GRTech
US lawmakers demand urgent changes at Facebook after data breaches
After weathering heated questions from two Senate panels, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg returned to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to face more questions from a House committee about the social media platform’s transparency and user privacy.
Lawmakers want better protections after data breaches that affected tens of millions of users.
“There was clearly a breach of consumer trust and a likely improper transfer of data,” Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, said.
“It was my mistake, and I’m sorry,” Zuckerberg said moments later.
Senators demanded action from the Facebook CEO.
“If you and other social media companies do not get your act in order, none of us are going to have any privacy,” the top Democrat on the Commerce Committee, Bill Nelson of Florida, said. “If Facebook and other online companies will not or cannot stop the privacy invasions, then we are going to have to — we, the Congress.”
Zuckerberg was called to testify after news emerged that the personal data of millions of Facebook users had been harvested without their knowledge by Cambridge Analytica, a British voter profiling company that U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign hired to target likely supporters in 2016.
Zuckerberg promised to better protect Facebook users. The social media mogul spoke with pride about Facebook’s ability to connect people for the common good but admitted the company has not been proactive in safeguarding its users from misuse of data or those sowing malign messages.
“I started Facebook, I run it. And I’m responsible for what happens here,” Zuckerberg said.
Earlier this week, Facebook began notifying 87 million users, most of them in the United States, whose personal data may have been mined by Cambridge Analytica.
Zuckerberg pledged Facebook will scrutinise and, when necessary, block other firms from gaining access to the platform and empower its 2.2 billion users to wall off their apps from third parties.
Senators also sought assurances that Facebook and other social media platforms are blocking fake profiles originating in Russia that spread divisive messages to sow discord during and after the 2016 U.S. election.
“We will be verifying the identity of any advertiser who’s running a political ad,” Zuckerberg said. “And we’re also going to do that for [Facebook user] pages … that will make it significantly harder for Russian interference efforts or other inauthentic efforts to spread misinformation through the network.”
Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy noted that misuse of Facebook extends far beyond the United States, saying that Facebook has been used to spread hate speech against Burma’s Rohingya minority.
“Recently U.N. investigators blamed Facebook for playing a role in inciting possible genocide in Myanmar, and there has been genocide there,” Leahy said.
“We’re working on this,” Zuckerberg responded. “We’re hiring dozens of more Burmese language content reviewers. Because hate speech is very language-specific, it’s hard to [detect] it without people who speak the local language, and we need to ramp up our effort there dramatically.”
Until now, social media companies have been largely self-regulating. Several senators said Congress must consider steps to protect users of the platforms.
“What do we tell our constituents, given what’s happened here, why we should let you self-regulate?” South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham asked.
“My position is not that there should be no regulation,” Zuckerberg said. “I think the real question, as the internet becomes more important in people’s lives, is: What is the right regulation?”
The Facebook CEO promised to submit proposals for regulating social media companies and work with lawmakers to craft legislation.
Facebook faces a backlash from some consumer groups. Members of #DeleteFacebook gathered outside Tuesday’s hearing on Capitol Hill.
“We knew that they had your data, but the extent of what is being breached is a concern for me. What do they know about my children and my grandchildren?” said a woman who identified herself as Alison.
Lawmakers pledged to hold separate hearings focusing on Cambridge Analytica in the near future. (VOA)
GRTech
Unlocking Digital Inclusion: S.Mobile and MTN Nigeria Partner for MoMo PSB and Data Bundles, Airtime
In a move that promises to revolutionize access to digital services and financial inclusion for millions of Nigerians, S.Mobile has joined forces with MTN Nigeria.
This strategic partnership focuses on the distribution of MTN’s MoMo Payment Service Bank (PSB) and data bundles, offering a seamless gateway to financial services and connectivity.
The collaboration brings together two industry leaders with unique strengths. MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom provider, boasts an extensive network and deep understanding of the Nigerian market. S.Mobile, known for its innovative digital solutions and commitment to financial inclusion, enhances the digital landscape with its user-friendly platforms. Together, they are poised to deliver unparalleled services to everyone, from individuals to businesses.
Boosting Financial Inclusion with MoMo PSB
A key aspect of this partnership is the promotion of MTN’s MoMo PSB, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at extending financial services to the unbanked and underbanked. By leveraging MTN’s vast network, MoMo PSB empowers users to access banking services, make transfers, settle bills, and save money directly from their mobile devices, eliminating the need for traditional bank accounts.
