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Understanding Self-Driving Cars

On May 2, 2023

Self-driving cars, also autonomous vehicles, are no longer just a concept of the future. Technological advances make these cars more prevalent on our roads and highways. But what exactly are self-driving cars, and how do they work?

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about autonomous cars.

What are Self-Driving Cars?

Self-driving cars use sensors, cameras, and other advanced technology to navigate roads and make decisions without human intervention. The vehicles use a combination of cameras, radar, lidar, and GPS to “see” their surroundings, identify obstacles, and decide how to proceed. Self-driving cars can be fully autonomous, meaning they require no human input. Alternatively, they can be semi-autonomous, meaning they still require a human driver to monitor and control if necessary.

How Do Self-Driving Cars Work?

Self-driving cars use advanced software and hardware to navigate roads and make decisions. The software is responsible for processing data from the car’s sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, and deciding how to proceed. The hardware includes the sensors, the car’s computer, and other components.

Self-driving cars use “sensor fusion” to gather information from their various sensors and create a comprehensive picture of their surroundings. The cars can identify and track other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles in real-time and decide how to proceed based on that information.

There are different levels of autonomy for self-driving cars. Level 0 means no automation, where the driver is responsible for all tasks. Level 1 is considered “driver assistance,” where the car can assist with either steering or acceleration/deceleration. Level 2 is “partial automation,” where the vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration but still requires human input. Level 3 is “conditional automation,” where the car can make decisions and control itself in some situations but still requires a human driver to take over in certain circumstances. Level 4 is “high automation,” where the car can drive itself in most situations but still has a manual override option for the human driver. And finally, Level 5 is “full automation,” where the car is completely autonomous and requires no human input.

Self-driving cars are becoming more prevalent on our roads and highways, and they rely on a combination of advanced software and hardware to navigate roads and make decisions. These cars use sensors, cameras, and other technology to “see” their surroundings, identify obstacles, and decide how to proceed. Self-driving vehicles have the potential to make our roads safer and reduce congestion. However, many questions and challenges still need to be addressed before they become widely adopted.

A Guide for Cybersecurity Terms

By Chika Wonah

On December 6, 2022

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Technology

The topic of cybersecurity is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide due to the number of companies that cyber-attacks have hit in the last few years. Social security numbers and other sensitive data were stolen in the Equifax hack, which affected over 145 million people.

Despite the technological advancements in the past few years, we remain at risk of having our digital data stolen and manipulated. However, being in the digital age is not as frightening as it sounds.

In addition to having a good understanding of how your device works, you should also learn cybersecurity basics. This will allow you to protect yourself and your company from various threats.

VPN

This tool encrypts traffic and masks the user’s location so they can remain anonymous on the internet.

IPN

Your computer’s internet version is known as its home address, typically displayed when it connects to a network.

Exploit

An exploit infects a computer with a malicious application or script.

Breach

Once a hacker successfully exploits a vulnerability, they can access a computer’s files and network.

Firewall

Defend yourself from bad guys with this defensive technology. It is possible to have a hardware firewall or a software firewall.

Malware

Malware is an umbrella term that refers to various types of harmful software that can affect a computer. Some of these include viruses and ransomware.

Virus

Viruses are designed to modify, corrupt, or wipe information on a computer before it can spread to other people.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware designed to prevent a user from accessing their computer’s files. It typically demands a ransom to get the files decrypted.

Bot

An attacker can take over a computer through a command-and-control system typically performed through a software application or script. This type of attack is referred to as a botnet.

Rootkit

A type of malware known as a rootkit is another attack that allows hackers to take over a computer. Since it’s hard to detect, this type of malware could remain on a computer for a long time.

Phishing

Criminals use a variety of techniques to trick people into providing their personal or sensitive data to them. For instance, they can send out email messages designed to trick people into entering their bank account information.

