The internet has become a central part of our daily lives, from shopping and socializing to managing our finances and working. But with this convenience comes an increased risk of cyber threats that can target anyone. At iSecure, we're here to help you navigate these risks and protect yourself from potential cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity is essential for everyone—whether you’re browsing social media, checking emails, or making online purchases. Simple actions, like using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and keeping your software up to date, can significantly improve your online safety.
Explore our iSecure website ( https://isecure.na/ )for in-depth tips and resources that will help you secure your digital presence. Learn about the common threats to watch out for, how to protect your personal information, and ways to safeguard your online activities.
Stay informed, stay safe, and remember—cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility!
This keeps it concise while encouraging visitors to explore the website for more detailed information.
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in collaboration with Salt Essential Information Technology (Pty) Ltd
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days, from our smartphones to the services we use daily. But while AI is powerful, it truly thrives when combined with human insight. This partnership is essential, especially here in Namibia, where our unique context and values play a crucial role in shaping how technology impacts our lives.
The Human Touch that AI Needs
AI can perform incredible tasks, like recognizing faces or predicting weather patterns. However, it’s not perfect. Think of AI as a fast learner that knows a lot of facts but doesn’t always grasp the bigger picture. For example, AI might help businesses quickly sort through job applications, but it might not always pick the best candidate because it doesn’t understand everything that makes someone the right fit.
This is where human insight comes in. We bring experience, common sense, and the ability to make judgments based on more than just data. In Namibia, where community and cultural values are deeply rooted, AI benefits greatly from being guided by humans who understand these unique aspects.
How Humans Benefit from AI
On the flip side, AI excels at handling repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up humans to focus on more meaningful work. Imagine a busy office in Windhoek where hours are spent on paperwork or scheduling. AI can automate these tasks, allowing people to concentrate on activities that require creativity and personal interaction.
In sectors like farming, which is vital to Namibia, AI can monitor crops and predict weather, helping farmers make informed decisions. Yet, it’s the farmers who know their land and communities best, using AI as a tool to enhance their traditional knowledge.
A Powerful Collaboration
When AI and human insight work together, the results are powerful. AI can offer new ideas based on patterns, but it’s human creativity and understanding that bring those ideas to life in a way that resonates with people. This is especially true in industries like tourism or the arts, where Namibia’s rich culture and natural beauty are central. AI might suggest trends or manage logistics, but it’s the human touch that brings authenticity and heart to these experiences.
Moving Forward Together
As we look to the future, it’s clear that AI thrives with human insight. While AI can boost efficiency and make life easier, it’s up to us to guide it, ensuring it aligns with our values and needs.
In Namibia, where community, tradition, and progress go hand in hand, this collaboration offers incredible opportunities. By combining the power of AI with human insight, we can innovate, solve problems, and create a future where technology and people thrive together.
In short, AI may be smart, but it thrives when paired with human wisdom. This partnership, when done right, can lead to remarkable advancements for Namibia and beyond.
Grace Katjivena - Empowerment Specialist and Content Creator
How six groups of young innovators tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing Namibia's public sector and tourism industry.
Namibia is a country with immense potential for innovation and development, especially in the digital sphere. However, it also faces many challenges, such as improving its public infrastructure, attracting more tourists, and promoting its digital nomad visa program. To address these issues, the Namibia Public Sector Innovation Hackathon was organized by the Co-Creation Hub of Namibia.
The hackathon took place from Thursday the 11th of April 2024 to Saturday the 13th of April 2024, and brought together six groups of young and talented innovators, who had to choose from three themes/tracks: Digital Public Infrastructure in Namibia, Tech-Enabled Tourism for Namibia, and Marketing the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa. The hackathon was a platform for the participants to showcase their creativity, skills, and passion for solving real-world problems, and to receive feedback and mentorship from experts and judges.
The judges for the hackathon were Nrupesh Soni, the founder and owner of Facilit8, a leading innovation and digital transformation consultancy; Professor Attlee Gamundani, the Associate Professor of Cybersecurity at the Namibia University of Science and Technology; and Sonja Coetzer, the Managing Director of Salt Essential Information Technology a technology house that humanizes technology. The judges were given a clear criterion for the judging process, which consisted of six aspects: innovation and creativity, quality and functionality of the solution, impact of the solution, presentation and pitching, feasibility and scalability, and relevance to the theme/track. The judges were impressed by the quality and diversity of the solutions presented by the groups and had a difficult time selecting the winners.
