Science & Tech

Top 10 Highest Paying Tech Jobs in 2025

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Top 10 Highest Paying Tech Jobs in 2025

The technology industry is definitely one of the largest and fastest growing industries out there. Careers in technology spread across the landscape of the global economy from software engineers building both small and large applications that enable us interact and do business better to designers who ensure users enjoy not just a sleek and responsive interface but also have a great experience using each product, to product managers who are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that every product meet the need of the customer and make a great ROI. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States of America, employment in the IT field is projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. There are several benefits that abound in having a career in the tech industry and a high salary is one of them. As mentioned earlier, you can choose from several exciting options in the technology field, such as Software engineering, Project management, DevOp, Data Science, AI & ML, etc. You can have a career in technology in many different places, such as fast-paced startups, innovative tech companies, and small IT departments. In this article, I cover the top 10 high-paying careers in the technology industry. If you are giving your career some consideration to make sure you are future-proofing your skillset or perhaps moving into a new field altogether, I urge you to read on. So What Jobs Are These? Principal Software Engineer In an administrative job reporting to upper management, the role of a software engineering manager is to supervise and guide the work of other software engineers on projects, including the design and development of software, programs, and applications. A software engineering manager generally needs at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming, as well as several years of experience in a role or industry closely related. In addition, they must be skilled in programming languages and programs to contribute individually.  A principal software engineer earns an average of $4500 annually in Nigeria. In the US, the average annual salary is about $244,500. The average annual salary in other countries are: Australia: over $161,000 Canada: over $165,000 Denmark: over $141,000 France: over €89,000 Germany: over €107,000 United Kingdom: over £116,000 Machine Learning Engineer A Machine Learning Engineer is saddled with the responsibilities of developing and deploying machine learning models to solve specific business or technical problems. They work with data scientists to build algorithms and integrate models into production systems. The average annual salary of a machine learning engineer is $206,000 Engineering Manager An Engineering Manager leads and mentors a team of engineers, ensuring the successful and timely delivery of projects. They coordinate resources, set technical direction, and align engineering efforts with company goals. On average, they earn an annual salary of $203,500 Software Engineer Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems and applications, ensuring that they are scalable, efficient, and aligned with user requirements. They work collaboratively with a cross-functional team to implement innovative solutions and solve technical queries. The software engineer earns an average of $186,500 annually. Data Scientist With an average annual salary of $183,000, a Data Scientist is responsible for analyzing complex data sets to uncover trends, generate insights, and build predictive models that drive business decisions. They use statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to solve real-world problems across various fields. Technical Program Manager Technical Program Managers (TPM) are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing complex technical projects. They work across teams to manage timelines, mitigate risks, and ensure successful delivery of technical initiatives. On average, they earn an annual salary of $174,000 IT Manager The IT Manager wears on his back the responsibilities of overseeing an organization’s technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, and networks, and ensuring that the technology aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives. He earns an annual average of $169,510 Product Manager Product Managers are responsible for overseeing the development and lifecycle of a product, from concept to launch. They work with cross-functional teams to define product goals, prioritize features, and ensure the product meets customer needs and business objectives. On average, they earn $169,000 Product Designer A Product Designer is responsible for creating user-friendly and visually appealing designs for products and interfaces. They conduct user research, develop prototypes, and work closely with engineering and product teams to ensure a seamless user experience. A product designers earns an average of $155,500 Senior Data Analyst A Senior Data Analyst is responsible for interpreting data, generating actionable insights, and creating reports that support strategic decision-making. They lead data analysis projects, mentor junior analysts, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of data. The take annual average take home is $149,500 Where to Look for Best-Paying Jobs in Technology? There are a number of  places to look for the best-paying jobs in technology.  Online job boards – Companies often post job openings on these boards to find qualified candidates. Tech conventions – At these conventions, companies will often have booths set up where they will be recruiting for open positions. Personal connections-  people already in the tech industry will know of open positions and can put in a good word for qualified candidates.

Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Courses And Certifications That Will Boost Your Career And Business in 2025

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Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Courses And Certifications That Will Boost Your Career And Business in 2025 (1)

