TRANSACTION PORTALS AS INSECURE SITES. WATCH OUT!

It is important not only as security professionals but to those with little or no security awareness to always check for insecure sites i.e. sites without HTTPs when accessing transaction portals (see figure 1). Not a few are oblivious of that fact. And thanks to security checks put in place by modern browsers, e.g. google chrome and mozilla firefox, they are able to identify or detect insecure sites attempted by users on the internet. For sites that are not secure, they put up disclaimers on the address or url bar for users to see like "Not secure or dangerous", "Info Not secure", "Not secure", etc to prevent users from going through with such sites. As a user on the internet, do not enter sensitive details on sites like this without https (signalled by the padlock icon) because it could be stolen by attackers. Infact, hackers use this as a ploy to steal or sniff sensitive data such as passwords, credit card details, secret answers, etc especially if they are unencrypted. You may be unmindful of these when performing transactions such as logging into a transaction web portal, applying for a job online, financial transactions, instant messaging, etc. Not a few organisations are guilty of having insecure intranet sites and portals where internal users log in to do transactions. It is common to see such sites and they put up a trivial defence that these are intranet sites not exposed to the internet, forgetting that most breaches come from the inside. Organisations and their app developers should do well to ensure that not just their 3rd party connections or extranet sites are secure but also their internally-accessed sites. There should be enough security awareness on this to internal staff and users which is not far from the purpose of this post. Please users always watch out for these insecure sites so you may not be vulnerable, as they have proven to be sources of major breaches in organisations. I leave you with the words of Sun Tzu - "If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."

I'M BACK

IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK, I NEVER LEFT Wow, it is so good to be back. I never left writing, blogging so why should blogging leave me. It is inborn. Yes, I got pre-occupied with bank work and all that and I feel slightly guilty that I have failed to blog since 2013. Yes I was a steady blogger since 2010 till 2011. Took a break, bounced back in 2013, work did not allow me. The likes of linda ikeji made it to the banks, I wonder what I was doing sef (sic), but years later, I am more experienced, livelier and educated now. But, it is good to be back again. My first calling was to be a blogger and would remain one till I leave Planet earth. In my six-year hiatus, I have learnt quite a lot and would be putting them to good use. I want to serve as an inspiration to youths out there and guide them on life's thorny path. Well, I still have lots to learn and would keep getting served just as I serve you. It is no longer news that I am officially a senior Information Security Expert with lots of IT Certifications and work experience and I feel morally obliged to give back knowledge I have learnt all these years to my constituency. I have made a living out of it and would still do more, so I have got lots of stories to tell. In posts to come, my audience would be thrilled with variety of information ranging from entertainment, politics, information security, parenting, career and anything trending. Just watch this space!!! Chiksky is back and better!

10 TRAITS OF AMAZING EMPLOYEES

110 TRAITS OF AMAZING EMPLOYEES by BRITTANY SCHLACTER Striving to be the best you can be in the workplace should always top your list of professional goals. Whether you’re just beginning your career or you’ve been working at it for awhile, being a stand-out employee is something you should never lose sight of. While we all have specific characteristics that have the potential to help make us good employees, continued improvement is beneficial to a long and successful career. Your employer likely has high expectations for you; therefore, you should also have them for yourself. Strive to hit the next level. Here are 10 traits of amazing employees: 1. They set the standard. All-star employees aren’t average — they set a new standard for employee aptitude. They break molds with ease and their performance likely gives way to a new way of doing things around the workplace. 2. They showcase company values. The best employees are those who seem to ooze the exact same values as the companies for which they work. This isn’t something these employees actively attempt to do, it’s just their nature. Every company with a strong company culture seeks out employees who share and showcase matched values. 3. They know when to dial back. While overt eccentricity and enthusiasm are often highly coveted, the employees who know when to turn it on and off are always going to stand out. In the face of a challenge or stressful situation, an employee should know how to get down to business and move past their individuality to be an integral member of the team. 4. They never (publicly) complain. The ability to complain privately or bring up a complaint in a professional way that provides a path to a solution is one very important employee trait. These are the kinds of employees who discuss sensitive issues in a professional and private manner. 5. They work for the greater good. Great employees aren’t just team players; they have a deep understanding of how their team plays best. They have the ability to adapt their work styles for the greater good of a project or the company as a whole. 6. They know how to give and receive praise. An amazing employee is often the one praising peers and the entire team. They easily recognize the contributions of their co-workers. On the other hand, they also know how to humbly receive the praise they are given by others. 7. They can handle criticism. The ability to have thick skin is likely to set you apart as a great employee. Being able to take the heat and truly benefit from the variety of criticism you’re likely to receive on-the-job is a highly rewarded trait. 8. They have a good sense of humor. The stress and variety of emotions experienced on the job is usually easier to swallow with a keen sense of humor. Those employees who are able to stay level and have a laugh now and again are going to be able to stay on top. 9. They’re a problem-solver. An amazing employee is usually the individual who is continually striving to reach a solution — whether or not they’ve been asked. These employees are likely to be the go-to people in times of need. 10. They’re trustworthy. These aren’t the employees spreading office gossip. Amazing employees have honest hearts and are highly trusted individuals. These traits will certainly help kick you to the next level as an employee, but it’s important not to overhaul and go for everything at once. Take it one step at a time to ensure you’re successful. What do you think is the top trait of an amazing employee?

