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Coding Champions Emerge At ITSA\’s Hackathon

Blogs, Tech news update, Uncategorized

ITSA’s hackathon, the first edition of ITSA’s Design and Code Marathon, held at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), was an incredible success. From June 7th to 28th, 2024, the event buzzed with energy and creativity as participants showcased their UI/UX design and coding skills. Event Highlights The event timeline included a registration deadline and project brief day on June 7, 2024, a project submission deadline on June 26, 2024, and concluded with an award ceremony on June 28, 2024. Participants: The marathon featured 9 dynamic teams, each comprising developers and designers. Based on the brief, they aimed to develop a functional software application or tool, to incorporate into Device Health Management Service(DHMS). Teams and Participants: MetricMavens: Chikendu Hillary Samson Chimaraoke MOD: David Nwankwola Otis Odili Modestus Osinachi Spark Squad: Ubadineke Prince George Onari Okonkwo Caleb Bit Alchemists: Chinekezie Ikechukwu Okereke Clement Dominion Nwakama Team Apex: Anyanwu Ozioma Johnpaul Anyanwu Okoye Chibuike Christian Catalyst Devs: Francis Eze Nwafor Blessing Franklin Ikemezie Code Crusaders: Ibeakama Daberechukwu Osini Godsgift Tech Titans: Paul Chinedu Michael John Ahiakwo PixelByte: David Mmadubuike Ihekwoaba Success Celebrating the Winners After rigorous coding sprints and creative design challenges, the winners emerged as follows: 1st Place: Spark Squad 2nd Place: PixelByte 3rd Place: MetricMavens The founder and CEO of IT Service Desk Africa, Mr. Ikechukwu Onwumere, presented the awards. The event included networking opportunities, intense coding sessions, and engaging UI/UX design challenges. Participants had a blast, and the camaraderie among teams was palpable. This event not only highlighted the immense talent at FUTO but also set the stage for many more marathons and hackathons to come. Looking Forward This first edition of ITSA’s Design and Code Marathon has set a high bar for future events. We\’re excited to continue fostering innovation and creativity among students, preparing them for a bright future in tech. Subscribe to DHMS Are you a school owner or responsible for a large number of students? Ensure the safety and security of all your school’s devices with Student DHMS from IT Service Desk Africa. Our comprehensive service protects against cybersecurity threats and ensures smooth, uninterrupted learning by managing device maintenance and security. Invest in Student DHMS to safeguard your institution’s technology infrastructure and provide a safe digital environment for your students. At IT Service Desk Africa, we\’re proud to offer Africa\’s first subscription-based device health management service, designed to keep all your devices running smoothly and securely. Our expert IT solutions cater to corporate organisations, providing comprehensive support, from device management and process automation to managed IT services, ensuring seamless operations. For families, our Device Health Management Service (DHMS) offers essential features like device security, data protection, and educational resources. With our flexible plans, you can manage and protect your family\’s devices effortlessly, while controlling expenses and ensuring a safe online experience for your kids. Learn more at IT Service Desk Africa and Family DHMS. Click here to subscribe.

Keeping Your Workspace Safe: How Hacking Happens and What to Do About It

Blogs, Uncategorized

Today, ensuring the safety of your workspace goes beyond locking the office door. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and hackers are finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities.  With the average cost of a data breach exceeding $4 million annually, it\’s crucial to understand the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and implement robust security measures to safeguard your digital workspace. Let\’s dive into the importance of safety in the workspace, understand how hacking happens, and most importantly, how to protect your business. Importance of Safety in the Workspace Imagine coming to work one morning to find that your entire system has been compromised. Customer data, financial records, and proprietary information—all in the hands of a hacker.  In May 2024, TechCabal reported that Flutterwave, a major Nigerian payment company, experienced a security breach in April 2024. This incident enabled unknown individuals to divert N11 billion into various bank accounts. Flutterwave detected unusual activities and immediately implemented thorough measures to safeguard its customers. Despite these efforts, the breach highlights ongoing security challenges in financial services. The repercussions of hacking can be catastrophic, from financial losses to a tarnished reputation. Workplace cybersecurity isn\’t just an IT concern; it\’s a business imperative. The Hacking Playbook: How Hacking Happens in Workspace     1. Phishing Attacks: The Bait and Hook This bait and hook phishing is one of the most common and effective ways hackers gain access to a company\’s systems. They send deceptive emails that appear legitimate, tricking employees into revealing sensitive information like passwords and bank details. 2. Weak Passwords: An Unlocked Door Like an unlocked door, many breaches occur due to weak or easily guessable passwords. Hackers use automated tools to crack passwords, giving them easy access to your systems. 3. Malware Infections: The Invisible Invader Like a stealthy intruder, malware can infiltrate your network through various means, from infected email attachments to compromised software downloads. Once inside, malware can steal data, monitor activities, and even take control of your systems. 4. Unsecured Networks: An Open Gate Hey, who left the gates open? Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks can expose your company to cyber-attacks. Hackers can easily intercept data transmitted over these networks, gaining access to sensitive information. 5. Insider Threats: The Rogue Element Finally, the Rogue Element. Not all threats come from outside. Disgruntled employees or those with malicious intent can misuse their access to cause significant harm. Protecting Your Workspace   1. Educate Your Team  Awareness is the first line of defence. Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about the latest phishing techniques and the importance of strong passwords. 2. Implement Strong Password Policies  Encourage the use of complex passwords and change them regularly. Consider using password management tools to generate and store secure passwords. 3. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software  Ensure all devices have updated antivirus and anti-malware software. Regularly scan systems to detect and remove any threats. 4. Secure Your Networks  Use encrypted connections for all communications. Ensure your Wi-Fi networks are secure, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for business activities. 5. Monitor for Insider Threats  Implement access controls and monitor user activities. Ensure that employees only have access to the information they need for their roles. 6. Regularly Update Software  Keep all software and systems updated with the latest security patches to protect against vulnerabilities. The Battle-Tested Solution: IT Service Desk Africa\’s DHMS At IT Service Desk Africa, we understand the critical importance of cybersecurity in the workplace. Our Device Health Management Service(DHMS) provides a comprehensive solution to safeguard your digital environment, ensuring your business runs smoothly without interruptions. We Can Protect Your Data Let’s say Company X, a leading Nigerian e-commerce platform, experienced a security breach in 2023, resulting in the theft of sensitive customer data, which further resulted in the loss of customer trust and revenue. To prevent future breaches and enhance its security posture, Company X engaged IT Service Desk Africa\’s services, which included: – Conducting a comprehensive security audit and risk assessment – Implementing robust firewalls and intrusion detection systems – Enhancing network segmentation and access controls – Deploying advanced threat detection and response tools – Providing regular security monitoring and incident response – Conducting employee security awareness training and phishing simulations Company X significantly improved its security stance by partnering with IT Service Desk Africa, restoring customer confidence, and protecting sensitive data. Conclusion: Securing Your Digital Future Cybersecurity isn\’t just about technology but vigilance, education, and proactive measures. By understanding how hacking happens and implementing robust security practices, you can protect your business from cyber threats. Stay safe, stay secure, and keep your business thriving with ITSA. Secure your business today with IT Service Desk Africa’s DHMS. Visit https://itservicedeskafrica.com/ to learn more and protect your organisation. Sign up for DHMS https://dhms.itservicedeskafrica.com/signup/