The winners of the hackathon were announced on Saturday the 13th of April 2024, after a rigorous and exciting pitching session.
For the Public Sector track, Guardian AI, presented a machine learning algorithm that classifies structured and unstructured data from documents, i.e. government application forms, by using a data-capturing system that uses optical character recognition (OCR) to streamline data processing. With GuardianAI, organizations can expedite their document processing workflows, optimize resource utilization, and make data-driven decisions with confidence and reliability.
The Guardian AI team: Brito Kandombe, Sherleyn Kandombo, Anna Amon, Tyrone Nashandi
Nam Tours created their solution focused on a Tech-Enabled Tourism industry. They develop a dynamic mobile application designed to offer travelers seamless access to real-time maps and detailed insights into local tourist attractions, accommodations, activities, and small businesses. This app aims to enhance the travel experience by providing comprehensive information and fostering connections between tourists and hidden local gems. Additionally, the platform serves as a valuable showcase for small businesses to promote their offerings and engage with potential customers, thereby contributing to the growth of local economies.
The Nam Tours team: Flavia Shaghala, Thangeni Mathew, Hekima Muhuka, Natalia Hamata
Nomad Visa Marketing was addressed by team, Namad and offered a platform that will streamline the nomad visa application process through digitalization, ensuring ease of access and enhancing transparency. By leveraging innovative strategies, the platform aims to provide comprehensive information about Namibia, seamlessly integrating with existing nomad visa strategies. With user-friendly interfaces and efficient workflows, travelers can navigate the visa application process effortlessly while gaining valuable insights into our country's offerings and attractions.
The Nam Tours team: Andreas Akuumba, Rosalia Helao, Andreas Mbundu
The other three groups also delivered impressive and innovative solutions, which deserve recognition and appreciation.
The Namibia Public Sector Innovation Hackathon was a successful and inspiring event, that demonstrated the talent and potential of Namibia's youth, and their ability to create solutions that can make a positive difference in the country's development and future. The hackathon also provided a valuable opportunity for the participants to network with each other, and with the mentors, judges, and partners, who offered their guidance, support, and feedback. The hackathon was not the end, but the beginning, of a journey of innovation and collaboration, that will hopefully continue and grow. As the author of this blog, and as a judge and a partner of the hackathon, I would like to congratulate and thank all the participants, mentors, judges, and partners, who made this event possible and memorable. I would also like to encourage the Namibian business community, to recognize and appreciate the potential of these young innovators, and to offer them internships and opportunities, where they can further develop their skills, and contribute to the country's digital transformation and prosperity.
Photos:
Fltr: Prof. Attlee Gamundani (NUST), Jude Adejuwon (CCHUB Nigeria), Sonja Coetzer (Salt), Oluwaseun Adepoju (CCHUB Nigeria), Nrupesh Soni (Facilit8), Efraim Vilho (CCHUB Namibia)
Nam Tours
Namad
GuardianAI
Sonja Coetzer - Managing Director
The Namibian Data Protection Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to regulate the processing of information relating to individuals, in order to protect their fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly their right to privacy. The Act establishes obligations for data controllers and processors, as well as rights for individuals about whom information is processed.
Salt Essential IT, as a leading provider of ICT Business Consulting services, is well-positioned to help Namibian businesses be ready for the Namibian Data Protection Act. Our services include IT Strategy Consulting, IT Organisation Consulting, IT Infrastructure Planning, Architecture, Design, Implementation and Project Management services. We also offer professional consulting services in all ICT related areas, including process management and optimization, business continuity management, policy development, and advising in regulatory issues.
Our team of experts can help businesses understand their obligations under the Act and implement the necessary measures to ensure compliance. For example, our IT Infrastructure Planning, Architecture, Design, and Implementation services can help organizations comply with the security of processing requirements outlined in Section 31 of the Act. Our Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery services can help organizations comply with the personal data breach notification requirements outlined in Section 35 of the Act. Our IT Strategy Consulting and IT Organization Consulting can help organizations comply with the accountability requirements outlined in Section 32 of the Act.