ACHEBE'S REJECTION OF NATIONAL AWARD: A WAKE-UP CALL FOR JONATHAN'S GOVERNMENT

As a young citizen, I am pretty much interested in the affairs of this country especially as it involves the leadership and the citizenry as well. But of all the events that enraptured the nation this week, nothing caught my fancy than a little but screaming headline on the edges of major newspapers: “ACHEBE REJECTS NATIONAL AWARD OF CFR”.

One would tend to discard this piece of news with a wave of the hand as having no serious bearing on the nation but on a second thought, it has serious implications, especially if not looked into wholly. For one, Achebe’s body language is a slap on the face on the Jonathan administration. Even though this is not the first time, Achebe is doing this. Seven years ago, Renowned literary giant and writer of the famous “Things Fall Apart” Chinua Achebe, the literary giant who was inches away from being a Nobel laureate rejected an award offered to him by the then Olusegun Obasanjo administration citing events relating to his home state of Anambra that involved the kidnapping of a sitting governor, insecurity, dilapidating health, education, road infrastructure, and the poor economy. This time around in a statement rejecting the award, Achebe said "The reasons for rejecting the offer when it was first made have not been addressed let alone solved. It is inappropriate to offer it again to me. I must, therefore, regretfully decline the offer again."

It was apparent in Jonathan’s response that Achebe’s rejection was hurting and too good to be ignored, and could not hide his disappointment. In his response through his spokesman, Reuben Abati in a statement said: “President Jonathan is also surprised by Prof. Achebe's claim that the issues which caused him to reject the same award seven years ago, still remain unresolved." According to the statement, "coming as it does, against the background of the widely acclaimed electoral reforms undertaken by the Jonathan administration, the claim by Prof. Achebe clearly flies in the face of the reality of Nigeria's current political situation. Politically, Nigeria cannot be said to be where it was in 2004 as the Jonathan administration has embarked on extensive electoral reforms to institute a regime of electoral integrity that all Nigerians can be proud of. “

Going by Jonathan’s response, which did not address the issues, Achebe raised, it constantly shows the myopic and disinterestedness of Nigerian governments to constructive criticisms by revered personalities, who have thrived in their respective disciplines. Yes, Jonathan cannot be blamed for events of the last seven years, but he is part and parcel of them. There is so much work to be done by the Jonathan administration and electoral reforms are just one of them. How can one claim a lauding electoral reform on the background of multiple deaths recorded - the highest in the history of the nation’s electioneering activities.

Already other prominent Nigerians have reacted to this latest development, with Prof Ezeigbo of University of Lagos saying his rejecting the award should act as a challenge to every Nigerian whether in government or not. Nwachukwu Agbada, Dean, School of Post Graduate Studies, ABSU saying “It means that there is something fundamental that is wrong with Nigeria. My contribution is that what is wrong with Nigeria has not been touched since Achebe rejected the first award by Obasanjo in 2004.”

Achebe’s stance is that the Jonathan Administration needs to be up and running in resolving the multitude of problems befalling the nation presently ranging from insecurity to power to poor health and educational infrastructure to corruption. Instead of trying to defend past and present failures, his immediate and long-term response should be to readdress these burning issues that the literary giant has highlighted with all sense of urgency and reject any signs of failure from heads of ministries, parastatals managing these sectors.

Until when all these are achieved, and with credible discernible signs to show that we are on the right path towards greatness as a nation, then will the Achebes of this world step out to receive national awards with pride, good conscience and decency and the nation also would be regarded in high esteem amongst the comity of nations. Till then, this remains a warning and disturbing sign on the government.

CHIKSKY02: GTB MD, TAYO ADERINOKUN IS DEAD (1955 - 2011)

CHIKSKY02: GTB MD, TAYO ADERINOKUN IS DEAD (1955 - 2011): "With heavy hearts, yours truly regret to announce the death of one of Africa's finest and distinguished personalities, Tayo Aderinokun. He d..."

GTB MD, TAYO ADERINOKUN IS DEAD (1955 - 2011)

With heavy hearts, yours truly regret to announce the death of one of Africa's finest and distinguished personalities, Tayo Aderinokun. He died in a London hospital from a protracted illness. Until his death, Tayo was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of one of Nigeria's biggest banks, Guaranty Trust Bank, Plc. Tayo, according to colleagues, admirers, employees and the country at large won many friends with his amiability, finesse, style and diligence. His stay as the helmsman of GTB oversaw the banks tremendous growth in the country's financial sector to be one of the most trustworthy banks. He alongside the bank won so many awards and improved in its fitch ratings.

He would be dearly missed by his friends, colleagues and his employees who to them he means the whole world. Popularly called Uncle T, he would forever remain in their memories. All GTB flags have been flown at half mast and preparations are underway to organise a befitting burial.

Adieu Great Man. Many people pass away in this world without fulfilling a pint of their dreams. But you did and I am forever proud of you. I will never forget what legacy you have bequeathed and would continue to build on that.

Sleep on in the bossom of our Lord, Uncle T.

CHIKSKY02: UNEMPLOYMENT - A TIME BOMB WAITING TO EXPLODE

CHIKSKY02: UNEMPLOYMENT - A TIME BOMB WAITING TO EXPLODE: "Oga Jonathan, I am a youth who is also affected by this new scourge called unemployment whether directly or indirectly. Statistics show t..."