What Are Your Kids Watching?

Blogs, Family

Protecting Our Children Online with Family DHMS “Oh my God! What are you watching?” That\’s the kind of rude awakening we get when we see our teenagers watching pornography online. You are like ‘I did not train you to be this way. No, you didn\’t, but the other teachers did. The other teacher didn\’t ask for the kid\’s permission. They just bombarded them with content. And knowing a kid\’s curious mind…why not? In today\’s digital age, keeping track of what our kids are watching online has become increasingly challenging. With the rise of social media platforms and streaming services, children have easy access to a wide range of content, not all of which is suitable for their age. As parents, it\’s our responsibility to ensure that our children are protected from pornography, harmful content and online dangers. The Problem with Online Content “Did you see the leaked video of some student? What about the one with a popular celebrity?” Laughing hysterically as though sharing this content is a thing of joy, we pass it on from device to device and we couldn\’t care less what teenager stumbles on it. From explicit sexual videos to leaked private footage, the internet is filled with content that can harm impressionable young minds. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube often host inappropriate material that can lead to poor mental health, sexism, objectification, and even sexual violence among teenagers.  TikTok made recent headlines by removing from the last quarter of 2023, a staggering 176.5 million videos due to guideline violations, with 1.7 million originating from Nigerian users. Despite these efforts, the internet continues to be inundated with harmful content that appears uninvited. Harmful videos continue to circulate online, posing a significant threat to our children\’s well-being. Proposed Solution According to a publication by UNICEF, early exposure to pornography can have detrimental effects on mental health, fostering sexism, objectification, sexual violence among children, and unhealthy habits like masturbation. These are the results when we do not protect what our kids are watching. Their proposed solution emphasises government regulation of digital platforms to enforce content moderation standards.  However, they stress that regulatory measures alone are insufficient. Educating and empowering children with critical thinking skills, media literacy, and knowledge about healthy relationships is crucial. Parents, educators, and communities must collaborate to support children in navigating the digital world safely. The Solution: Family DHMS   At IT Service Desk Africa, we understand the importance of safeguarding our children in the digital age. That\’s why we\’ve developed Family DHMS, a comprehensive device health management service designed to protect your family\’s devices and ensure a safe online experience for your teenagers. Benefits of Family DHMS Security Tool for Devices: Our DHMS plan includes robust security features that shield your family\’s devices from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Loaner Devices for Family: If your device needs repairs, we provide loaner devices to ensure uninterrupted access to technology. Data Protection: We prioritise the safety and security of your personal and professional information, implementing measures to safeguard against data breaches and cyberattacks. Educational Resources: With access to educational resources, you can empower your children to navigate the digital environment responsibly and develop critical thinking skills. Replacement Using OEM Parts: Our DHMS plan ensures that any necessary repairs or replacements are carried out using high-quality OEM parts, guaranteeing the longevity and performance of your devices. Expense Control: Say goodbye to unexpected costs and unnecessary replacements. Our DHMS plan helps you manage expenses and stay within budget. What This Means for You as a Parent With Family DHMS, you can have peace of mind knowing that your children are protected from pornography and other online dangers. Our comprehensive subscription plan allows you to monitor your family\’s device usage, restrict access to inappropriate content, and track their online activity. By signing up for Family DHMS, you\’re taking proactive steps to safeguard your children\’s digital well-being. Take Action Today   Join us in the fight to protect our children online. Sign up for Family DHMS and ensure a safe and secure online experience for your family. We understand the urgency, so we are allowing free sign-ups with an opportunity to onboard your family’s devices on our platform. Now that you can monitor and protect what your kids are watching, what else do you need? With IT Service Desk Africa, you\’re in good hands.

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