With the rise in Artificial Intelligence across the landscape of the world and the disruption it brings to almost every aspect of human life, no one wants to miss out on the trend. But a trend? I don’t think so Artificial Intelligence is now beyond just another trend, as trends fade away after a certain- short or extended period of time. But AI, just like the internet was introduced and blew up in the early 1900s and has been a part of human existence till tomorrow, so also artificial intelligence is gradually becoming a significant part of our existence as humans in this civilization which is here to stay. Its significance is extremely powerful as it is on track to be the key technology that enables business transformation and gives companies a competitive edge. AI can help businesses be more productive by automating their processes, which includes using robotics and autonomous vehicles. It can also help by supporting their existing workforces with AI technologies such as assisted and augmented intelligence. Most organizations are working to implement AI in their business processes and products. Organizations are using AI in various business applications, including finance, marketing, healthcare, smart home devices, retail, fraud detection and security surveillance. With this bird’s eye view of the significance of Artificial Intelligence, it is very expedient that as a career professional and or a business individual or an entrepreneur who wants to continually stay on the crux of their journey, you should have a definite, whether basic or in depth knowledge of this whole new world. But why’s a certification in AI important? It is important for various reasons including: Taking a course and getting certified in AI can set an individual on a trajectory of a successful and adventurous career. There are constant changes in the field of AI, and it can be a challenge to keep up with that pace of change. A certification would inform anyone you are familiar with the latest developments in the field A certification in AI can set you apart from the competition and reveal to employers that you have the skills they want and need AI demands advanced education. A National University examination of 15,000 job postings on Indeed.com found that nearly 80% of AI job openings require candidates to have a master’s degree, while 60% demanded at least a bachelor’s degree. Another 18% required a PhD, while only 8% would consider a high school diploma.   So here are the Top 5 AI Courses and Certifications IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate by Coursera This is a beginner-level AI certification course that will help students know how to do the following including: Understand the basics of artificial intelligence; its applications and use cases; and key AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning and neural networks. Build AI-powered tools using IBM Watson AI services, APIs and Python with minimal coding. Create virtual assistants and AI chatbots without programming and deploy them on websites. Apply computer vision techniques using Python, OpenCV and Watson. Develop custom image classification models and deploy them in the cloud. Requirements: While the series is open to everyone with both technical and nontechnical backgrounds, the final two courses require some knowledge of Python to build and deploy AI applications. For students with no programming background, an introductory Python course is included. You can check it out here Deep Learning Specialization by Andrew Ng via Coursera This detailed series of five intermediate to advanced courses, covers neural networks and deep learning as well as their applications. Learners will be able to: Build and train deep neural networks. Identify key architecture parameters. Implement vectorized neural networks and deep learning to various applications. Build a convolutional neural network. Apply it to detection and recognition tasks. Use neural style transfer to generate art. Apply algorithms to image and video data. Students will also build and train recurrent neural networks, work with natural language processing (NLP) and word embeddings, and use HuggingFace tokenizers and transformer models to perform named entity recognition and question answering. Requirements: Intermediate Python skills; basic programming; understanding of loops, data structures; and a basic understanding of linear algebra and machine learning (ML). To get started, click here Google Cloud’s Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path This certificate inclusive course by Google covers what generative AI and large language models are for beginners. It is oriented around specific Google applications, which is only good if you are a Google shop. Tools used include Google Tools and Vertex AI. It includes a section on responsible AI, encouraging the learner to keep ethical practices around the generative AI in mind. To start, check here Master the Fundamentals of AI and Machine Learning via LinkedIn Learning This bundle, open to everyone regardless of experience, includes 10 short courses presented by industry experts. They aim to help anyone master the fundamentals and future of AI and ML (machine learning) and make more educated decisions and contributions in their organizations. Students will learn how leading companies are using AI and machine learning to alter how they do business as well as gain insight into addressing future ideas regarding issues of accountability, security and clarity in AI. They will also earn a certificate of completion from LinkedIn Learning after completing the following 10 courses: AI Accountability Essential Training. Artificial Intelligence Foundations: Machine Learning. Artificial Intelligence Foundations: Thinking Machines. Artificial Intelligence Foundations: Neural Networks. Cognitive Technologies: The Real Opportunities for Business. AI Algorithms for Gaming. AI The LinkedIn Way: A Conversation with Deepak Agarwal. Artificial Intelligence for Project Managers. Learning XAI: Explainable Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity. Register here Artificial Intelligence A-Z 2024: Build 7 AI + LLM & ChatGPT via Udemy This course via Udemy is a comprehensive online course designed to teach both the fundamentals as well as advanced concepts of AI, machine learning and deep learning. The key topics covered include State-of-the-art AI models Q-learning and deep Q-learning Proximal policy optimization (PPO) Large language models, transformers, NLP techniques for chatbots … Read more

10 And More Powerful Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to Help You Fast Track Your Career

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10 Powerful Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to Help You Fast Track Your Career

