run. One of those requirements is processor speed. Processor speed measures (in megahertz or gigahertz; MHz or GHz) the number of instructions per second the computer executes. Intel’s Core-based processors including Core i3, Corei5 and Core i7 are usually the best bet for computing power as these processors deliver top performance.

3.Screen quality/Resolution: Considering the amount length of time the average user spends working on a laptop, screen quality is a factor worth taking into cognizance when buying a laptop.

The harsh glare from grainy laptop screens may pre-dispose users to side-effects as constant staring at the screen may result in redness, itching and blurring of the eyes, or headaches and migraines, in extreme cases. 

Touch-screenen laptops, many of which are glossy, may also not be a good choice as these throw back a lot of reflections, thereby putting the eyes under considerable strain. Closely related to this, you must consider the resolution of the laptop before making the buying decision.

If you fall into the class of heavy users who work on their laptop for upwards of eight hours in a day, it is more advisable to go for a High Definition (HD) screen with resolution of 1600 x 900 or higher.

4.Random Access Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage which stores frequently used programme instructions to increase the general speed of a system. Depending on the type of laptop you wish to buy, a RAM of between 2G - 4GB and upwards will be required to get your system working optimally. Memory speed refers to the amount of time that it takes the RAM to receive a request from the processor and then read or write data.

Generally, the faster the RAM, the faster the processing speed of your laptop. In other words, with a faster RAM, it is easier for you to use the laptop for your multimedia or multi-tasking activities.

RAM speed is measured in Megahertz (MHz), millions of cycles per second, so that it can be compared to your processor's clock speed.

5.Battery: Bearing in mind the peculiar power supply challenges in the country, you are better off investing in a laptop with a strong battery that can guarantee at least up to 10 hours of battery life on average use.

For a notebook, a battery capacity of 10,000mAH/3.7V or higher is adequately sufficient to begin with, especially as both the total charging capacity and life of a laptop computer's battery will diminish as you use your computer.

6.Price: Price is another significant factor to consider when shopping for a new laptop. Laptop prices are often predicated on the features of the device, especially the ones listed above.

As such, a laptop with a faster processor speed and RAM would likely cost more than a model with less speed. However, increasing competition in the market and more attention to research and development of new products makes it possible these days to find moderately-priced devices boasting features that would naturally be found in more expensive models.

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65 days later: Six abducted students released

ITRealms:

The six abducted students of the Igbonla Model College near Epe last May, have been released to the Lagos State government, reports ITRealms

The school children, ITRealms gathered were released after 65 days at about 3.30pm in Aboto Creek at Ilaje LGA Ondo State in a joint effort of the Nigeria Police, the Lagos State Government and Ondo State Government, after over .

ITRealms recalls that a few days ago, the Lagos State Government (LASG) had demanded an unconditional release of the students from their abductors.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, commended the security agencies especially the Police and Department of State Security (DSS).

According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the boys were released Friday, July 28 after spending 65 days in the jungle just as the Lagos State Government has expressed excitement over the release of six students abducted May 25, 2017 in their school premises.

Ayorinde congratulated the parents of students and all concerned stakeholders over the development, stressing the students would undergo series of medical tests and trauma therapy before they are reunited with their families.

“This is a welcome development and the State Government has always believed that the students would be released unhurt. The news of their release is therefore a confirmation of that belief and we are glad that they would be reuniting with their families,” he said.

Ayorinde said the State Government remains resolute in its commitment to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents in the State and has already beefed up security in schools to prevent a re-occurrence.

“It is on record that the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration has invested massively on equipment and welfare of security personnel so as to ensure that the State remains safe for residents and investors.

“This Government has already taken giant steps to secure all our schools especially those in the suburbs and riverine areas and we are confident that the steps taken so far will go a long way in nipping a repeat of such in the bud,” he said, quoting Gov. Ambode as commending the efforts of security agencies who worked tirelessly to ensure the safe release and return of the students.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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Alert: Six Whatsapp scams to look out for

Commentary@ITRealms:

Created in 2009 as an alternative to text messaging, WhatsApp is today one of the world’s most popular instant messaging service with more than one billion users in 180 countries. According to a May 2016 report from research firm SimilarWeb, WhatsApp is the top chat app in 109 countries which represents 58% of the 187 countries covered in the survey. Facebook acquired WhatsApp in 2014 to make a bigger play in the rapidly-growing messaging market, along with its own Messenger platform. At the time the deal was announced, WhatsApp had 450 million users worldwide.