In addition, Salt Essential IT offers Business Hosting as a Service, which includes secure environment for hosting critical applications and services, business continuity solutions designed to minimize disruptions during unforeseen events, disaster recovery plans to swiftly restore services, and regular data backups to safeguard valuable information.
In conclusion, Salt Essential IT is committed to helping Namibian businesses be ready for the Namibian Data Protection Act. Our range of services and expertise can help businesses understand and comply with their obligations under the Act, ensuring the protection of individuals' fundamental rights and freedoms.
Vanessa Maresch - Empowerment Specialist
How to align your technology choices with your business goals?
Technology is constantly evolving and creating new opportunities and challenges for businesses. But how do you know which technology trends are worth investing in and which ones are just hype? How do you ensure that your technology choices align with your business goals and objectives and deliver value to your customers?
In this blog post, we will explore some of the key technology trends that are shaping the future of business and how they can affect the value proposition of technology for customers who view their technology as a critical part of their goals and objectives achievement for business success.
What is technology value proposition?
Technology value proposition is the statement that describes how your technology solution solves a customer's problem, meets their needs, or provides them with a benefit. It is the reason why a customer would choose your technology over other alternatives or stick with your technology over time.
Technology value proposition is not just about the features or functions of your technology, but also about the outcomes and benefits that your technology enables for your customers. It is about how your technology helps your customers achieve their goals and objectives, whether they are related to efficiency, productivity, innovation, quality, customer satisfaction, or competitive advantage.
Why is technology value proposition important?
Technology value proposition is important because it helps you communicate the value of your technology to your customers and differentiate your technology from your competitors. It also helps you align your technology strategy with your business strategy and ensure that your technology investments are aligned with your customer needs and expectations.
Technology value proposition can help you attract, retain, and grow your customer base, as well as increase customer loyalty and advocacy. It can also help you justify your technology spending and demonstrate your return on investment (ROI) to your stakeholders.
How do technology trends affect technology value proposition?
Technology trends are the changes or developments in technology that have the potential to impact the way businesses operate, compete, or serve their customers. Technology trends can create new opportunities or challenges for businesses, depending on how they respond to them and how they leverage them to create value for their customers.
Some of the technology trends that are shaping the future of business include:
Technology trends can affect the value proposition of technology for customers in various ways, depending on how they relate to the customer's problem, need, or benefit. For example, technology trends can:
How to align technology trends with technology value proposition?
To align technology trends with technology value proposition, businesses need to understand how technology trends affect their customers and how they can leverage technology trends to create value for their customers. Businesses need to:
By aligning technology trends with technology value proposition, businesses can ensure that their technology choices are aligned with their business goals and objectives and deliver value to their customers.
Sonja Coetzer - Managing Director
What have we seen happening with the cybersecurity front in Namibia so far in 2024?
In the first quarter of 2024, we have seen an uptake in the lockbit 3.0 or AKA known as lockbit black. We have seen the hacker group “Hive” and the collective ransomware as a service group “Blackcat” working together in deploying Lockbit 3.0 in more creative ways.
So, how did this effect Namibia, we have seen that no Financial institute and no Parastatal is save. Ransomware has been the primary attack against Namibian companies as a whole and both collectives, Hive and Blackcat being behind most of these attacks. Although these attacks is old news for most, Namibia and Sothern Africa, it is new and a very real threat.
Are these attacks a threat, if any?
Yes, these are, and very successful executions has been made. What is more concerning is that these attackers leaves a message stating that they can do it again at anytime and that ransom is the only way to get your network back. These attackers do not hold back and have no shame. The big threat here is, the lack of management or security staff in Namibia. We see that these attacks are well directed where these attackers realize loopholes in the management of passwords, VPN and remote RDP connections.
What to do?
Again, Namibian companies must really look at securing the basics. Password Policies, Anti-Virus being up to date, patching regularly. These three area’s falls short in almost every successful attack. Namibia is playing in the big league on the internet. There is no “3rd world” internet for Namibia. Here we play with the big boys and will be attacked just like the big countries and companies.
What to expect in 2024 going forward?