In my previous article on AI (Artificial Intelligence): the past, the now and the future- you can read it here. I did mention how the world of artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting and would affect the way things are done. Today, however, I would be pressing further on the topic as I share 10 and more powerful AI tools that can empower and help you improve your career or business. Whether you are a creative, an entrepreneur or one just trying to explore, these tools come very handy for you. So, let’s dive in. We forget that other artificial intelligences are busy ingeniously working in the background on an increasing number of diverse disciplines while ChatGPT spread across the media like wildfire. And in my bid to bring a number of them to your knowledge and bring you up to speed, I went in search of them. For some, you might have known and used them before now, while for some, you might just be knowing right now. It’s fine. However, here is a non-exhaustible list of powerful artificial intelligence or AI tools you can explore. 1. Patterned: Patterned generates royalty-free and unique patterns for your product! You can search & create thousands of such patterns for every surface with this AI tool! Please click here to check it out. 2. Cleanvoice: This tool removes spurious sounds, stuttering, and mouth sounds from your podcasts or recordings. You can follow this link to make more clean voice(I mean, clean podcasts). 3. Beatoven: Creates unique royalty-free music. It uses advanced AI music generation techniques to compose unique mood-based music to suit every part of your video or podcast. You can start creating for free here. 4. Podcast: An AI that allows you to record studio-quality podcasts, directly from a simple computer. Explore here. 5. Copy: Generates content and avoids blank page syndrome. Check here 6. Illustroke: Creates stunning vector illustrated images from text prompts. Do you want to try it out? Here 7. Krise: Removes background voices, noises and echoes during calls. Start making clean calls here. 8. Stockimg: This is another image generation AI tool. With this tool, you can generate book covers, stock images, posters and the like. Click here to sign in. 9. Flair: Generates photo shoots of your products. It is simply a box of magic. Check it out here. 10. CopyMonkey: Makes it easy to write product listings on Amazon. CopyMonkey generates and optimizes Amazon listings in seconds. It helps place all of the important keywords in your Amazon listing to get you ranking organically on the first page. Follow this link to try it out. 11. Ocoya: Facilitates the creation and programming of content on social networks. Try it out. 12. Unbounce: Generates landing pages and emails. Check it out. 13. Vidyo: Generates videos for social networks from longer videos. Start generating here. 14. Quickchat: Chatbots that talk like humans for customer relations. Get in here. 15. Puzzle: Creates a knowledge base or glossary from documents. Try it out here. 16. Soundraw: Generates royalty-free background music. Check it out here. 17. Cleanup.picture: Removes objects, defects, people or text from your images. Try it out now. 18. Looka: This AI generates brand names and logos. Start creating. 19. Synthesia: Makes it easy to create training videos by simply typing text. You can try it out today. 20. Otter: Record meetings and take notes in real-time. Link. It is an AI meeting assistant. 21. Thundercontent: Generates all types of content. Start creating here. These are simply just a few of the myriads of AI tools that are available out there that can supercharge your career and business. Are there other AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools you know or have you come across that you can add to this list? Please share. I would be really excited to know and check them out.

Is Artificial Intelligence a Curse or a Blessing?

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Is Artificial Intelligence a Curse or a Blessing

