E-Business
81% Tablet Users Overlook Privacy Policies While Downloading Apps
As the world expects 50 billion devices to be connected to the internet by 2020 and with mobile devices and all of the apps come with them have become invaluable life assistants, latest study shows that 81% of tablet users overlook privacy policies before downloading apps.
Although, ISACA’s 2013 IT Risk/Reward Barometer shows that, increasingly, the privacy and security implications of the Internet of Things are making their way into the public consciousness.
The organization’s latest survey reported by infoSecurity shows that only 1% of Americans, for instance, named the makers of their mobile phone apps as the institution they would most trust with personal data.
And when it comes to the developing Internet of Things tsunami (when everyday machines, devices, sensors, cars, cameras and other items are connected to the Internet and often to each other), 92% express concerns about the information collected.
Infosecurity reported as disconnect, the claim by the survey that most people (81%) don’t always read privacy policies before downloading apps to their phone or tablet. Similarly, half (50%) don’t feel they have control over how websites use their information – but one in four (25%) have not checked the privacy settings on their social network profiles in the past six months.
This apparent gap between belief and behavior is likely to matter even more in the future, as consumers use mobile apps to interface with everyday objects that increasingly share data via the internet.
Worryingly, the gap between concerns and action isn’t limited to privacy. The survey also showed that 90% of respondents are concerned that their online information will be stolen, yet half (51%) use the same two to three passwords across multiple sites. Four in 10 (40%) write down their passwords to remember them.
The results are piquant considering that the connected device era is already underway. Although only 6% of participants said they are aware of the term Internet of Things, many report using internet-connected devices such as a GPS systems (62%), electronic toll devices on their cars (28%) or smart TVs (20%).
Close to half of the IT professionals (48%) surveyed believe that for consumers, the benefit of the Internet of Things outweighs the risk.
But the average American and members of the IT department do not see eye-to-eye on what the greatest risks are: according to the consumer study, people are most concerned about someone hacking into their connected devices and doing something malicious (31%). IT professionals, however, believe that what consumers should be most concerned about ‘is not knowing’ who has access to their information (48%) or how it will be used (25%).
IT professionals see benefits in the Internet of Things in business as well. In the related survey of 591 US-based IT professionals who are members of ISACA, almost all (99%) believe the Internet of Things poses governance issues, but 42% say the benefits outweigh the risk and more than one quarter (26%) say the benefits and risk are appropriately balanced for their enterprise. About a third (30%) said that their enterprises have already benefited from greater access to information; and 29% have improved services as a result of the Internet of Things.
“Internet-connected devices are already delivering powerful business and lifestyle benefits, but organizations using these need to proceed with transparency and with the consumer at the forefront of their decisions,” said Jeff Spivey, international vice president of ISACA. “The deep concerns about privacy and security uncovered by this year’s IT Risk/Reward Barometer show that enterprises need to establish and openly communicate policies around use of personal data to preserve trust in information.”
E-Business
NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.
NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,
During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.
This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.
To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.
This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.
E-Business
Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes
Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.
Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.
Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,
“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.
According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.
“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’
Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.
“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’
Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.
“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.
“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).
“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.
According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.
Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.
Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.
E-Business
Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals
Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.
Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.
Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.
“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”
To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.
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