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Google issues security warning to 2.5 billion Gmail users

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Google issues security warning to 2.5 billion Gmail users

Google has issued a critical security warning to its 2.5 billion Gmail users, cautioning against a surge in holiday season scams.

The tech giant disclosed this in an official blog post on Google’s Product News, emphasizing the need for vigilance as scammers intensify their activities during this period.

In its announcement, Google revealed a sharp rise in email traffic since mid-November, describing the holiday season as a peak period for cybercriminals.

With more than 2.5 billion users, Gmail is the world’s largest email provider, and we know how important it is to keep inboxes everywhere safe. We invest heavily to meet this responsibility, blocking more than 99.9% of spam, phishing, and malware in Gmail,” the company stated.

Google warned users to remain alert, noting that scammers often adapt their tactics during the holiday season.

“We typically see a second wave of attacks around this time in the holiday season as attackers adjust and try new things,” the blog post stated.

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The company identified three common scams currently in circulation:

1. Invoice scams

Fraudsters send fake invoices, prompting victims to call and dispute charges. They use the interaction to extract payments or sensitive information.

2. Celebrity scams

These scams exploit the popularity of celebrities to deceive users. Fraudsters either impersonate famous personalities or falsely claim that a celebrity is endorsing a product or service.

The association with a celebrity builds trust and encourages victims to engage with fraudulent offers, often leading to financial loss or identity theft.

3. Extortion scams

Extortion scams are particularly alarming as they use fear and intimidation to manipulate victims. Scammers send threatening emails containing personal details, such as the victim’s home address or other sensitive information.

These messages often include threats of physical harm or the release of compromising personal data unless a ransom is paid. The inclusion of personal details makes the threats appear credible, pressuring victims into complying with the demands.

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How to stay safe

Google advised users to follow these four key steps to protect themselves:

1. Slow it down– Scammers often create a sense of urgency to push victims into making hasty decisions. Emails may use terms like “urgent,” “immediate action required,” or “account deactivated” to instill panic. Google advises users to pause, assess the situation, and avoid acting impulsively.

2. Spot check

Always verify the authenticity of an email before taking any action. Check the sender’s email address and cross-reference the details provided in the message.

Does the email make sense? Is it consistent with communications you expect from the purported sender? Conducting a quick online search can help confirm if the email is legitimate or part of a known scam.

3. Stop! don’t send

Legitimate organizations or individuals will never demand immediate payments or request sensitive personal information via email. Avoid sharing financial details, passwords, or other private information in response to unsolicited emails.

4. Report it

If you receive a suspicious email, mark it as spam or phishing within your email platform. Reporting such emails not only helps protect your inbox but also contributes to broader efforts to combat scams, benefiting millions of other users.

By following these steps, Gmail users can enhance their defenses against holiday scams and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cybercriminals.

Google issues security warning to 2.5 billion Gmail users

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Electricity: We installed 184,507 meters, issued 50 licences in Q3, says FG

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

prepaid meters

Electricity: We installed 184,507 meters, issued 50 licences in Q3, says FG

The Federal Government has recorded significant progress in Nigeria’s electricity sector with the installation of 184,507 new meters and the issuance of 50 licences, permits, and certifications during the third quarter of 2024 (Q3).

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealed in its Q3 2024 report released on Friday that 184,507 meters were installed, marking a remarkable 256.01% increase compared to the 51,826 meters installed in Q2 2024.

The increased metering pushed the net end-user metering rate in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to 46.15%, up from 45.43% in Q2, a rise of 0.72 percentage points.

The installations were largely carried out under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, which accounted for 178,715 meters or 96.86% of the total. The Vendor Financed framework contributed 3,508 meters, while the DisCo Financed framework added 2,298 meters.

This development signifies a concerted effort to address challenges like estimated billing and promote consumer satisfaction across the electricity distribution value chain.

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Power sector development: 50 licences issued

To complement the surge in meter installations, NERC issued 50 licences, permits, and certifications aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector infrastructure. These include:

Six (6) new off-grid generation licences with a combined capacity of 30.06 MW.
One (1) renewal of an on-grid generation licence with a gross capacity of 39 MW.
Two (2) new electricity trading licences.
Eleven (11) captive generation permits with a total gross capacity of 63.36 MW.
One (1) registration certificate for a mini-grid.
Seven (7) certifications for Meter Service Providers.
Twenty-two (22) permits for Meter Asset Providers.

