Blog - Chika Wonah | New Technology

Cybersecurity and Crypto: How They Work Together

On July 12, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

The relationship between cybersecurity and crypto is a complicated one. Cybersecurity protects the information that companies collect from hackers, while cryptography ensures that data remains confidential once it has been collected.

Cryptocurrency – What Is It?

Cryptocurrency, or digital currency, is the future of money. It’s an encrypted form of cash that does not rely on a centralized bank to regulate its value. Instead, it relies on encryption and mathematics for security – which are two things cybersecurity excels at!

Cryptography ensures that cryptocurrency transactions remain confidential, while cryptography also helps protect data from hackers by encrypting it with strong algorithms so only you can access your files.

They offer a decentralized global payment system without borders (no national banks needed!) that lets us send money without dealing with all those annoying fees charged by traditional financial institutions.

Cybersecurity and Cybercrime

Cybercriminals have better access to cryptocurrency because of decentralization, which makes it vulnerable to hacking. As a result, billions of dollars in cryptocurrency have been stolen or lost to hackers.

However, with the help of blockchain technology and security protocols such as two-factor authentication (also known as “multi-factor authentication”), cryptocurrency can be more secure. Blockchains are digital ledgers that record transactions in chronological order so that they cannot be modified or hacked without leaving an indelible mark on time itself! The best part about this form of cybersecurity? It’s FREE!

Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Cybercriminals have used them for money laundering, drug trafficking, and, more recently, ransomware attacks. For example, the WannaCry attack relied on a vulnerability within systems at two Russian companies which were hacked last year – they took advantage of this weakness when attackers demanded ransom payments be made in Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Cryptography – The Science of Cryptocurrency Security

When cryptography and cybersecurity work together, we can enjoy the benefits of cryptocurrency without getting hacked!

When these two fields work together, they make some really interesting things happen: in this case, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin offer people something new. They offer a decentralized global payment system without borders (no national banks needed!) that lets us send money without dealing with all those annoying fees charged by traditional financial institutions.

Cybersecurity excels at protecting data from cybercriminals, while cryptography also helps protect our data from hackers by encrypting it with strong algorithms so only you can access your files.

Protecting Your Personal Information on Social Media

By Chika Wonah

On June 18, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

People can use these four tips to protect their personal information on social media.

Avoid posting sensitive information

Some people use social media for everything. They send Wi-Fi passwords to their friends. They upload work-related documents to colleagues. Some people even use Facebook to communicate with their accountants during tax season. Using social media to message people is okay. However, do not use the platform as a storage space for confidential documents. Instead, use flash drives. Important issues should be resolved offline.

Use anonymized platforms

People need to question whether it is necessary to use their real name and picture online. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Things can go wrong in a security breach. Identities get stolen. People’s lives get turned upside down. Internet users should consider using Reddit and other anonymized chatrooms. People can still find out about current events on Reddit. There are insightful discussions about various topics. For example, people talk about the latest technological advancements. They also share funny cat videos. People can stay safe on the internet by using fake credentials when signing up for an account. Become anonymous in case anything happens.

Make sure to log out

People stay logged in when they are at home. It is convenient. No one likes to waste time signing in. However, staying logged in is a cybersecurity issue. What happens when someone comes over? That person can easily access the computer when the homeowner is not looking. He or she can impersonate the homeowner on social media and ask friends for strange favors. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Therefore, users should remember to log out when they are finished with their browsing session.

Adjust privacy settings

Social media users have control over the types of people that can see their content. They can let the public see everything. They can also limit viewership to friends or friends of friends. People should become familiar with privacy settings because they can affect all aspects of life. Employers check social media when they screen applicants. Universities also research social media profiles before sending out acceptance letters. People should be mindful of these things when they log in.

By taking these actions, people can navigate social media without compromising their safety.