Two very big factors to look at, although there are many more, these two stand out. Ransomware with Blackcat and Hive will go on and WILL escalate. These attacks are very well thought out and companies that does not take their security polices seriously (by actually implementing them) will be an easy target.
The 2nd. IOT all over the world have become an easy target, just because home users connect these devices to their home network with out any security and this opens up easy backdoors. As this is becoming more prevalent over the world, Namibia needs to lear from it. True, Namibia is not heavily invested in IOT yet, but it is coming, and when it does, take your IOT security seriously. Change the default settings and password.
Johann van Rooyen - SOC and SIEM Manager
Do I get to say, I love Artificial Intelligence again,(as mentioned in the automation blog), or would it be too repetitive? Artificial Intelligence bots have become a business need and can no longer be seen as just a commodity. Bots can serve your business in many ways, including finding the right contact person for the customer query, bringing data together to improve information transparency and clarity, and so much more.
Have you ever visited a really big website and found yourself to be drilling through, what feels like, endless links and pages and information only to feel more perplexed and overwhelmed than anything?
How about finding the right contact information to serve your query? Calling the switchboard, only to be redirected throughout the building without relevant assistance? It is not only frustrating, (and know that you are not alone), but it is also time consuming, and quite possibly leaves you more upset than satisfied. This is but one area where an Artificial intelligence (AI) bot can serve not just you, but your business as a whole.
Allow me to share ChatGPT’s version on the topic briefly outlining the pro’s and cons of Artificial intelligence bots, who also supplied a link to the entire source for you to read should you so wish 22 Best AI Chatbots for 2023: ChatGPT & Alternatives (tidio.com)
Artificial intelligence (AI) bots are becoming increasingly popular on websites as businesses look for ways to improve customer service and engagement. AI bots can help businesses automate tasks, provide 24/7 support, and improve the overall customer experience. Here are some of the key benefits of adding an AI bot to your website:
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider when adding an AI bot to your website:
In conclusion, adding an AI bot to your website can provide many benefits for your business. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and determine if it is the right choice for your specific needs.
Here is my, (no AI), conclusion:
Artificial intelligence Bots can become your online superhero and go-to for your clients when they visit your website. These bots can be an introvert’s best friend and at the same time empower the time focused client when they visit your website. For our customer centric Salty innovation house, we have Zolt, who is a perfect example of an Artificial Intelligence Bot built specifically to serve our business environment and services. Zolt does not operate outside of the set parameters, this brings ethical AI back into our conversation where it should be, and again brings the business enabling tool to top of mind.
Jaylee Venter - Customer Technical Liaison
Part 1
I love artificial intelligence simply because of the amazing things that it can do for people and businesses at large. Of course, being hands on in the world of Artificial intelligence I leveraged the AI offered by ChatGPT to assist me with this blog, which I reviewed and credit checked as far as humanly possible prior to posting the content. The importance of monitoring, credit checking and more by developers and users throughout the world cannot be understated and forever lingers in the back of my mind as someone who advocates ethical artificial intelligence.
Automation is one of my favorite forms of artificial intelligence, and there are many, but automation is a true business enabler. Taking away mundane everyday tasks so that we can better use the time available to us in a working day. Sending weekly reports via email could take up to 1 hour to send, why not automate it? Get back a vital hour of your day so that you may shift your focus to more important tasks, and why not? Here, in this business scenario, artificial intelligence is your best friend, not just to you, but also to the business.
Here is a blog on pro’s and cons of Artificial intelligence automation written by ChatGPT, who also supplied a link to the entire source for you to read should you so wish, The Pros And Cons Of Artificial Intelligence (forbes.com):
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. However, like any new technology, it has its pros and cons. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key advantages and disadvantages of AI automation.
Pros:
Cons:
In conclusion, while AI automation has many benefits, it also has its drawbacks. It is up to businesses and individuals to weigh the pros and cons and determine how best to incorporate this technology into their lives and work.
Here is my, (no AI), conclusion:
Artificial intelligence must be viewed, not as an enemy to mankind, but as a tool to be used for enablement. We fear what we do not understand and thus, we must ensure that we empower ourselves to better understand the Artificial Intelligence available to us today in the world. It is also important to Support the initiatives that focus on ethical AI as this will establish the foundational and vital “moral compass” and “does and don’ts” that serves not just businesses worldwide, but mankind as a whole.