It was in high school I began to hear about artificial intelligence (AI), back in 2010. I had never thought it to be something serious. Well, maybe because at the time, I was not exposed to computers so I couldn’t have understood the AI (artificial intelligence) topic. My first real exposure to a computer system was when I got admitted into college to study Pharmaceutical Technology. Sigh… “Pharmaceutical Technology and computers!? How do they relate?” You might want to ask. Oh well, computer study was one of the required courses I needed to take to graduate. And that was the beginning of my interaction with computer systems till this very moment. But, recently there has been a lot of buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) that spurred the need to really delve into this topic a little deeper. Just like back in the days when computer systems were newly released and there was a lot of intoxicating excitement and fears about how they would take away all the jobs in the world. In the same way, the fear of artificial intelligence and robotics rendering everyone in the world jobless has covered the landscape of the entire world like the water covers the sea. But follow me as I open this mystery layer after layer and lay it bare in bits and pieces just so you can devour it soothingly. From the Beginning: History of Computers and Artificial Intelligence First, we’ll start with the first thing; the history of computers. Trust me, I am not going to bore you with historical tales. I will make it as interesting as your fav meal😍. So, let’s go! At some point in antiquity, there existed no technological device that could aid man in processing data, he solely depended on his crude ingenuity to make statistical calculations and solve hard problems. But gradually, computers began to creep into (more like, walk into) human lives. Right from Abacus, invented about 4000 thousand years ago to Napier’s Bone and down to the most recent personal computers that we use, just like the one with you right now.😁 The Magic is Computers Can you imagine the stress and ugly scene you would have to pass through visiting the filling station and you begin to pack fuel from the pit into your vehicle? But with super ease, you can inject the pump into your fuel tank and within a few minutes, it pumps in fuel, gives you the exact quantity of fuel you purchased and calculates the amount you need to pay with accurate precision. Now, that is the power of computers and subtly artificial intelligence As an everyday citizen, you hear a prediction of weather change at a particular time and just as it was predicted, it happened and you wonder how they were able to come up with such a succinct prediction, well that’s just the power of computers at work. I am beginning to wonder how long it took Moses to take a census of the children of Israel back in the days while they journeyed in the wilderness. I am sure it must have taken him not just a lot of time, but a lot of manpower, logistics and a host of other things too. But here is how the 1890 U.S. census was efficiently done (well, compared to previous years), through the help of a computer system that could tabulate statistics and record or sort data or information. ENIAC may have performed more computations over a ten-year period than all of humanity combined, up until 1955 when a breakthrough occurred. Throughout the history of the development of the computer system, the basic essence behind the innovative move is to help humans become more efficient. But how did the first computer impact lives? More Impacts Thanks to computers, harder tasks became a lot simpler, new designs for cars and other forms of transportation were created, space exploration became a reality, entertainment improved, and more sickness remedies were discovered, among other things. The impact of technology on our life is extensive. They certainly made life easier, even though you might not realize it. But there was a huge problem! People began to fight these systems. In the UK, 19th century, a movement that became known as the Luddites struck back at the increased use of computers and automation. They rioted, smashed machines and even set fire on business owners’ homes. Now Artificial Intelligence This fear of AI and robotics taking over jobs still exists and is spreading like fire in the wild and yes, rightly so, there have been accounts of job displacements in big corporations like Google (12,000 workers sacked), Amazon (18,000), Microsoft (10,000) and a host of others. Reports have it that by the mid-2030s one-third of all jobs could face the risk of being automated, consequently leading to the loss of jobs of those skilled in those areas. Even the lawyer is at risk as history was made in February 2023 when an AI (artificial intelligence) lawyer defended his client in the law court. And Medics too would have a pound of flesh. But what does the future hold amidst all these fears? According to many estimates, there will be more jobs created over the next few years than the ones lost to automation. This smiles a brightness of hope, right? But how do you get prepared for this future of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? And so, while big changes are coming, a little advanced planning — by workers who stand to be replaced and the companies that employ them — goes a long way. In short, stop fretting and start acting! There’s no doubt that the artificial intelligence or AI revolution will require re-adjustments and a great deal of sacrifice. But despairing rather than preparing for what’s here is unproductive and, perhaps, even reckless. We must remember that our human knack for compassion and empathy is going to be a valuable asset in the future workforce and that jobs hinged on care, creativity … Read more

12 Guides on How to Conduct a Tabletop Physical Security Exercise

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12 Guides on How to Conduct a Tabletop Physical Security Exercise

A tabletop security exercise is a discussion based interactive session where stakeholders meet in either formal or informal setting (meeting or conference room) to discuss roles and expected responses in the event of a particular security breach. Other types of security simulation include drills, penetration test, seminar, or conference. A security practitioner grounded in operational risk management should leverage tabletop exercise as a vital tool for emergency preparedness and management. This should be a budget-based project; knowing that security team’s resilience and agility would depend on it. A security team who are conversant with exercises will outperform its peers who adopt nominal approach. To create and execute real-time issue-based tabletop exercise, first you should understand your organization inside out. The business’ critical assets, the threats landscape and the adversaries must be identified. The vulnerabilities which have potential to be exploited by threat actors should also be known. In the business world that is faced with increasing and complex threats; the question is no longer whether bad things would happen. They will surely happen, what is key how did the security team respond to them both during and after such incident? Typically, a facilitator would guide participants through the exercise. Taking them through a particular security incident narrative and raise question about what steps should be taken to response. It is usually better to syndicate participants for diverse perspectives and insights. Potential scenarios for tabletop exercises should include, although not limited to those threats which the organization has higher exposure to base on risk ranking. These threats will share similarity but may differ depending on the business, the industry, location, operating environment, and complexity. What should be the purpose of tabletop security exercise? The purpose of a tabletop security exercise should include to evaluate security team’s capabilities. The organization’s level of preparedness for security incidents and to educate participants of their roles during and after security breaches. Some benefits of tabletop security exercise Prepares security team for different case scenarios – that is good case, bad case and worst-case scenario. It builds team’s response skillset. Optimizes resource allocation especially during emergency. It sets up security team against adversaries and prevent them been caught unprepared. It serves as training tool – can be used to check out training requirement. It is cost effective, when compared to other types of simulation. How to conduct a tabletop physical security exercise Set objectives for the project: this will answer the question of what you want to achieve and provide clear insight to it. Reference the organization’s security plan: the organization’s security plan should be consulted to further guide on specific security incidents it has prepared for, otherwise general standard practices can suffice. Benchmark exercise on recent risk assessment: exercise should be preceded by recent security risk assessment which must have identified and prioritized the business’ security risk threshold. Consult team (downline and upline): getting input from internal stakeholders (within and outside security) as well as external stakeholders (industry practitioners) is highly recommended. Establish who is participating: identify persons or group who should play roles for the success of the exercise. Develop scenarios: create sequential narratives of security breach incident to be discussed. This should be done with open mind and a sort of intellectual humility. Run it on periodic schedule: security exercises should never be a one-off project, rather it should be scheduled to hold from time to time, e.g. monthly, quarterly, or annually. Set ground rules: rules must be set during the session to guide facilitation and moderation. For example, everyone must contribute to discussions, subject of discussion must not exceed allotted time, mobile phones to be on airplane mode, etc. Do hot wash: use hot wash to generate recommendations, insights and take-aways. This should be the crux of the tabletop exercise project. Document recommendations: for reference and archive, documentation of the entire exercise especially the hot wash is key. File project report: ensure formal communication is sent to appropriate authority. Create implementation plan: learnings from exercise will lose value if they were not practiced. An action plan to drive implementation of key learning is highly recommended. Threat actors are becoming more sophisticated in each passing day. They dedicate significant resources (funds and time) to plan and execute security breach. It is required that security team who are the defends against threats should devote sufficient time to rehearse how to frontally confront incidents when they come calling. Drill and exercise are regulatory subject in some industry, such as aviation and maritime. ALSO READ: Powerful Morning Routine Secrets: How Top Performers Start Their Day