S.Mobile plays a crucial role by facilitating MoMo PSB adoption through its digital platforms and partner network. Integrating MoMo PSB simplifies participation in the formal financial system, especially for Nigerians in remote or underserved areas. This move is expected to significantly boost financial inclusion across the country, enabling more people to manage their finances efficiently and securely.
Revolutionizing Data Bundle Distribution
Beyond MoMo PSB, the partnership focuses on distributing MTN data bundles through S.Mobile’s platforms. With internet usage skyrocketing in Nigeria, the demand for reliable and affordable data is paramount. This collaboration seeks to meet that demand by providing consumers with easy access to data bundles, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for work, learning, and entertainment.
S.Mobile’s user-friendly interface allows customers to purchase data bundles directly, with real-time updates and instant delivery. This convenience is invaluable for businesses and individuals who rely on a steady internet connection. Integrating MTN’s data services enhances the digital experience for S.Mobile’s customers while driving data usage throughout the country.
A Win-Win Collaboration
This partnership benefits both companies and, more importantly, the millions of Nigerians who stand to gain from enhanced services. For MTN Nigeria, collaborating with S.Mobile represents an opportunity to further expand their reach and deepen their impact in the Nigerian market. S.Mobile’s distribution network and digital expertise ensure wider accessibility of MTN’s services.
For S.Mobile, partnering with MTN strengthens its position as a key player in the Nigerian digital economy. Offering MoMo PSB and MTN data bundles attracts new customers, enhances service offerings, and fosters greater engagement on their platform. This also aligns with S.Mobile’s mission to empower Nigerians with the tools and services they need to thrive in a digital world.
Looking Ahead
As the S.Mobile and MTN Nigeria partnership takes off, both companies are optimistic about the future. They are committed to continuous innovation and improvement of services to meet evolving customer needs. This collaboration goes beyond business; it’s about empowering millions of Nigerians with the financial and digital tools they need to succeed.
The combined strengths of S.Mobile and MTN Nigeria set a new standard for service delivery, ensuring more Nigerians can access the financial services and connectivity they need. The CEO, Adonu Kingsley Ifeanyi, assures that they will continue to work together, and the impact of this partnership will be felt across the country, driving growth, innovation, and inclusion in the digital age.
GRTech
Ransomware Groups Weaponize Stolen Data to Increase Pressure on Targets Who Refuse to Pay, Sophos Report Finds
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, today released a new dark web report, “Turning the Screws: The Pressure Tactics of Ransomware Gangs,” which details how cybercriminals are weaponizing stolen data to increase pressure on targets who refuse to pay.
This includes sharing the contact details or doxing the family members of targeted CEOs and business owners, as well as threatening to report any information about illegal business activities uncovered in stolen data to the authorities.
In the report, Sophos X-Ops shares posts found on the dark web that show how ransomware gangs refer to their targets as “irresponsible and negligent,” and in some cases, encourage individual victims whose personal information was stolen to pursue litigation against their employer.
“In December 2023, in the wake of the MGM casino breach, Sophos began taking note of ransomware gangs’ propensity to turn the media into a tool they can use to not only increase pressure on their victims but take control of the narrative and shift the blame. We are also seeing gangs singling out the business leaders they deem ‘responsible’ for the ransomware attack at the companies they target. In one post we found, the attackers published a photo of a business owner with devil horns, along with their social security number. In a different post, the attackers encouraged employees to seek ‘compensation’ from their company, and, in other cases, the attackers threatened to notify customers, partners and competitors about data breaches. These efforts create a lightning rod for blame, increasing the pressure on businesses to pay up and potentially exacerbating the reputational damage from an attack,” said Christopher Budd, director, threat research, Sophos.
Sophos X-Ops also found multiple posts by ransomware attackers detailing their plans to search for information within stolen data that could be used as leverage if companies don’t pay. For example, in one post, the WereWolves ransomware actor notes that any stolen data is subject to “a criminal legal assessment, a commercial assessment and an assessment in terms of insider information for competitors.” In another example, the ransomware group Monti noted that it found an employee at a targeted company searching for child sexual abuse material and threatened to go to the police with the information if the company didn’t pay the ransom.
These posts align with a broader trend of criminals seeking to extort companies with increasingly sensitive data relating to employees, clients or patients, including mental health records, the medical records of children, “information about patients’ sexual problems” and “images of nude patients.” In one ransomware case, the Qiulong ransomware group posted the personal data of a CEO’s daughter, as well as a link to her Instagram profile.