Considering the popularity and widespread usage of WhatsApp even among the older generations in countries such as Nigeria, it is no surprise that the attention of hackers and other unscrupulous individuals have shifted to the medium in a bid to exploit loop-holes that could be used to swindle unsuspecting users of their money or other sensitive information.

According to the Research and Development Unit of Yudala, here are six WhatsApp scams you should look out for:

1.WhatsApp Gold: The offer of an upgrade to WhatsApp Gold is a fraud that starts with a message via social networks in which WhatsApp users are invited to click on a link to update their app to the inexistent Oro version (Gold version) which offers the users a suite of new and exclusive features.  The link takes the user to a web page where, if he wants to use these improvements, he has to give his phone number. Interestingly, users who go on to give their number will be subscribed to a premium SMS service: each text message that you receive will cost you 1.45 euros, until a maximum of 36.25 euro per month.  

Global attention was initially drawn to the existence of this scam by the Spanish National Police and Civil Guard when it reported the existence of an expensive scam costing users 36 euros per month. Since then, the scam has also been reported in a number of countries.

It is important to point out that there is only one version of WhatsApp, so caution is the watch-word should you get a similar invitation to upgrade to WhatsApp Gold.

2.WhatsApp Plus: According to the Research and Development Unit of Yudala, this is another scam perpetrated by faceless individuals seeking to cash in on the ubiquitous usage of WhatsApp. WhatsApp Plus claims to let users send pictures, videos and music files of an unlimited size. This is in addition to allowing subscribers use WhatsApp with more than one number, a feature that is highly sought after by many users of the app. However, WhatsApp Plus is not associated with WhatsApp and the Facebook-owned service bans users who have also downloaded the fake app onto their device. A bold disclaimer was recently issued by WhatsApp to alert users to the existence of the fake app.

“WhatsApp Plus is an application that was not developed by WhatsApp, nor is it authorized by WhatsApp. WhatsApp Plus contains source code which WhatsApp cannot guarantee as safe and that your private information is potentially being passed to 3rd parties without your knowledge or authorization,” the statement said.

And to demonstrate its stance, WhatsApp blocks users that have downloaded the unsolicited version of the app, with users having to wait an additional 24 hours to get the ban lifted after deleting the fake app.

3. WhatsApp browser fraud: With the launch of WhatsApp’s browser platform, hackers created a number of similar-looking fraudulent websites to gain access to the sensitive data and bank details of unsuspecting users. Some of the tactics employed by these fraudulent websites include requesting users to download a seemingly harmless application on to their computers, which in actuality, is a malicious software that allows the cybercriminals access to confidential information, such as banking information. Another very popular strategy is to request the phone number of the unknowing users and then, subscribing them to downloading premium services which charge special rates.

To avoid falling a victim, it is pertinent to bear in mind that there is only one browser version of WhatsApp which is absolutely free. Most importantly, you do not have to download anything to your computer to use it.

4.WhatsApp Video calling invite: In late 2016, WhatsApp rolled out video-calling feature for Android, iOS and Windows users. The feature which was long anticipated was made available for downloads via update available to all users. However, the rollout of this popular feature has created new opportunities for scammers who circulate malicious links inviting people to download video-calling. Shortly after the video-calling feature was introduced on November 15 2016, WhatsApp users began receiving an invitation link for it. Once the user clicks on the given link, he is directed to a webpage to enable the new feature. The spam message reads, "You're invited to try WhatsApp Video Calling feature. Only people with the invitation can enable this feature". And once a user clicks on the link, it redirects to a website which has been designed to look believable.

Once a gullible user clicks on the 'enable' tab, he/she is immediately directed to a new page which requires user verification. You would then be asked to share and invite four other friends to enable this feature through the same link. Though the entire page and the process looks credible, mere clicking on this link can expose you to spammers, making you extremely vulnerable to hacking.

Please note that the correct way to enable video calling feature is to update your WhatsApp app through your Google Playstore or Apple Store. As soon as it is updated, the feature will be automatically enabled.

5.Fake WhatsApp Voicemail: This is another scam which arose with the introduction of voice calls on WhatsApp. However, this scam, often perpetrated via email, does not seek to take advantage of the voice-calling feature but aims to trap unsuspecting users with the introduction of a related service. The fake WhatsApp Voicemail fraud starts when a user receives an email, notifying him of an unread voice message in the non-existent WhatsApp voicemail. When the user clicks on the large “Autoplay” button that supposedly allows you hear the message, there is no message. Instead, a malicious software introduced by a hacker is downloaded on the device. This is usually the gate-way for the scammers to compromise or gain access to the user’s bank details, credit card information and other personal data. This approach was recently used by a Canadian pharmacy spam website in trying to sell its fake pharmaceutical products. The perpetrators were of the view that disguising their spam message as something completely unrelated to pharmaceutical products would help it bypass spam filters as well as trick recipients into clicking the link and visiting the site.