2021 Cybersecurity Career Trends

By Chika Wonah

On June 16, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

Technology is evolving rapidly, and businesses are changing how they operate with the emergence of new technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation. It is creating opportunities for companies to think beyond the everyday operations and development of recent career trends. The world is relying on technology, and with this, there is a need to enhance cybersecurity. Taking up a career in cybersecurity is lucrative because it guarantees full-time employment. Let us brush over some of the emerging cybersecurity career trends this year.

Blockchain developer

Developers create innovative systems to conquer hacking, which is a common cybersecurity threat. They often operate on multiple systems and are familiar with several programming languages. It is the job of blockchain developers to ensure the security of transactions by using secure methods such as cryptography.

Network engineer

The network engineers are responsible for dealing with computer networks. Network engineers perform installations and maintenance of components such as routers and cables. In addition, these professionals monitor network configuration and installation of firewalls to prevent cybersecurity threats. The salary average is about $158,213 for this profession.

Cybersecurity project manager

It is an excellent opportunity for any cybersecurity professional seeking a leadership role. The position gives you an upper hand to manage teams. It is the job of project managers to ensure that the different targets of the project are met within the specified time. In addition, they are charged with providing cybersecurity measures after the analysts have determined the various security measures. Most cyber project managers work with large teams and a budget, so the job demands are at a higher stake.

Information security analyst

The analysts are charged with the responsibility of creating plans and strategies to prevent cyber-attacks. They protect the entire infrastructure by monitoring networks, assessing threats, and protecting them from all types of cybersecurity threats. Once they have identified a treat, they can opt to work on it or escalate the issue depending on the complexity.

Ethical hackers

It is an excellent way of learning how cybercriminals operate. They are responsible for testing out a weakness or any breach in the security system. They create preventive measures even before hacking happens. One way of getting certification is through online learning, which makes you be certified.

Final thoughts

The careers mentioned above are trends that are emerging and evolving. Some of the professions may require you to go through the education system and get the certification. More cybersecurity careers will be on the rise this year and beyond as there is an increasing demand to maintain proper data security measures.

How Students at Home Can Practice Safe Cybersecurity

By Chika Wonah

On May 11, 2021

In Chika Wonah, Technology

With the rise of social media, its become second nature to share every single thought we have on the internet as we chase internet fame. No one can guess what just might take off and make them famous, so people have become more bold and open with strangers with the assumption that everyone will appreciate their transparency.

This clearly isn’t safe for anyone but especially for the younger generation. The previous generations are now reaping what they’ve sown when it comes to internet transparency as many of them realize that there is no way to fully erase their actions online. It’s because of this notion that it’s important to teach kids how to navigate the internet safely, and it’s a lot easier than one might think.

Social Media

When using social media, keep in mind that every platform has built-in security features, most of which are turned off when an account is first made. Take some time to familiarize yourself with every platforms’ security features, and use them. Here are some of the main ways to stay safe when using social media:

Set accounts to private and be choosy about who is let in
Never post anything that would give away an address, phone number, name, or social security number
Never post any financial information such as bank account numbers or show off a new card
Remember that everything posted has the chance to be screenshot, so even if a post is deleted it could still exist somewhere

Websites in general

Try to stick to encrypted websites if possible. the Url will have ‘HTTPS and a padlock next to it, which means data is safe even if it’s leaked
Use a VPN if possible, but make sure the VPN doesn’t store personal information either.
Make sure any usernames and passwords chosen can’t be easily guessed

These are just a few ways to stay safe online, but the world within the internet is always shifting and changing. The best mindset is to be vigilant and not overshare. If something seems too easy or too good to be true it usually is.

For more helpful tips, click here.

Four Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

By Chika Wonah

On May 11, 2021

In Chika Wonah, Technology

Most small business owners ignore the threat posed by cybersecurity. There is a common myth that cybercriminals can’t attack small businesses and start-ups. However, cybercriminals are now focusing on small businesses as they are aware that they put very few measures against cybersecurity threats. Cybercriminals target small businesses with the aim of hacking and stealing vital data. A single hack may eventually lead to loss of business records, fraud, and theft of customers’ confidential information.

