WhatsApp unveils new security features to protect users against hacks

By Abubakar Yunusa

WhatsApp has introduced automatic security codes among three new features it is rolling out to make it harder to take over other people’s accounts.

The instant messaging app, in a blog post on Thursday, said the “automatic security codes” feature is based on a process called “key transparency”.

The messaging app said the process allows users to automatically verify that they have a secure connection.

“Our most security-conscious users have always been able to take advantage of our security code verification feature, which helps ensure you are chatting with the intended recipient,” WhatsApp said.

“You can check this manually by going to the encryption tab under a contact’s info.

“What it means for you is that when you click on the encryption tab, you’ll be able to verify right away that your personal conversation is secured.”

The two other features, WhatsApp said, include “account protect” and “device verification”.

“If you need to switch your WhatsApp account to a new device, we want to doublecheck that it’s really you,” it said.

“From now on, we may ask you on your old device to verify that you want to take this step as an extra security check.

“This feature can help alert you to an unauthorized attempt to move your account to another device.

“Mobile device malware is one of the biggest threats to people’s privacy and security today because it can take advantage of your phone without your permission and use your WhatsApp to send unwanted messages.

“To help prevent this, we have added checks to help authenticate your account, with no action needed from you, and better protect you if your device is compromised. This lets you continue using WhatsApp uninterrupted.”

Kaduna govt lauds CODE for engaging citizens on constituency projects

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has commended Connected Development (CODE), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), for mobilising citizens in the state to monitor Constituency projects in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Hajiya Habiba Shekarau gave the commendation when she received a delegation of the CODE team, Community Monitoring Teams and the Media in her office yesterday.

Hajiya Shekarau said mobilising the residents to get involved in the design and implementation of constituency projects was very crucial, saying she is excited that young team from the CODE are at forefront an indication that there is hope for the future generations.

She opined that the involvement of constituents in the design and execution of constituency and other development projects will ensure that government spending meets the people’s development yearning and the Ministry will be ready to partner with CODE in the noble cause.

In his presentation the Kaduna State Team lead of CODE Mohammed Abubakar said In a bid to deepen citizen’s interest in government spending and address accompanying corrupt practices, his organizations have sensitised residents of Kaduna State on how to engage government using the FollowTheMoney model.

According to him, by fostering social accountability, the organisation had through its open government and improved service delivery in the execution of development projects, exposed and mitigated corruption, and tackled extreme poverty in rural communities.

Speaking earlier the Project Assistant of CODE in Kaduna, Zaraphat Haruna explained that Nigeria’s constituency projects are shrouded in secrecy.

According to her, firstly, the recipient regions are not aware of the projects, and this stems from the fact that the projects did not emanate from them.

She adds: “ Second, the time of executing the project is not known for them to oversee their implementation.

“ Third, federal representatives are far away from the people they claim to represent.”

Haruna stressed that with most of these legislators not having offices, the electorate only sees them during the electioneering period.

She opines that afterwards, it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the people to see their elected representatives, therefore seeks the Ministry collaboration in tracking the Projects

She said CODE has expanded its tentacles outside the shore of the country where its activities are being executed.

Integrate technology into classrooms – Group advises school owners

The DUMENA Education Group, a Digital Company, has called on school owners to integrate the use of technology in their teaching and school operations.

He said this at a one-day workshop organised for school owners and administrators in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is “Building a Digital-Ready School”.

Mr Kingsley Ezejiaku, Chief Executive Officer, DUMENA Education Group, said that the workshop is aimed at improving the digital literacy of school owners and administrators and to encourage them to embrace technology in their operations.

“We organised this event to enable school owners and administrators to enable them make sense of technology and how best they can integrate it to their learning and operations.

“This was inspired by the works we have done with some schools and children and we found out that many of these children are far ahead of the schools they attend in terms of their understanding of technology.

“That is why we are getting the owners of these schools to let them know that they really need to take a step to find out what is available for them in terms of technology and how to bring it back to the classroom.

“This is because the children are being exposed to technology everyday but in the classroom where they are meant to have a first class experience, technology seems to be missing.

“So our objective is to let the school owners know that it is time to embrace technology because it has come to stay,” he said.

Mr Joseph Ajuwon, Co-founder, Afrelib Academy, said when technology is brought into classroom, it would make the students stand-out in terms of employment, starting their businesses, among others.

“We have a huge potential with the number of children in educational facilities in Nigeria, that is a massive potential that can really bring about massive change in this part of the world.

“So we want to make sure that technology for children is made easy and to do that it is the teachers that can make it come to life.

“So bringing technology and making it accessible to the children in the classroom would go a long way in our society,” he said.

Mrs Temitayo Ibikunle, Director, Thriving Treasures School, Garki, said the had provided them the knowledge of how to overcome the challenges of a technology-driven society.

“We have learnt the importance of blended learning which has come to stay and the truth is that it is the future and we cannot shy away from it.

“We have to embrace it and put in every effort to evolve because we are raising children for the future,” she said.

Mr Otaru Richard, Software Engineer, Telesoftas Nigeria, a facilitator at the workshop added that the advantages of technology in education is massive as it would make the students to be problemsolvers. NAN