Physical Key Management Practices for Organizations

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Physical Key Management Practices for Organizations

Physical key management is important in today’s business world, although oftentimes overlooked and approached with levity. Effective key control is key for security, managing risks, and protecting assets of your organization. Whether it’s about logging and tracking issued keys, the principle of key management will play significant role in the overall security of your organization. By practicing standardized key control businesses would prevent potential security risks associated with porous practices. Organizations must be strategic in managing their building and office keys. Being tools for security protection, any compromise has potential to put critical and confidential business assets to avoidable risks. Let’s explore, simple and easy to adapt practices to keep organization office keys protected. That is, protecting the protector. Physical Key Management Practices Have policy, standard and procedure: starting point for office key management is to have policy in place. Such will make the organization’s intent known towards this direction. Following policy should be standards and procedures that would highlight step by step method of managing these keys. Staff and stakeholders must be notified, and periodically re-iterated. Establish authorized user: office keys must not be allowed to move freely from hand to hand. There should be clarity about who is an authorized user and under what condition will such authority be exercised. For example, authorized user of a particular office should have specified days and timeframe they are authorized to access key for official purpose. Create tiered access: users must be tiered. This means that authorization to use should be relative to roles, responsibilities and function. Principle of least privilege is recommended. A user can access only the office key required to perform their duties. Automate key tracking: automation of key tracking will enable managers know exactly who has what key per time. The system should also indicate when such key is been used beyond acceptable duration relative to programming. Alternate manual key log: where automation is not applicable, manual key log should be activated as substitute. Have master or valet key: your organization should endeavor to have master or valet key in place. This will come handy in the event of misplacement or loss of primary key. Store key secured: office key should be kept securely in a fire-resistant key rack. The rack location must be visible and constantly monitor directly or remotely. That is, protecting the protector. Code keys: office key should be coded with associated manifest, not labelled. Coding will conceal identity of users and prevent target unauthorized access. Simplify issuance and tracking: efforts must be made to simplify request, authorization, issue and tracking of this asset. This would eliminate drudging frustration usually associated with this exercise. Do periodic audit: ensure periodic audit is carried out. This is necessary for check and balance and accountability. Establish protocol for lost key: a lost key is a compromised key; as such protocol for lost key will ensure timely reporting, investigation and possible recovery or overhaul replacement. Building and office keys hold access to locations where vital business assets are kept. To protect these assets well; the protector must be protected. This can be achieved through simple procedures encoded into practices driven by organization’s policy. ALSO READ: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: The Key to a Prospering Workplace Culture  

Social Engineering Attack – What Your Organization Should Know

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Social Engineering Attack What Your Organization Should Know