Blockchain Technology: Explained

By Chika Wonah

On April 4, 2022

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Technology

Many financial experts believe that blockchain technology is why Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular. According to Lule Demmissie, the president of the financial firm Ally Invest, blockchain technology is a transformative technology that can transform the way people think about more than just cryptocurrencies. Blockchain technology is also expected to change the way we live our lives.

Even crypto skeptics believe that blockchain technology has the potential to transform the way we do business. Chris Chen, a financial advisor from Massachusetts, believes that blockchain technology will have a stronger hold on the market than Bitcoin.

Blockchain Defined

A blockchain is a digital form of record-keeping commonly used in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. It’s also used in other applications such as financial transactions. A blockchain is a distributed ledger that multiple people can access. This record-keeping system allows users to keep track of their data across multiple computers. Unlike traditional record-keeping methods, which require a central server to store data, nodes can perform various tasks.

Each blockchain block is organized into groups of data or blocks. These groups are linked to each other and form a chain. Each block has its own unique code, which is known as a cryptographic hash. This unique code prevents unauthorized access to the data within the block.

The information stored on a blockchain is immutable, and it can’t be changed. This means that if someone tampered with the data, it wouldn’t affect the record held by other nodes. This ensures that the data is not altered for their own benefit. It’s almost impossible to reverse engineer a blockchain due to how it works. This means that it’s virtually impossible to replicate its computing power.

How Blockchain Is Used

For example, a consumer buys Bitcoin and sends the transaction data to the network of Bitcoin’s nodes. These nodes then approve the transaction and form a block added to the blockchain’s growing list of transactions. Since Bitcoin’s blockchain is public, anyone who owns a Bitcoin can see the details of its transactions. Its public record also allows anyone with a computer to approve transactions and record them on the network.

Blockchains don’t have to be public, though. A private blockchain is designed to prevent unauthorized changes and additions to the network. It can limit the number of people who can access the data on the blockchain. This type of blockchain also ensures that the data is secure. The idea of a secure, decentralized record of information has attracted the attention of various industries. It could help solve multiple issues related to record-keeping and data ownership.

Predictions on Future Uses of Blockchain

Blockchain technology can transform how people store and manage their information. It can provide complete certainty about the authenticity of the data they’re storing. Recent stories about celebrities and meme subjects cashing in on digital property using non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have raised concerns about the potential of blockchain technology.

NFTs are digital assets that can be bought and sold using blockchain. They can be verified by adding the transaction to the blockchain ledger and becoming a verifiable record of ownership. This allows sellers to verify the authenticity of digital works easily.

One of the most promising uses of blockchain technology is to secure the transfer of personal data. For instance, if your bank’s data was stored on a blockchain, it could be used to protect it. A blockchain can also be used to secure the transfer of financial data between different financial institutions. It can be used to ensure that the data is secure and accurate.

According to Chen, blockchain technology has the potential to transform almost every industry. For instance, an election could be conducted using blockchain technology to prevent unauthorized changes. Another promising use of blockchain technology is to improve the accuracy of inventory records. It could also help food producers track recalled products and avoid exploited labor practices. Its use in securing sensitive information also illustrates the advantages of blockchain technology.

U.S. Tech Hubs

By Chika Wonah

On February 10, 2022

In Chika Wonah, Technology

A vibrant tech ecosystem provides numerous benefits to both consumers and the industry. Millions of Americans and billions of dollars worth of investment capital flow into technology hubs. One such hub is Silicon Valley, which boasts a dense network of venture capital firms, large corporations, startups, and established businesses.

Silicon Valley Statistics

The yearly amount of VC funds in Silicon Valley has risen steadily since the early 2000s. Between 2008 and 2010, the number of companies accepting venture capital increased by an average of 20%. According to the National Venture Capital Association, California has become the leading startup capital of America. In 2008 alone, over 60 billion dollars were invested in new startups.

Silicon Valley has successfully replaced New York City as the most important technological innovation and commercialization center for the past few years. 2014 was a particularly fruitful year for Silicon Valley.

The Advent of Major Tech Companies

In 2014, technology giant Apple opened its first research facility in Beijing, China. In April, Google announced it was establishing a new campus in Singapore. Later in the year, the internet technology company Yahoo announced a new campus in New York City.