The following are four cybersecurity measures that small businesses should consider:

1. Encrypt and back up all business data.

Small businesses should have all their data encrypted before backing up their data. They should consider installing encryption software to encrypt all sensitive email and hardware drives. It’s advisable not to store essential business data in one place. Therefore, small businesses should back up all data in an external drive or the cloud storage, or both.

2. Install firewalls.

Why would you operate systems without an effective firewall? A firewall prevents any unauthorized access into the small business networks. Firewalls are readily available as there are multiple vendors in the market.

3. Install antivirus protection software.

Antivirus software is for protecting small businesses from viruses, spyware, and malware. Small businesses should use up-to-date antivirus software since they have improved patches; hence, cybercriminals can’t exploit the older version’s weaknesses. System users should also regularly scan all hardware for malware to ensure that the systems are secure from viruses.

4. Embrace strong passwords.

Every computer hardware, software, system accounts, and essential documents should be password-protected. Small business employees should avoid easy-to-guess passwords, e.g., date of birth, ID number, etc. When creating strong passwords, ensure you include numbers, symbols, and a combination of capitalized and small letters. Even if the passwords are strong, small businesses should regularly change them since hackers may have intercepted them and wait for the right time to attack.

With all the above four cybersecurity tips, why would any small business and start-up wait to experience data theft? A successful hack into the system may lead to financial losses and unending lawsuits from customers whose confidential information has leaked. Third parties can be a source of your cybersecurity vulnerability; hence small businesses should only deal with third parties who have embraced effective cybersecurity measures.

The Importance of Having a VPN at Home

By Chika Wonah

On April 19, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology, Uncategorized

Anyone who’s been on the internet has heard of VPN services in the past couple of years. However, the average internet user might not truly understand the need to have a VPN. You should consider these reasons why you should start using a VPN service on your internet-connected devices.

Restricted Content

Whether you’re using Netflix or Hulu, you can access a catalog of content that can specific to your country. This means that you could be blocked access from the movie or TV show that you want to watch while another user in a different country gets access to that content. Fortunately, a VPN service can help out with this issue.

To solve this, a user needs to subscribe to a VPN service that offers a server in the country that their streaming content is available. From there, users can watch any restricted content as long as they are using it through their VPN service.

Public Networks

If you need to use the internet while traveling, you might be thinking of using a public network somewhere like an airport or a coffee shop. This might seem simple enough, but you can run into intruders that are on the same network. Having intruders on the same public network as you means that you could have your details and files leaked to them as you browse the internet. Fortunately, a VPN can prevent you from these attacks.

To protect yourself, make sure that you’ve subscribed to a VPN service before accessing your public network. You should then be able to connect to your VPN at any time to create a secured connection on both ends. With a secure connection, intruders won’t get any private details from you since packets coming from your computer and VPN network are encrypted.

Blocked Websites

Getting past restricted streaming content can be great, but you might be wondering more about websites that are blocked in your country. In countries like China, users can go through social media websites like Twitter and YouTube without getting a blocked message. Fortunately, having a VPN lets you bypass this.

You can bypass website restrictions on a VPN because the packets are encrypted in a way that isn’t if you are using a typical network. However, users should find out if any laws make this a criminal offense anywhere they may be living or traveling.

The Risks of Login Codes Sent via Text Message

By Chika Wonah

On April 19, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology, Uncategorized

Two-factor authentication can seem very useful for securing your essential accounts from intruders. However, more and more hackers have been getting into accounts that use text messages for two-factor authentication. Look into these reasons why you should switch over the type of two-factor authentication you operate away from text messaging.

Routing Messages

When you’re holding your phone close to you, you might be thinking that an intruder will have to get into your phone by getting you to install malware. For the past couple of years, though, intruders have been more clever into how they get into mobile phones. They can do this by going directly to your mobile phone carrier.

The way they do this is by first finding some personal details about you. These can be as complicated as your social security number or as simple as the address you live on. From there, they call up your phone carrier.