The best way to remain protected from this particular scam is to remember that there is presently no WhatsApp voicemail.

6.WhatsApp Spy: Despite the existence of WhatsSpy Public, an application invented by Dutch developer Maikel Zweerink that allows you to spy on your WhatsApp contacts by tracking the user’s online status, last time of connection and any changes made to profile photos; there is another scam app that claims to go one step ahead by offering a service which allows anyone to read the conversations of others. Known as WhatsSpy, this is a fraud through which ignorant users are tricked into downloading an app through which malicious software are introduced into the user’s device. Understandably, a number of individuals will go to great lengths to be able to read the conversations of others, especially as a means of keeping tabs on cheating spouses or for other similar purposes. This has contributed in no small measure to many falling victim to the WhatsSpy scam.

To reiterate the fact, WhatsApp messages are encrypted and as such, you cannot remotely read other people’s conversations. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person you’re communicating with can read what is sent and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp. Your messages are secured with a lock and, only the recipient and you, have the special key needed to unlock and read your message. For added protection, every message you send has a unique lock and key. All of this happens automatically: no need to turn on settings or set up special secret chats to secure your messages.

The existence of end-to-end encryption has remained one of the major factors that has contributed to the growing popularity of the Facebook-owned service.

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Top Six tips to save time with smartphone

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Time is an essential commodity that cannot be trifled with. Notable American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn captured it succinctly when he declared that: “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.”

Nevertheless, your smart phone, when used effectively, can be a very useful tool for helping you use time more judiciously. The following tips from the Research and Development Unit of Yudala, Nigeria’s fastest growing e-commerce outfit – will help you become smarter in saving time.

1.Set up task lists: Most busy people always seem never to have enough time in a day. This is often due to clashing engagements and loads of crucial tasks to attend to. However, your smartphone can make life easier for you in this regard by helping you make smarter use of your 24 hours. One of the ways to achieve this is by setting up a task list. You can create a simple spreadsheet with the major tasks you have set out to achieve each day with timelines attached to each. You can even set a reminder for each task. With this list accessible on your smartphone, you can work smarter and maximize your productivity. When managed properly, a task list can be a fantastic organizer.

2.Create access to your documents: Today’s fast-paced, knowledge-driven economy has resulted in more mobility, with more time being spent on the move and away from work spaces or the office. Valuable time and potential business deals will certainly be lost if you have to get to your laptop or the office to take action or respond to important correspondence. With your smartphone, you can access your emails, save your important documents online and access them on the move, thereby reducing down-time. Whether at home or out of the office, you can still get crucial work done with apps such as Microsoft One Drive, Google Drive or Dropbox which allow you to store and retrieve your documents whenever you need them.

3.Online Shopping: Considering the crushing daily schedule most individuals pass through to earn a living, finding time to visit an open-air market or physical store for your shopping needs may be a tough ask. This is where your smartphone comes in. Online shopping is gradually growing in popularity and you can leverage on this to manage your time more efficiently. Interestingly, platforms such as Yudala combine physical stores with an online presence, thus offering the consumer more convenience.

As a result, you no longer have to physically visit a store for your shopping requirements. You can place orders online and have your items delivered straight to your door, with the additional convenience of paying on delivery. Interestingly, some supermarkets have also caught the online shopping bug and now offer home delivery for provisions and food items.

4.Digital Banking: The days of filling out numerous forms and standing in a queue in a crowded banking hall while waiting to carry out a simple transaction are decidedly over. Banks and other financial institutions are fully in on the digital revolution.  Therefore, you can save more valuable time by cashing in on the ease of digital banking. With your smartphone, there is no reason why you cannot carry out all the transactions you previously visited a bank for. You can check your account balance, transfer money, request a debit card, pay bills and even set up a monthly savings plan. All you have to do is subscribe to online banking and download and install your bank’s app.

