technology news
Unpacking Africa’s Mobile Cybercrime Challenge
In mid-2020, Upstream’s Secure-D anti-fraud platform revealed that the total number of malicious mobile applications doubled in the first quarter of the year. The analysis found 29,000 malicious apps (14,500 in 2019), a 55% spike in fraudulent mobile transactions and increased volumes of infected mobile devices. But that wasn’t the bad news. The company also revealed that some smartphones were being sold with malware already pre-installed on the system. Malware that allowed for the devices to subscribe unsuspecting users to services that would result in high data usage and charges. According to Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa, this growing problem, coupled with low levels of consumer awareness, puts people at significant risk. “In the KnowBe4 Security...
Unpacking Trends in the Future of Work
Almost nine out of ten leaders (88%) at large enterprises in South Africa expect they will adopt a more hybrid way of working permanently – according to Microsoft’s newly launched Work Reworked research. The study found that flexible ways of working are here to stay with many leaders focused on driving a culture of innovation. While South African employees still see value in working from a main office at least some of the time; findings show that on average, people would now like to spend just less than half (42%) of their time outside of the traditional office setting. In fact, people still see the time spent in the office as a powerful way to maintain bonds with their colleagues. A more permanent change around ways of working is already evident, with a healthy majority (82%) of com...
Apple Launches macOS Big Sur
Apple has officially introduced macOS Big Sur – the latest version of its desktop operating system. According to the tech giant, Big Sur comes with a beautiful redesign and is packed with new enhancements for key apps including Safari, Messages, and Maps, as well as new privacy features. Here’s a closer look at all of Big Sur’s new enhancements: Refreshed Design Apple has redesigned the Control Center that is expected to make navigation easier while putting more controls at users’ fingertips. “The all-new Control Center gives users quick access to controls for Do Not Disturb, displays, keyboard brightness, and more, right from the menu bar. Users can see more relevant information at a glance in the updated Notification Center, including interactive notifications and...
Ericsson Acquires 5G Solutions Company, Cradlepoint
Ericsson has completed its acquisition of Cradlepoint, a Wireless WAN Edge 4G and 5G solutions company. The investment is key to Ericsson’s ongoing strategy of capturing market share in the rapidly expanding 5G enterprise space. Through Cradlepoint’s solutions, companies can connect sites, vehicles, mobile workforces, and IoT devices in a simple and secure way of using cellular technology. By leveraging the combined offering, Ericsson will be able to create valuable new revenue streams for its customers by supporting 5G-enabled services for enterprise and boost returns on investments in the network. Cradlepoint will operate as a stand-alone subsidiary within Ericsson and continue to build on the current market momentum as 5G is speeding up digital transformation and increasing the need for...
WhatsApp Begins Rolling Out Disappearing Message Feature
WhatsApp has begun rolling out its new disappearing message feature, according to WABetaInfo. The feature is expected to allow users to send messages that disappear after a predetermined amount of time – this will also include media, like images and videos. Once activated, this feature won’t affect messages sent prior to the roll-out and users can turn disappearing messages on or off at any time in any individual chat. In a group chat, however, only group admins can turn disappearing messages on or off. Here’s a closer look at WhatsApp’s Disappearing Message Feature: If a user doesn’t open WhatsApp in the seven day period, the message will disappear. However, the preview of the message might still be displayed in notifications until WhatsApp is opened. When you repl...
5 Ways Technology could Enhance PPP Projects
Sourced from TTEC.com The South African economy is expected to contract by up to 7.2%, reports Finance Minister Tito Mboweni. He says this will be “the largest contraction in 90 years”. And it’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has played a massive role in exacerbating the issue. According to the World Bank Blog, now is the time to prepare for public-private partnerships (PPPs) as these could play an increasingly important role in reshaping South Africa’s post-pandemic economy. Tumi Moleke, Head of the PPP Unit at Treasury, believes “the timing is perfect to mobilise the utilisation of the PPP model, and it is now paramount to deliver economic growth for the public interest.” What exactly are PPPs? /* custom css */ .tdi_3_1a1.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_1a...