Depending on the phone carrier, they can be easily convinced that you’re locked out of your mobile device, and you need your number transferred to a separate phone. Intruders can accomplish this by giving up their details and paying a small fee. If it goes successfully, an intruder will have full access to any phone calls or text messages coming your way, with no way to stop them until you’re able to call your phone carrier again. This all is why you shouldn’t ever use text messaging for your two-factor authentication.

Notifications

Sometimes, an intruder might not even be far away to the point where they can be looking at your phone screen in public. Depending on your mobile device settings, you might have notifications popping up with security codes on any screen of your device. Intruders can come up with a plan to get a security code this way.

For example, you might be live-streaming a game on your phone to the internet. Intruders will use this to their advantage by logging into your account online and checking your stream for when the phone notification appears. After that, they can log in to your account and do enough damage before you even have the chance to change the passwords on your accounts. Notifications are just another reason why you shouldn’t be using text messaging linked to your two-factor authentication.

How to Budget Properly for Your Business Cybersecurity System

By Chika Wonah

On March 23, 2021

In Chika Wonah, Digital, Technology

Today, cybersecurity is critical for any business; even though most are not doing well due to the covid-19 outbreak, they should be cyber safe. According to security experts, it’s vital to ensure that more funds are allocated to cybersecurity systems and more staff hired. It’s critical to get value for cybersecurity investment since each new software invention is vulnerable to cyberattacks. Budgeting for cyberattacks can be tricky as the process is marred with various factors that make it hard.

Eliminate Lack of Confidence in the Budgeting Process

A higher percentage of business executives are afraid that cyber spending is not in line with significant risk; hence it’s hard to measure its value. The process monitors cyber effectiveness concerning the budget expenditure. There is a lack of confidence that the current budget will link the overall budget in a strategic, risk-aligned, and data-driven way. The executives are not sure whether the budgets are enough to provide solutions for future emerging technology issues. There is a lack of confidence in the process used to fund cybersecurity, hence creating a revamp. Although some are using new budgeting processes, most agree that they can contain the situation while managing the budget.

Budgeting for Cyber Risk is a Must

To protect a business from cyber-attacks and ensure its security, privacy, and cash flow, cyber managers need to quantify cyber risk and use the information to make the right decisions. Executives who have quantified cyber risk have tangible benefits from the process; however, it comes with numerous obstacles such as lack of individuals who understand cyber risk from a business view, lack of scalability, and widely accepted models. 60% have either started to quantify cyber risk or are implementing at scale.

Instill Confidence in Budgeting Decisions

Cyber economics has long been focusing on the cost side without realizing its benefits to a business. Cybersecurity should be highly regarded in every business decision-making to ensure they achieve a strategic, risk-aligned, and data-driven solution. Investing in cyber projects allows a business to compare the cost and value of risk reduction and cost compliance. Quantification is a sure way of valuing cyber investments against business objectives. CEOs must ensure this happens since they are held accountable for cybersecurity.

Resetting Your Cybersecurity Strategies in 2021

By Chika Wonah

On March 9, 2021

In Chika Wonah, Digital, Technology

2020 was the year of the unexpected, biologically and digitally. This is true in terms of many changes and served as an eye-opener for better preparedness. It is an era that shows preparation, caution, and due diligence matters in all aspects or one would face similar consequences.

One of the significant shifts was the switch from physical interactions to compulsory digital ones, leading to an expansion in digitization. People started working from home, and many businesses joined the digital movement; this led to a more substantial focus on cybersecurity with the rise of many cyber attacks.

The Need for Cybersecurity in A Distributed Working Environment

Hackers capitalized on the ‘work from home’ trend, and there was a surge in global cyber attacks. Phishing and the use of fake accounts to access individual personal information were in vogue. Ransomware was on a rampage as many firms, companies, organizations, and even networks in their entirety were held as hostages.

Accelerated machine learning significantly impacted widespread digitization, and artificial intelligence technologies are on the rise as well. Like every other digital creation, digitization has its vulnerabilities; this leads to hackers exploiting the vulnerabilities in these creations, including networks and devices.