5.Educational/Reading materials: The increasing convergence of technology has seen the world shrink to a global village. An amazing depth of educational, informative and other reading content is available on the internet. This is in addition to books and materials related to your career, industry or area of study. These can be accessed from the convenience of your smartphone in various formats including audio, video and written form. What’s more, you can save valuable time by using apps such as Audible or Librivox Audiobooks to listen to useful literature or other contents while carrying out other activities such as your daily workout, a long drive or while cleaning or doing the dishes.

6.Travel arrangements and hotel reservations: Gone are the days when making travel plans can be a time-wasting affair.  With your smartphone and in the comfort of your home, you can save time by booking your flight and making hotel reservation. Irrespective of your destination, this can be achieved with a good internet connection and the right app on your smartphone. With your smartphone, you can make payments, check in online and choose a seat without physically visiting the airline’s booking office. This applies even for trips by road to other parts of the country, as a number of transport companies now have their mobile apps with which you can book and pay for a trip.

Time Management Apps

You can carry out all of the tips given above without additional time management apps, your smartphone is already equipped with the features mentioned.  However, there are many fantastic applications available for Smartphones in this category.  If you choose to use one of these, ensure that it complies with your overall strategies for better time management. A comprehensive task management application or program might have many valuable features, but if you find that its complexity means that you are spending a lot of time using it, you will be defeating the object of having an application to help with your time management in the first place.  If this is the case, consider using one of the myriad of other programs available or simply use the features already available on your smartphone.  Remember, the point of a task manager is to make you more efficient with your time and reduce the stress in your life, avoid anything that adds to it!

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Six ways to optimise your smartphone

Tips@ITRealms:

Smartphones are amazingly useful machines. Indeed, they are not just called smart for nothing. That device in your hands could do so much more than you know it is capable of, yet most of us miss out on some of these incredible functionalities.

Interestingly, research shows that the majority of smartphone users explore less than 40% of the utility of these devices. Whereas the majority are comfortable with making calls, watching online movies or taking that occasional selfie; there is a lot more benefits locked in your smartphone.

Yudala – Nigeria’s fastest growing composite e-commerce outfit – shares six new things you could do with your smartphone.

1. Speak any language: You probably didn’t know this but with your smartphone, you can easily speak and understand any language – a task that some of the world’s most prolific linguists will struggle at. If you are using an Android phone, all you need to do is use Google Now to translate a word, phrase or sentence for you from any language of your choice. The most interesting part is that, you can even get both a spoken and written response. Amazing, right? You can also use the app –  iTranslate which can be downloaded on iOS, Windows Phone and Android, for the same purpose.

2.Measure your heart health: With the growing cases of heart-related ailments, the importance of monitoring one’s heart health cannot be over-emphasized. Your smartphone can help you achieve this without taking a trip to the doctor. With apps such as Cardiio or Blood Pressure Companion, you can measure your heart rate blood pressure and overall level of cardiovascular health and fitness. Some of these apps can also take voice memos for symptom tracking and help you take note of any drastic changes or readings that may be a cause for concern.

3.Prevent drunk driving (and potential accidents): You are probably out for a party, had a few drinks and not too sure you can comfortably drive yourself home. Not to worry! You can know for sure if you are too inebriated to get behind the wheels with a smartphone app. A very good example is the Smartphone Breathalyzer which can measure the alcohol on your breath in just five seconds, then wirelessly sends your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) reading to your iOS or Android smartphone. Through this and similar apps, you can predict how long it will take for your BAC levels to return to zero percent. The most interesting part of this is you can even use them to book an Uber ride!

4.Find out what song is playing: You have just heard that memorable tune on the radio or on a stranger’s device and wish to find out the artiste or song title. That’s an easy task. With apps such as Shazam or SoundHound installed on your smartphone, you’ve got all you need to identify a song as it's playing. Furthermore, a number of platforms such as Google, Apple and Microsoft have song identification tools built right into their respective virtual assistants, so you can just use Google Now, ask Siri or tap the Music Search icon inside Cortana for the same purpose.

5.Scan a document: These days, you don’t need to invest in a large flatbed scanner to scan that urgent document. With your smartphone, you have the perfect, convenient tool for this. Just open your smartphone camera which effortlessly becomes a makeshift scanner. Once you snap the document, you can save it as an image and share with the intended recipient. The higher the resolution of your smartphone camera, the better the quality. With Google Drive and apps such as CamScanner and Evernote, you can go further by converting scanned images into PDF files and read the text in them.