Social engineering is a human threat vector from cybersecurity point. It simply means the criminal action of exploiting human nature rather than technical path to gain unauthorized access to people’s minds, digital systems, data and other assets. We cannot talk about this threat enough; it is oftentimes the most relegated and the most exploited of all paths. This very brief article will cover the following sub-headings; meaning of social engineering facts about it human cognition often exploited by it broad types of social engineering common tools of it anatomy of social engineering countermeasures against it Facts about social engineering It is built on manipulation, regardless of the type. It is considered the path of least resistance to cyberattacks. A high number of successful security attacks have started with or involved a social engineering method. People should be critical part of firewall – human firewall, if you don’t mind.  awareness of it must be prioritized. Human cognition oftentimes exploited In the context of this piece, human cognition involves the mental process of understanding and reacting to unfolding events.  Average criminals, have always believed that these human traits would increase chances for success, as such they can’t do without them. See the highlight below. Authority – people most of the time respect and obey authority. Trust – it is natural for most people to trust, especially someone with authority. Responsiveness – a responsible person would want to be responsive to events. Fear – people fear not to get into trouble or found wanting of anything. Urgency – urgent reaction is natural, especially under duress. Threat – people want to avoid threatening event that steal their peace. Reward – it is often enticing and enriching to be rewarded. Curiosity – the inquisitiveness and excitement to face and close out challenge. Ignorance – is a liability to the holder, and an opportunity to the exploiter. Priority – people choose what to prioritize per time. Types of social engineering  Phishing: this is email based social engineering. It can be Spear phishing – targeting certain category of persons. Whaling – targeting rich and public personalities. Smishing: this type uses sms text to attack. Vishing: this one is voice/audio based. Watering hole: uses website or social media avenue to attack. Physical types of it Shoulder surfing: unauthorized covert observation. Piggy backing or tailgating: concert entry or exit to circumvent protocol. Dumpster diving: searching dump sites or bins for confidential data. Baiting: uses infested USB or other similar gifting to entice and attack. Other types known as synthetic content Synthetic content types of social engineering include; Disinformation: intentional spread of false and misleading information. Shallow fake: refers to alteration of original media content to misrepresent fact. Deep fake: uses artificial intelligence to generate and spread deceptive content. Common tools of social engineering Website Social profile Spoofing toolkits Clothing and apparel Appeal/charisma Phishing toolkits Audio recorder Infested USB Spy cameras Romance Anatomy of social engineering attack Establish objective – from outset social engineering attackers set out what they want to achieve. Determine target – they would establish who should be targeted, oftentimes perceived success rate is used to make this choice. Do reconnaissance – background investigation would be carried out to have better insight to routine behaviors of targets. Develop tools – necessary toolkits will be developed. Mobilize resources – other resources needed to accomplish the attack will be mobilized. Launch attack – at this stage, attack would be launched, sometimes in small scale. Evaluate success rate – the rate of success would be gauged. Revise/modify – if necessary, some modification would be applied to increase success rate. Relaunch attack and keep modifying as needed. Reap results – this maybe positive or negative. Countermeasures against social engineering Technical: policy, firewalls, authentication, and alert. Non-technical: training, awareness, and simulations. Social engineering is one of the most dreadful cyber threats of modern time. It can be a stand-alone; or a path to many other cybersecurity incidents. What is more? Cyber criminals find it very handy, reliable, and result-orient. They take advantage of human nature to deploy social engineering. Awareness and knowledge are key to avoid falling victim and compromising your personal identifiable data or that of your organization. ALSO READ: 4 Types Of Phishing Attacks And 10 Signs To Know A Phishing Email

Emerging Trends in Physical Security

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Emerging Trends in Physical Security