Apart from this, San Francisco city is home to several networking groups such as Startup Grind and Founder’s Forum, which provide opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.

Benefits of Tech Hubs

Being a hub is beneficial for the government, consumers, and businesses. For instance, a high density of venture capital firms makes it easier to access investments. A non-exhaustive list of the benefits to consumers includes technological innovation and commercialization, improved products, and faster response to demand.

However, the benefits to businesses are highly variable. Some benefits include increased revenues, increased profits, and improved products. It is easy for a firm to get more customers through access to larger markets. A high market value is a definite advantage to businesses because it allows companies to access more extensive funding.

Silicon Valley has long been an innovator in technology and has made many breakthroughs. However, the presence of competition from China has reduced the prices and quality of products in Silicon Valley. The low-cost shipping of Chinese goods via companies such as E-bay, Alibaba, and Amazon has threatened to wipe out Silicon Valley’s position as an innovator.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Silicon Valley is a leading center for technological innovation, commercialization, and global trade. The presence of high-paying jobs has attracted entrepreneurs, and the entrepreneurial environment has led to increased venture capital firms.

The Best Mesh Wi-Fi Routers

By Chika Wonah

On November 10, 2021

In Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

Netgear Orbi AC2200 ($278) – The first on the list is Netgear’s Orbi Series AC2200. This wireless network system has two parts – one plugged into your modem/router combo unit, which serves as a base station, and another that plugs directly into an outlet near your main device location (i.e., next to or behind TV). It delivers data at speeds up to 100Mbps even when there are 20+ devices connected. It also features a sleek design of white and black, so it can blend in with your home decor.

TP-Link Deco M53 ($330) – The TP-Link Deco M53 is an excellent option for those looking to create a mesh WiFI system that looks great on the wall or ceiling! It comes complete with three units: one power adapter and two wireless routers. You simply plug them into outlets throughout your house, allowing you to expand WiFi coverage as needed. Its compact size makes it perfect for even smaller spaces like bedrooms and dens, giving you plenty of room on tables or desks while maintaining optimal signal strength. A simple interface allows anyone from novices to experts to manage their router’s settings quickly and easily.

Eero Home WiFi System ($400) – The Eero Home WiFi system is designed to be the center of your connected home. It provides a range that covers over 5000 square feet and can accommodate up to ten devices simultaneously, allowing you to do everything from watching movies on Netflix to playing video games with friends! Equipped with modern technology like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), it also features an amazing design. Its sleek white exterior fits in seamlessly with any décor, while its clean lines allow it to stand out without drawing too much attention.

Vilo Mesh Router (3-Pack) ($275) – The Vilo Mesh Router is a three-pack system with speeds up to 1750Mbps. It’s designed for easy installation and use, so anyone from novices to experts can be set up in minutes! Its look is streamlined and modern, capable of blending in seamlessly even with the most futuristic décor.

With its mesh network technology, you will have an expanded range that covers over 5000 square feet. This makes it perfect for large homes or multi-level buildings without sacrificing speed! A simple interface allows users of any skill level to manage their settings quickly and easily. This product also works well with Alexa voice control options as well as Google Assistant on Android devices via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 (2-Pack) ($249) – The last on our list is the Asus ZenWiFi AX XT. This model has sped up to 4600Mbps, making it perfect for large homes or multi-level buildings! A sleek design allows you to place its router in any room without drawing too much attention.

The ASUSWRT control panel provides an easy interface with options like AiProtection and Trend MicroTM Security that give your network maximum protection from outside threats. It also comes with a two-year warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing they are there if something goes wrong.

Palo Alto Networks’ Latest Protective Router

By Chika Wonah

On September 28, 2021

In Technology

The most recent product release by Palo Alto Networks features a protective wireless router with integral cybersecurity capabilities that businesses can use to safeguard their employees’ home networks from cyberattacks.