“Ransomware gangs are becoming increasingly invasive and bold about how and what they weaponize. Compounding pressure for companies, they’re not just stealing data and threatening to leak it, but they’re actively analyzing it for ways to maximize damage and create new opportunities for extortion. This means that organizations have to not only worry about corporate espionage and loss of trade secrets or illegal activity by employees, but also about these issues in conjunction with cyberattacks,” said Budd.
Read the full report “Turning the Screws: The Pressure Tactics of Ransomware Gangs” on Sophos.com.
Africa is rapidly becoming a hotbed for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements.
Yet, for many startups and talented individuals, the journey from concept to market traction and revenue is often fraught with challenges.
Enter the Startup and Talent Enhancement Program (STEP), a pioneering initiative by IDEA Africa, with support from the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub. STEP is not just a program; it’s a transformative force empowering startups and talent across Africa to scale up and achieve sustainable growth.
The vision of STEP is simple yet profound: to bridge the gap between potential and success for startups that have moved beyond the post-revenue stage but are struggling with technical debt, growth hacking, marketing, and other critical areas. How? By giving them access to a large pool of professionally trained talent, strategic market advice from industry experts with years of experience, and a community with like-minded people and fellow founders. By providing targeted intervention and strategic resources, STEP ensures that these startups are not just surviving but thriving.
STEP’s approach is holistic, providing support in multiple areas crucial for startup success. From offering technical assistance, helping startups overcome technical debt and improve their product offerings to providing growth hacking strategies and tools to drive rapid growth and scale operations, to offering marketing insights and resources to effectively market products and reach the right audience and also assisting startups in developing robust business strategies that ensure long-term success.
STEP is committed to empowering individual talent and helping mentors attain fulfilment. By connecting skilled professionals and experienced mentors with high-potential startups, STEP not only helps these individuals find meaningful work and fulfilment but also fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. This creates a dynamic ecosystem where both startups, talent and mentors can thrive.
To maintain the quality and impact of the program, STEP employs a rigorous selection process. Startups are evaluated based on their growth potential, market fit, and alignment with STEP’s objectives. This ensures that only the most promising startups, ready to embrace transformative changes, are chosen. The result is a cohort of high-potential startups primed for success.
Why STEP?
We are not just another initiative, but an organisation committed to transforming lives and businesses. We believe in the power of local startups to drive economic growth and create jobs. With tailored support and resources, we help you overcome challenges and reach new heights. Also, we provide comprehensive talent and mentor support, connecting you with skilled professionals who can help take your business to the next level. At STEP, we are dedicated to the professional growth of individuals. Through our program, selected talent will receive upskilling opportunities and access to job placements that match their skills, ensuring a bright future for all.
Application Details:
Key Dates:
- Application Period: July 22nd – August 31st, 2024
How to Apply for Startups, Talent and Mentors:
- Click www.steptech.ng
- Select your track
- Create an account with us
- Verify your email
- Log in to start your application
How to Apply for Hubs:
- Send a mail to [email protected] with “Hub Application” as the subject
Join STEP in Transforming the Startup Ecosystem
We invite all innovators, from startups to mentors, talent, and hubs, to join us in this exciting journey. STEP is your opportunity to make a significant impact, drive innovation, and contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem in Enugu, Rivers, and Ekiti states.
“Scaleup with STEP” is not just a call to action; it is a testament to the potential and resilience of African startups and talent. By providing targeted support, fostering connections, and driving innovation, STEP is paving the way for a brighter future in Africa’s tech landscape. Join STEP today and be a part of this incredible transformation.
Join the Community
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates, success stories, and live Q&A sessions. One of the most vital parts of STEP is the community that we are creating. By joining STEP, you join a community of like-minded innovators, tech enthusiasts, and industry experts. This community is a place to collaborate, share experiences, and form long-term connections that can help your startup grow.
Follow STEP’s innovative and exciting journey on social media platforms @steptechnigeria on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
For more information, visit the website or contact the team at [email protected].
About IDEA Africa:
IDEA Africa is a leading organization dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa.
Through various initiatives and partnerships, IDEA Africa supports the growth of startups and the professional development of talent, driving economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
Betsy: Reject Gov Obaseki’s N50m Bribe-for-protest against Oshiomhole, Osifo Urges Edo Women
Dein of Agbor at Senator Ned Nwoko’s Summit, Drums Support for Anioma State
APRA Decries Terror Attack in Burkina Faso
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