Contemporary physical security is concerned with traditional security roles, assets protection, and loss prevention. All services are offered concurrent such that it cannot be cleared understood by a lay person. Emerging trends have kept the industry evolving rapidly. Traditional security refers to routine tasks that involve control of access to premises through checks, credentials authentication and authorization. Asset protection means that it has responsibility to ensure that organization’s physical assets (on-premise or on-transit) are not stolen, tampered with or damaged. Finally, loss prevention function of security demands that whatever should constitute risk with potential for loss must be prevented by security. Overtime physical security has been influenced by modern factors and realities of new world. Since 9/11/2001 terror attack on US, the perception and appreciation of security in general has been experiencing radical change. The service side is now a necessary evil. To some others it is a cost centre, yet to the conscious organization it is seen as business enabler that must be recognized and supported. This article highlights the developing and emerging trends that have kept security services on its toes. To remain relevant and command budget allocation, security must go with the tide of modernity. Below are the emerging trends in physical security. Sophisticated threat landscape: risk, threat and vulnerability are key components that is driving security service delivery. The goals are to ensure risks are strategically managed by proactive identification of threats and prompt resolutions for vulnerabilities. The threat model is increasingly evolving, threat actors have become sophisticated in knowledge, tools and collaboration. Automated Access Control System: many organizations are abandoning traditional manual access control for digitalized and automated type. This approach may adopt fingerprint, facial recognition, biometric, voice command, etc. Security Operations Centre: most businesses are currently either transforming their traditional CCTV control room to Security Operations Centre (SOC) or building new infrastructure. The centre serves as central hub for security operations. The core focus of SOC oftentimes includes Visual Surveillance System (VSS), Access Control System (ACS), and Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Security Operations Centre optimizes security service delivery for efficiency and agility where prompt response by a support Quick Response Force – QRF is the rule of thumb. Automation Of Operations: with dominance of artificial intelligence, some routine functions of security are being replaced with automated process. Such automation may include Visitor Management System (VMS), Electronic Patrol Management System (EPMS), Incident Management System (IMS), etc. This automation enables standardization, consistency and efficiency. Security Convergence: the gap between physical and cyber security is increasingly getting blurred. This novel approach enabled many organizations to integrate information technology solutions into physical security operations. For example, a facility may have physical deployment of guards at gate posts for physical security screening and digital boom barriers to compliment, at same time have a biometric access control at various access point in the buildings and restricted areas. All operations would be monitored real-time from a security operations centre. Data Analytics: physical security is traditionally not a data-driven filed however, current trend is favoring practitioners and service takers who are able to generate data that provide insights for informed decisions. Hybrid workforce: combining outsourced and proprietary security personnel to form a team with different background have become the norm in the industry. Hybrid work schedule: some middle level and executive security personnel have adopted a flexible work pattern of having some days at work and some days at home within the week. CPE & certifications: continuing professional education and certifications have become pillars of relevance and career growth for most security practitioners who are strategic about career success. Regulations and compliance: new regulations have been established to control and coordinate practices and actions in security industry. To avoid business disruptions and possible severe sanctions, organizations are duty bound to adhere and comply. Networking and collaboration: security practitioners, entrepreneurs, developers/technologists, etc. are appreciating the need to come together for mutual assistance and industry advancement. Networking and collaboration have form significant reference for stakeholders. Further to this, several organizations, institutes and interest groups have provided platforms for wiling players. In conclusion, physical security industry has established its value as a go-to business enabler. Several factors as highlighted above are playing key roles to keep it thriving in line with demands of modern business world. ALSO READ: 16 Trending Physical Security Threats Every Corporate Organization should Prepare to Deal with

Security Implications of Dark Web – Copy

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Security Implications of Dark Web

Dark web is one of the three layers of web on the world wide web; other are surface web and deep web. This article highlights some of the activities on dark web and their overall security implications. Surface web: also known as clean or visible web is a part of the web for public use. This is where most people routinely use every day for their online needs through search engines like google, Bing, yahoo, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and company websites. One of the unique features of surface web is that its web resources are indexed by search engine, thereby making them searchable and accessible. It is a powerful but fraction part of the web which is said to constitute about ten percent of web resources. No login credential is required to access most websites on surface web. Deep web: this is the web beyond surface web. The web resources on deep web are not searchable by search engines; and they require authentication (that is, login credentials) for access. Deep web play host to reserved and protected data which is not for public consumption. Such reserved data may include but not limited to government record, medical record, financial record, classified military records, online library resources, organization websites for internal use and other related data. Deep web is reported to playing host to about ninety percent of entire web resources. Dark web: also known as darknet is a subset of deep web. The striking features of this layer of web is that it is the deepest part of the web and it is only accessible through a special web browser known as TOR (The Onion Router); and overlay networks such as I2P. The strongest attraction of dark web is its anonymity (secrecy) For instance, TOR resources loudly guaranteed users of protection against tracking, surveillance and censorship. Dark web is also reported to constitute about five percent of deep web. Dark web, generally known as underground web market for criminals and other merchants of illegality is also used by genuine and law-abiding people for purpose of information gathering and sharing while remaining anonymous. See below, some type of information mostly traded on dark web and their security implications: Stolen information: confidential and personal information such as login credentials, passwords, codes, pin, social security number, payment card details, etc. are exchanged on dark web for facilitation of cybercrimes. Breached data: stolen information like classified government records, account details, company trade secrets, customer details, payrolls, medical records, intellectual properties, company financial records, etc. are traded on dark platform and used to commit various crimes against the owners and sometimes the public. Fraud guide: various cyber criminal forums use dark web to recruit and train cyber fraudsters through sharing fraud guide resources. These guides further drive s and promotes multiplication of criminals. Hack guide: cyber criminals use dark web as hands-on academy to train hackers. This in turn drives and promotes multiplication of cyber criminals who prowl the internet to carry out crimes against individuals and organizations. Malwares: different types of malicious wares such Ransomware, DDoS, Trojan horses, infested USB and other plug-n-play devices are sold on dark web. These malwares are then used to lunch attacks against the public. Drug peddling: drug cartels across the globe use dark web as a market place for sourcing, distribution and retail of control substances. The substances then spread with wide implications for both users and non-users, Gun running: illegal trade of guns and ammunitions amongst criminal merchants have identified as one of the notable trades on dark web platform. Illegal use of guns inevitably drives violent crimes and leads to destructions of lives and properties. Human trafficking: criminal merchants also carry out trade of humans for purpose of forced labor and sexual exploitation through dark web. This inhuman criminality is a huge assault on humanity and a drain on human resources. In conclusion, dark web is a special kind of web, used by special kind of people and for special kind of purpose. While its original intent for creation was genuine however; like other resources, its been overtaken by criminals who hide under its anonymity to engage in trades that holds so much risks to individuals and corporate organizations. ALSO READ: Entrepreneur: 7 Reasons Why You Need A Website