Palo Alto Network, a publicly-traded company, is one of the largest cybersecurity providers globally, with specialty in cloud security and breach prevention. Palo Alto Network’s Okyo Garde was developed to assist enterprises in securing their employees’ home wireless networks. An enterprise can distribute Okyo Garde routers to its workers to connect securely to work applications. Moreover, employees can also create a discrete Wi-Fi network for their non-work use.

According to Palo Alto Networks, Okyo Garde protects the network from various forms of cyber-attacks. It can detect malicious links when clicked upon and prevents the site from loading. Moreover, it can detect phishing attempts and it comes with features for blocking smart home-targeted cyberattacks.

Protection of smart home appliances is achieved by limiting the ability to establish connections with the supposedly malware-ridden external servers. Mobile application is available to administrators to support Okyo Garde deployment. Through the app, administrators can manage configuration settings and receive cybersecurity alerts.

For a business with expansive cybersecurity requirements, there is an edition with an in-built Prisma Access service. It encodes data traffic, implements zero trust protocols to thwart unauthorized access, and provides pointers on enhancing enterprise security. It is the same technology used to secure most of the world’s leading businesses, including hospitals, banks, and universities.

Okyo Garde expands Palo Alto Network’s offerings on business applications and is geared towards protecting remote workers in an era where the area faces a spiking demand. The product will allow the firm to compete more directly for microenterprises’ cybersecurity spending.

Because of the Okyo Garde’s easy-to-use app, the router is more appropriate for microenterprises with little in-house expertise on data security. The router’s primary feature is its mesh networking support, the capability to connect multiple devices and distribute internet across a larger area. The feature renders it suitable for use in corporate locations.

Okyo Garde router has the edge over other providers’ offerings because it supports the up-to-date Wi-Fi 6 and runs on a 2.2 GHz quad-core chip. The router comes with an expansive memory configuration to house its cybersecurity features and enhance network performance.

Online Resources fo See if You’ve Been Hacked

By Chika Wonah

On September 28, 2021

In Digital, Internet of Things

How safe are you online, and how do you even know if your security has been compromised? Well, scammers and hackers present constant daily threats to our online presence. Any activity that gets performed online, from social media to email accounts, can get hacked. Operating an old account without an updated feature puts your entire online presence and newer account at risk of getting attacked by hackers. The pertinent question is; how do you tell if you are a victim of these attacks? Luckily, there are signs that, when noticed, are indicative of an online account getting hacked.

One of the tools that one can confidently use to check whether their email addresses have been compromised is known as “Have I been Pwned? This tool is quite effective in checking the security of one email accounts. The platform is quite effective and easy to use as one is only required to visit their platform and check whether their emails have been part of the data breach using the available tools. Also, the platform checks whether your email address has been used in suspicious public online. If the findings on this platform return in affirmation, this indicates that your email address is at risk.

The next step is securing your email accounts by changing their password with a strong password. Using a [password generator is highly recommended. Consequently, it’s important to avoid opening any suspicious-looking emails sent to your mailbox. It’s essential and critical to remain vigilant and look for any suspicious activity around your email account. Having a similar password for more than one account is a security risk, and it’s not advisable; one gets advised to change it immediately.

There is yet another effective and comprehensive platform and tool to check and ascertain whether you have been hacked. The DE hashed is slightly complicated compared to the “I have been Pwned “email check. Dehashed is a bit broad in its coverage as it can cover more than a single email address. Dehashed allows one to dictate the data sets they are looking for online. It will crawl the internet to ascertain whether there is any information regarding the search criteria available. The platform also goes a notch higher as it allows one to remove any data entries containing personal information.

One gets recommended to use Dehashed if they strongly feel compromised or their old username and password are no longer in use. Dehashed allows one to search for phone numbers, legal names, and addresses. The platform requires one first to create an account to search and c check for details regarding their online presence.