6.Remote lock or wipe your lost phone: The pain of losing one’s phone is often excruciating. The possibility of unauthorized access to your data and sensitive information makes this loss even more depressing. If you are using an Android smartphone, you can use the Android Device Manager to track and take control of your phone, in the event that you lose it. What’s more, you can use the Android Device Manager to ring your phone, remotely lock it or even factory reset it if you know you're never getting it back.

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Six tips to reduce mobile data usage

For many, the smartphone’s utility has assumed such remarkable proportions that it is now being relied on as a first-hand source of news, information, entertainment and a fitting tool for retaining a handle on our increasingly interconnected world.

Considering the multiple applications on which data is expended on a smartphone and with data connection rates still comparatively pricey in Nigeria; most smartphone owners are constantly in a perpetual fix on how to manage this most important resource in order to avoid missing out on the latest information.

In view of the foregoing, the Research/Development Unit of Yudala – Nigeria’s fastest growing composite e-commerce outfit – shares simple tips on how to reduce your device’s data consumption.

1.Use Wi-Fi whenever possible and for sharing large files: Your smartphone or other mobile device has Wi-Fi capability.  You can use this reduce your data consumption in your home, office or other locations by connecting to available wireless network(s). You can also tweak your settings for automatic connection to a secure Wi-Fi network when you arrive at home or the office. Once connected, your phone’s cellular data can be turned off and conserved.

Wi-Fi also comes in handy when you are downloading or sharing large files. Heavy files can quickly eat in to your smartphone’s data. Same applies to automatic application updates. To reduce your data usage, these heavy consumptions should be done when connected to a secure Wi-Fi network.

2.Set up a data usage limit/alerts: Most Android smartphones come equipped with an in-built data monitor. This functionality, which can be accessed in your phone’s settings tab, can help you keep an eye on your data consumption. The beauty of this feature is that through it, you can see how much data is being consumed by each of the apps on your smartphone, thus identifying the ones you need to keep a strict eye on. For other devices such as Apple’s IOS, you may see how much data has been consumed in total but may need to install an app to ascertain data consumption per app.  

With this information, you can set up data usage limits/alerts to manage your usage. Also, heavy data-consuming apps can have their data access curtailed or you can choose which ones to uninstall.

3.Stick to the mobile versions of websites: While using your smartphone data for browsing, you can save a lot of megabytes if you avoid using websites’ apps for platforms such as YouTube, Facebook; that favourite sport site or gossip blog by using the mobile site instead. To do this, simply access the mobile version of a website by typing www.m. before the sitename when launching the browser. Furthermore, some websites often ask to re-direct the user to its Desktop version. To avoid burning through your data, simply decline and stick to the mobile version.

4.Manage or disable push notifications: Push notifications refer to data automatically sent to your phone without user interaction.  For those who are constantly active on multiple social networks, this may dramatically affect data consumption as the various notifications from your social media channels –  Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc., pour in. While some of these notifications, such as work-related emails, can be necessary; others may not be so crucial. To keep your data lasting for longer, ensure you disable push notifications, automatic app updates and other such notices when you don’t need them.

5.Compress your data: There are a number of apps that can help compress data on your smartphone and other devices. Some of them have the capability to go as far as extending your data plan. Google’s Chrome browser, for example, has a feature that can help reduce your data consumption significantly. According to Google, this option can save you about 50% in data by routing all your web browsing through Google’s servers which takes the data, compresses it, optimizes it for the smaller screen and sends it back to your device. This option can be activated in the Settings tab and can help prevent you from running out of data all the time.

6.Apply caution when streaming: Content streaming is responsible for much of data consumption. HD video streaming, for instance, can drain a sizeable amount of your device’s data within an hour. Same applies to audio/music streaming or spending time looking through some of the high quality images or GIF files seen on Instagram and other social media channels. In order to conserve your data usage, caution should be applied when it comes to content streaming.

While it is absolutely impossible to totally avoid the entertaining fare that comes with streaming, there are smart ways to do this without burning through your data. One of this is by storing music, videos and other multimedia content on your smartphone. Video quality can also be set at lower rates and resolution reduced for sites such as YouTube when streaming.

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Six saving tips for bachelors

Weekend LifeStyle Special@ITRealms: 

The average Nigerian dude wants to ball. You can’t really judge them either, because…you only live once. YOLO!

Monday to Thursday: you stay on the hustle, money must be made.

Fridays nights: back to back clubbing with the babes.

Saturdays: wedding and after party then lounge/drinking time with your bros.

Sundays: big boy brunch at any four-star hotel and football time at the bar later in the day.