Five Sources of Workplace Violence and How To Prepare For Its Prevention and Response – [Cloned #85737]

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Five Sources of Workplace Violence and How To Prepare For It

Workplace violence is an inevitable security risk which your organization should get ready to deal with. Having emergency preparedness plan in place will provide formidable leverage for your business risk and resilience team. Workplace violence is any act of verbal, physical or emotional assault and harassment carried out against a victim within the confines of a workplace. It may include abuse and shout, hitting, beating, or attack, bullying and intimidation, and sexual harassment. Here are five key questions to get your team started for this security threat. Does your organization believe workplace violence poses a security risk to be taken seriously? Does your organization have response plan in place for workplace violence? How confident is your organization in dealing with workplace violence? What kind of workplace violence have been identified to be common to your industry? What kind of workplace violence has your organization experienced in the past five years? Providing answers to above questions should not be done loosely. It requires thoughtful insight which must consider size, assets, industry, complexity, experience, capabilities and resilience of the organization. Note also, factors that could possibly motivate persons to lunch acts of violence in workplace vary; however, it may include frustration, revenge, crime, rejection, and mental instability. Here is highlight and description of five sources of workplace violence to prepare for: Criminal intent: violence of this nature oftentimes originates from an external criminal who aims to obtain by force from a target inside the workplace. This may result to injury or fatality, and damage to assets. Customer based: is when a customer aggressively acts or reacts to a situation connected to the business transaction in the workplace. Such aggression may target a worker, a fellow customer or others. For instance, when a customer assaults an employee because their expectations are not met. Worker based: violence occurs when employee attacks, assault or harasses a customer, a fellow employee, the employer or others in the workplace. For example, a worker punches a fellow worker who has offended him/her beyond breaking point or attacks a superior who has refused to recommend a promotion or pay rise. Domestic based: occurs when a relative of a worker, employer, customer or others traces them to a workplace and carries attack. For instance, a jilted or rejected lover who visits and attacks a partner in the workplace.   Ideological based: violence is a situation where an adherent of a particular belief or faith lunches attack in workplace perceived to provide or promote a service that offends such faith. For instance, a religious fanatic who carries out assault on workers or customers in a brothel and disrupt its business activities. How to prepare for inevitable workplace violence: Prepare with PPT – activate emergency response plan through people, process and technology. This requires having in place a capable security team who can follow a process backed by technology to deter, detect and promptly respond to acts of violence in the organization. Build strong security culture – strong security culture demands strong tone from the top. When an organization does not tolerate permissive behavior, it will send message that support strong security culture. In such organization, policies and standards are enforced regardless of whether an act is considered a serious one or not. Enforce background check – background check gives insight to past behaviors and profile of a candidate. It also, provides a red flag of what such person can do if granted access to join organization. For instance, someone who has history of rape in the pass will likely attempt sexual harassment in a workplace. Provide workplace violence awareness – training employees to recognize signs and safety risks associated with workplace violence and encourage them to speak up against it is a good prevention method. For example, Human Resources unit should have a dedicated channel for people to freely and fearlessly report acts of violence. Have onsite security visibility – having security personnel physically seen in a business premises promotes sense of safety, deters some would-be attackers from attempting to attack and generally promotes peace and security. Promote data driven security operation – when a security team is being guided by a verifiable data; trends and patterns can be used for planning, execution and insightful delivery.  Data driven security operation can show connection between violence and a particular season e.g. weekend, evening, end of month, festive period, etc. Integrate CCTV surveillance to security visibility – CCTV camera have strong deterrent effect on occupants of its space. The system serves to caution people to be law abiding or make attempt and get caught. Encourage open communication – “see something, say something” is a safety and security slogan that must be encouraged amongst workforce. Sometimes a victim of covert workplace violence may not have the courage to speak up, especially if the avenue for such communication is not explicitly provided. Train your team for threat identification – employees and others in the workplace should be trained to easily recognize threats of workplace violence and report same without fear or inhibition. Deploy weapon detection technology – deploying weapon detection devices at company’s main access points will prevent entrance of lite weapons into the premises. With this in place, the risks of lethal attacks will be very low. Workplace violence can originate from five main sources. However, it preventable through application of some security measures outline above. ALSO READ 10 Ways To Prevent Workplace Violence