Common Cybersecurity Mistakes

By Chika Wonah

On September 16, 2021

In Internet of Things, Technology

Adequate cybersecurity requires organization and leadership from all aspects of the organization. For solid security against most cyber attacks, there are a few basic principles that an organization should follow. The following are the most common mistakes made by organizations regarding their cybersecurity efforts as well as tips to avoid these common mistakes.

1. Having a Sense of False Security

It happens all too often that a company falsely presumes they are not a target due to the type of data they typically handle. Cyber attacks commonly affect credit card data and personally identifiable information. Despite this, every company is at risk of an attack, as all businesses have valuable information and a leak could impact all of your employees and consumers. A solution is to hire experts to determine vulnerabilities within your company and set up security appropriately.

2. Placing Emphasis on the Wrong People

IT is not the only responsible department for cybersecurity. Everyone in the company carries company data and has the responsibility of protecting it. Organizations should obtain policies and processes to help every employee protect company assets. To ensure that your entire organization is protected it is vital to train, educate, and simulate the entire staff for cyberattack scenarios.

3. Misunderstanding Your Network

Another big mistake companies make is failing to understand and update their network. Failing to do so makes a breach simple and almost inevitable. It is impossible to verify network targets, however, there are ways to lessen the probability of an attack. Ensure that IT updates software in a regular and timely manner and knows where company data is.

4. Only Having One Line of Defense

Many companies simply rely on anti-virus software. These technologies are not adequate for advanced attacks. This software work to identify a virus after it has been attacked. The solution to this is in addition to the anti-virus technology, companies should also employ technologies that also work to predict future attacks and their effects.

5. Overlooking Your Endpoints

Most attacks are on those who fail to monitor their endpoints. Today’s hackers can pass endpoints quickly. Appropriate endpoint technology should be used to provide a proactive approach to tracking down attacks and viruses. Proper security requires a proactive approach.

Cybersecurity Terms to Understand

By Chika Wonah

On August 10, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Internet of Things, Technology

If you use the internet, then you need to know about cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is how we keep our information safe and secure online. From your personal email address to your bank account, from your credit card number to your social media passwords – it all needs a layer of protection against hackers and malicious software. Security is an ongoing process; one can never be too careful when it comes to privacy or the security of others. Here are some basic terms related to cybersecurity that you may find helpful in understanding this topic:

A firewall

A firewall is software that protects the security of your computer or network. Firewalls prevent outsiders from accessing private data and networks and keep internal users from accessing unauthorized sites. A firewall can be programmed with different levels of permissions depending on who needs access. It is usually possible to temporarily override a firewall’s restrictions for a limited amount of time.

Password

A password is a word or phrase used to authenticate access to data, devices, and buildings. Passwords are widely used in computer networks because they are relatively easy to implement and can be revoked. They are also harder for someone else to find out than other types of credentials like biometrics. However, passwords are vulnerable to hacking if they are not sufficiently complex.

Authentication

Authentication is validation that an individual can be trusted or that a computer system or network is secure and functioning properly. The authentication process involves the validating party evaluating something the subject brings with them to verify their identity. In computer systems, rather than something physical, a subject is authenticated through passwords or keys.

Data encryption

Data encryption is a process that drives home security by making data unreadable to anyone without authorized access. Encrypting data renders it meaningless to unauthorized users who might intercept it and try to read the contents. Encryption involves using algorithms and cryptographic keys to make data files unreadable.

Debugging

Debugging is checking and fixing errors in computer software or hardware. It can be performed on a live system, usually for testing purposes, but sometimes also when the program is in the maintenance phase or done on a copy of the program (“dummy”) to save time and effort. Debugging is often performed by programmers during the development process.

Malware

Malware refers to any kind of software designed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information from your system, or gain access to private data such as passwords or banking details. Malware is often spread through phishing emails that contain infected attachments or links to compromised websites (also referred to as a watering hole attack).

If we implement preventive measures, such as those I have listed above, we can probably avoid cyber attacks. It will be pretty difficult for hackers to access any of your personal information if you avoid risky behaviors on the internet.

Cybersecurity and Crypto: How They Work Together

By Chika Wonah

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.