The lifestyle is the dream; however, except you have your own business or solid inheritance somewhere, this lifestyle cannot be sustainable -especially, if you are still a bachelor.

Even when they follow the best financial advice available (they work hard, spend less than they earn, save and invest) quite a percentage of single men still find they have to live pay cheque to pay cheque – with no savings.

Of course, this does not in any way imply that all the unattached men in Nigeria are flunking their finances or are in a hopeless position when it comes to money. Some men just face specific challenges, when it comes to managing their cash.

The state of the country’s economy plays a huge role in this dreary financial picture; as such, opting for just the basics when it comes to making financial changes may not be ideal.

Single dudes should consider taking on some of these hands-on money rules:

Rent must not exceed half of your monthly earnings

Yes, you want to live alone, have your own place and be independent, but you should not spend a fortune or run into debt renting an apartment. Ensure your monthly rent is not more than half of your total earnings per month. For instance, if you earn N100,000 per month ensure you do not rent a place that costs more than N25,000 per month. This means that you would be looking out for a space that would possibly cost you N300,000 per year.

It’s easy to get sold on the dream of emancipation from parents and total independence, but if it’s going to jack up your bills, it’s probably not a wise financial move. If you must rent a space, consider getting flatmates and move up from there.

Opt for hobbies that don’t require an upkeep cost

As a dude, you have a number of hobbies and activities you engage in, to keep life eventful and interesting. It could be fitness, or just games for leisure. The thing is, a number of these hobbies require ongoing upkeep costs; from club membership dues, to cost of supplies, uniforms, and even trips/get-together.

While it is definitely alright to have hobbies, just make sure you go for one that requires minimal maintenance, or even none at all. For instance, no matter how much you love golf, you may want to put that off for later, when you are more financially stable. Not only do you have to register to use the golf course, you have to get the outfits and the need for fresh supplies are almost endless. You may want to consider alternatives like playing music, on an instrument you already have, or even football with friends or colleagues.

Cut down on eating out

Yes, you want to join in on the Sunday brunches with colleagues; you want to prove to your girlfriend, who loves fancy food, that you are enough for her; you also want to order from ‘The Place’ like your colleagues, instead of brining something homemade or buying from the lady across the road and being the “stingy” or “low-class” one. 

But if you are concerned with upgrading your financial status, you will have to skip these splurges. They seem small, but actually, they accumulate and take a toll on your finances. You will be surprised to find out that sometimes, the cost of the daily take-out is what, over time, separates the rich dude from everyone another dude the wrong side of the thin money line.

Acquire cars based on reliability and fuel efficiency…otherwise, use public transport

There is the assumption that owning a car makes a dude more appealing. Before using your life’s savings to buy a car, you must at least consider two factors.

Ask yourself: how reliable is the car? How fuel-efficient is it? Answering these questions lets you know if you would be actually making an investment by buying the car, or acquiring a liability.

This is because fuel bills and repair bills are serious money drainers when you own a car. Do not just jump and buy any car just because it is cheap and it still moves. If you cannot say for sure that it is reliable and fuel-efficient, get on with public transport. And by public transport, I don’t mean Uber and Taxify.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with commuting to work in a bus or keke napep. It is actually a better option as it is incredibly faster in rush-hour traffic. It’s also cheaper when you consider the fuel, oil and other maintenance costs of running the car. You save more and you upgrade yourself financially.

When shopping, use the 30-day rule

Believe it or not, shopping is not a “girl” thing. Guys love to shop too. When shopping – online or in-store, it is important that you adhere to the 30-day rule. The rule simply implies that you wait 30 days after your first serious impulse before buying the expensive item, no matter how essential you think it is. Waiting 30-days give you enough time to do research and ascertain the impact it could have on you financially, and whether you even really want it or not. 

Sometimes we are deluded by brief fascination and end up spend a lot of money on something that we will never use and may not improve our lives in any way.

The 30-day rule gives you the time to come back to reality and make the sane decision.

Don’t borrow money to invest

Every financial guru will tell you to invest your money in something, if you want to be financially stable in future.

While this is great advice, you must also ensure that you do not use borrowed money (money that is not originally yours) to invest…no matter how lucrative the investment seems or how much of an asset you assume it will be.

In the case where the investment you want to make is either a fixed deposit or bond, you will eventually find that the dividends may not be able to match the rate of interest you pay on the loan. Again, even investments, such as equities, that offer higher returns, can be too risky.

*Contributed by Nkem Ndem | nkemndemv@gmail.com

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Pix: NairaNotes