These licences are expected to encourage investments, improve power supply, and expand access to renewable and off-grid energy solutions, especially in rural areas.

Key Implications for the Power Sector

The surge in meter installations and issuance of licences marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s electricity sector. By prioritizing metering through initiatives like MAP, the government is tackling the pervasive problem of estimated billing, which has long plagued electricity consumers.

Furthermore, the rise in off-grid and mini-grid licences underscores a growing shift towards renewable energy and decentralized power solutions, vital for enhancing energy access in underserved regions.

A Promising Outlook: These advancements highlight the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s power sector and creating an enabling environment for both consumers and investors.

With metering and licensing activities gaining momentum, stakeholders anticipate further progress in Q4 2024, laying the foundation for a more reliable, sustainable, and inclusive energy sector.

Electricity: We installed 184,507 meters, issued 50 licences in Q3, says FG

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Ibadan stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi his ex-wife, Naomi Ogunseyi

Ibadan stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has encouraged his ex-wife, Naomi Ogunseyi, and radio owner, Oriyomi Hamzat, not to be discouraged following the tragic stampede at a Yuletide ceremony for children in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed 32 lives.

The monarch also pledged support for the families of the victims and called for immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

His comments followed the arrest of his ex-wife by the police and were made in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare.

In his statement, the Ooni expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the government of Oyo State, the organisers—Agidigbo Radio, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, and former queen at the Ooni’s Palace, Ms Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, as well as the bereaved families of the young souls lost in the tragic incident in Ibadan yesterday.”

He also expressed solidarity with the Oyo State government and commended the governor for his swift response.

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“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our children across Nigeria. The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss,” he added.

The Ooni called for immediate action to improve safety measures, stressing the importance of adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions. He advised Naomi Ogunseyi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and other co-organisers not to be discouraged by the unfortunate outcome of the event, which was originally intended to bring joy to children during the festive season.

He concluded, “Rather than being discouraged, they should remain committed to organising such laudable programmes for children, but with better planning and strategies in the future. The lesson must be learned.”

Ibadan stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife

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Farotimi: Advocacy group wants UK college to break ties with Afe Babalola

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Dele Farotimi and Aare Afe Babalola

Farotimi: Advocacy group wants UK college to break ties with Afe Babalola

A growing wave of international pressure is urging King’s College London to sever its ties with prominent Nigerian lawyer and philanthropist Afe Babalola following the controversial arrest of rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

Babalola, who is a major donor to the prestigious UK institution, has been accused of using his influence to have Farotimi arrested for alleged defamation.

In a petition dated December 17, 2024, the advocacy group Mothers United and Mobilised (MUM), representing a collective of Nigerian women and mothers, called on King’s College London to distance itself from Babalola and his actions.

The petition, signed by MUM convener Boluwaji Onabolu, urged the institution to release a statement condemning the alleged suppression of dissent and to return the €10 million donation made by Babalola in 2023.

Farotimi was detained by police officers from Ekiti State, Babalola’s home state, following critical remarks about the 95-year-old lawyer in his book.

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The book criticized Babalola for allegedly winning cases with financial leverage rather than legal skill, a claim that reportedly triggered the arrest.

Farotimi was detained for more than two weeks, despite being granted bail under stringent and punitive conditions.

The group contends that the situation in Ekiti, where Babalola holds considerable influence, presents little hope for a fair trial for Farotimi.

“The defamation charge, a civil matter, should have been addressed through legal proceedings in Lagos, but instead, it was escalated to an arrest orchestrated by Chief Babalola using his home state’s police,” the petition read.

The group stressed that King’s College London, a globally recognized institution, should not be associated with actions that undermine freedom of speech and legal fairness.

The group urged the UK institution to publicly support Farotimi’s right to a fair trial and demand his release from detention.

“King’s College London must stand on the right side of history. We urge the institution to break its silence and align itself with the fight for justice, human rights, and the protection of free expression, which are fundamental to the values it represents,” the group said.