The Rise of Cybersecurity Must Follow

The cyber breaches of 2020 were recorded to almost double that of 2019 due to the digital expansion. An estimate of 59% of the world’s population, amounting to 4.6 billion, was the rate of active internet users as of July 2020.

As the usage went up, so did the attacks.

Statistics for online crimes reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2020 were nearly quadruple that of 2019 due to the pandemic.

Everyone is susceptible to breaches, but with actions, one can limit the damages. Indeed, individuals and organizations can attribute risks to new business models, innovations and technologies. Hence, a need to reset cybersecurity strategies so that 2021 can be better.

Simple Actions To Take

Cybersecurity organizations project that in every 11 seconds, a business may fall victim to a ransomware attack in 2021. The prediction for global ransomware damage costs is about $20 billion by 2021. However, with the right actions, one can flatten the cybersecurity attack curve.

Reviewing cyber budgets, planning for resilience, investing in security solutions, and enhancing security in organizations are part of the focus on resetting cybersecurity strategies.

Amidst rapid global digitization in businesses and every other aspect of life, a holistic cyber strategy is required. One that encompasses adequate prevention and protection and will lead to a foreseeable decline in cyber attacks.

2021 Cyber Security Predictions

By Chika Wonah

On February 15, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology, Uncategorized

Many corporations have prioritized cyber-security amid the COVID-19 pandemic. PwC’s recent report shows that 96% of managers have changed their cyber-security techniques, and 40% of them claim that their digitization efforts have increased. Correspondingly, IDC anticipates that global security expenditure will increase by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during the 2020-2024 prediction period, reaching $174.7 billion in 2024. Similarly, Forrester’s 2021 cyber-security forecasts indicate that funding for cyber-security companies whose headquarters are outside the United States will rise by 20% in 2021. Analysis Mason also predicts that between 2019 and 2025, mobile device security will be the fastest-growing cyber-security category and will reach $13 billion with a CAGR of 17%.

In 2020, breaches became a challenging problem that was difficult to stop. For example, the U.S Depart of Health and Human Services (HHS) Breach Portal shows that in 2020, 436 breaches attacked healthcare organizations, affecting 17.3 million.

Here is a list of predictions that apprehend how cyber-security will advance in 2021:

1. In 2021, 55% of businesses will increase their cyber-security budget allocations, and 51% will hire more full-time cyber staff.

2. In The Next Three Years, the most dominant cyber-security technologies will be the Cloud Workload Protection Platform, Passwordless Authentication, and Posture Management. As Gartner’s Impact Radar for Security framework indicates, the Zero Trust Networking will have a significant impact within a period of one to three years.

3. Security services will be the fastest and largest growing security market sector, occupying half of the security budget meant for the 2020-2024 prediction period. The segment will also attain a CAGR of 10.5% in five years.

By 2021, cyber-security IT spending will reach a CAGR of 12% due to the drastic increase in cybercrimes, such as breaches, endpoint security attacks, phishing, and privilege access credential abuse.

Intellectual Property will be cyber criminals’ target in 2021.
The global cyber-security expenditure for small and medium-sized businesses will increase by 10% CAGR between 2019 and 2024, making this segment an $80 billion industry in four years.

4. Business cybersecurity spending will grow at a higher rate in four major industries- healthcare services and systems, financial and banking, technology and media, and social and public segments.

5. Improvements in AI and machine learning will contribute to 80% of devices’ capability to self-secure-and-heal, enabling IT to implement policies and remain confident that their data and devices are safe.

Many companies will struggle to reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks in 2021 and beyond.
Over the next five years, cyber-crime costs will increase at an annual rate of 15%, reaching $10.5 trillion per year by 2025.
Security vendors will continue to consolidate endpoint security in 2021.

In 2021, cybercriminals will devise new and innovative ways to attack personal devices to access corporate networks. While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced workers to work remotely, many organizations have not fully protected their employees. As a result, cyber attackers will exploit these gaps, leading to increased cybercrimes.