Google to Begin Charging Photos Users for Storage
Image sourced from Pymnts Google has revealed that it would start charging Photos users who exceed 15GB, beginning 1 June 2021. The cloud service, which stores more than 4 trillion photos, will not count photos that have already been uploaded towards the 15GB limit. “This change allows us to keep pace with the growing demand for storage,” says Google Photos VP, Shimrit Ben-Yair. “We know this is a big shift and may come as a surprise, so we wanted to let you know well in advance and give you resources to make this easier.” In an official statement, Google says “Starting June 1, 2021, any new photos and videos you upload will count toward the free 15 GB of storage that comes with every Google Account or the additional storage you’ve purchased as a Google One member. Your Google Account...
5 Disruptive Technology Predictions for 2021
Disruptive technologies are accelerating society’s digital transformation journey. In a recent report, NTT revealed five trends that hold promise to help local organisations unpack their postures with regards to safety and security, support sustainable growth and reduced environmental loads: All-photonics networks (APNs) will power global communications: APNs will enable end-to-end, information transmission between the terminal and the server and will allow us to operate an ultra-low power-intensive sustainable communications environment. This particular trend will influence the local market over the long term as networks overcome legacy infrastructure and regulatory constraints. Cognitive Foundation (CF) technology will connect and control everything: the centralised management and agile ...
Mastercard Partners with Payment24 to Streamline Payment Solutions
Mastercard and Payment24 have partnered to offer a payment solution that will help fleet management companies streamline payments, create efficiencies and prevent fraud. Payment24’s platform will use Mastercard’s payment technology which is expected to enable drivers to quickly and seamlessly make fuel payments anywhere Mastercard is accepted, without requiring additional approvals at the pump. Commercial fleet management companies will have more control and visibility into driver’s spend, with the option to add purchasing controls to eliminate fraud. For instance, a company could opt to enable the driver to pay digitally for border post charges or for accommodation and meals, removing the need for costly and unsafe cash advances. The fuel solution is flexible and adaptable to customer nee...
Huawei Launches Rural Telephony Project in Ghana
Image sourced from Ghana Web Huawei and Ghana’s Ministry of Communications have launched the Rural Telephony Project which aims to provide voice and data services for over 3.4 million people in underserved and unserved communities. This initiative, in partnership with China National Technical, is expected to save the government up to 70% of the cost of traditional cell sites and extend the national mobile communication coverage from 83% to 95% – greatly accelerating local economic development whiles improving people’s livelihoods. Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo, President of Ghana, says that “Government is committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian, irrespective of tribe, religion, class, location or identity has access to affordable and reliable voice and data connectivity”. “To this e...
Apple Introduces its New MacBooks, Mac Mini and M1 Chip
Apple took to the global stage to unveil its new MacBooks – the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro – Mac Mini and M1 Chip. Here’s a closer look at each of its new devices: Apple M1 Chip The tech giant showcased the first Arm-based Macs that run on Apple Silicon chips (the M1) instead of the Intel processors. According to Gadgets Africa, the M1 is meant to be “the most powerful chip in any Apple computer. M1 is also engineered to offer the ultimate performance while also demanding as little power as possible. This would help Macs in preserving power and lasting for long on battery”. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_cea.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_cea.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; } MacBook Air The new MacBook Air – which is the first of its kind to run the M1 Chip – is expected to be “t...
Huawei to Unveil MateBook X Pro in South Africa
Huawei is expanding its PC range in South Africa with the addition of the MateBook X Pro. The device is expected to launch on 16 November. The MateBook X Pro flaunts an elegant metallic body with meticulous diamond cut edges, making it as easy on the eyes as the 1.33KG lightweight portability makes on the users day-to-day life. The device also features an enviable battery life, which work hand-in-hand with the PC’s unique systems that enable intelligent energy saving management and process management. This means that users can watch videos on their devices for up to 13 hours, work regularly for 15 hours or browse webpages for up to 11 hours. One of the biggest pull factors of this device is the Ultra FullView display, created by Huawei’s research into leading industrial design capabilities...