Jaylee Venter - Customer Technical Liaison
As an experienced IT salesperson, I understand the importance of digital security for businesses and individuals alike. With the rise of the 5th Industrial Revolution, there has been a tremendous increase in the number and complexity of threats to digital security. In this article, I will discuss some of the latest threats and international trends in digital security, as well as some cybersecurity solutions offered by Microsoft, Veeam, and Acronis that can help mitigate these risks.
International Trends in Digital Security
One of the most significant trends in digital security is the increasing number of cyberattacks against businesses and governments worldwide. Cybercriminals use a variety of techniques, including phishing, malware, and ransomware, to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. These attacks can have severe consequences, including data breaches, financial loss, and damage to an organization's reputation.
Another trend in digital security is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in cybersecurity. These technologies can help organizations detect and respond to cyber threats faster and more effectively. AI and ML can also help predict future threats and identify vulnerabilities in an organization's digital infrastructure.
Finally, there is an increasing focus on data privacy and protection. New regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, require organizations to take steps to protect personal data from unauthorized access or use. These regulations have significant implications for businesses, particularly those that operate globally.
Latest Threats in Digital Security
One of the most significant threats in digital security is the rise of ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts an organization's files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. These attacks can be particularly devastating, as they can result in the loss of critical data and can be difficult to recover from.
Another threat is the increasing sophistication of phishing attacks. Phishing is a social engineering technique that aims to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords. Phishing attacks are becoming more targeted and harder to detect, making them a significant threat to both individuals and organizations.
Mitigating Digital Security Risks with Microsoft, Veeam, and Acronis Security Solutions
Fortunately, Microsoft, Veeam, and Acronis offer a range of security solutions that can help businesses and individuals mitigate these digital security risks. Here are a few examples:
Multi-factor authentication: Microsoft offers multi-factor authentication (MFA) as part of its Azure Active Directory (AAD) service. Veeam also offers MFA through its Backup & Replication software. This security measure requires users to provide more than one form of identification to access a system. This can include a password, a fingerprint, or a code sent to a user's phone. MFA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Encryption: Microsoft offers robust encryption capabilities for data at rest and in transit. For example, Azure Disk Encryption provides encryption for data stored in Azure Virtual Machines, and Azure Storage Service Encryption provides encryption for data stored in Azure Blob Storage. Acronis offers similar encryption capabilities with its Cyber Protect Cloud software. Encrypted data is much harder to access by unauthorized parties, reducing the risk of data breaches.
AI and ML: Microsoft's cloud security solutions, such as Azure Sentinel and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, use AI and ML to help organizations detect and respond to cyber threats more quickly and effectively. Veeam also offers AI-powered threat detection through its Veeam ONE software. These technologies can also help identify vulnerabilities in an organization's digital infrastructure before they can be exploited.
IoT security measures: Microsoft offers Azure Sphere, an end-to-end solution for creating highly secure, connected IoT devices. Azure Sphere provides built-in security features, such as hardware-based root of trust, ongoing security updates, and certificate-based authentication. Acronis also offers IoT security measures with its Cyber Protect Cloud software, which includes security for edge devices and endpoint security for IoT devices.
In conclusion, digital security is becoming increasingly important in the 5th Industrial Revolution, and businesses and individuals need to be aware of the latest threats and international trends in cybersecurity. Microsoft, Veeam, and Acronis offer a range of security solutions that can help mitigate these risks, including multi-factor authentication, encryption, AI and ML-powered threat detection, and IoT security measures. By implementing these solutions, businesses and individuals can better protect their sensitive data and digital infrastructure from cyberattacks.
Christopher Swart - Commercial Expansion Manager (in collaboration with ChatGPT)
What a ride! What a journey! What a story!
The number 25 has significance beyond just being a number. It signifies Salt's beginning, our growth and our continued drive to live and deliver our values everywhere.
CHALLENGE - EMPOWER - IMPACT
All great things start with a visionary leader that has what it takes to give live to a dream. One step at a time, and sometimes with leaps and bounds.
Salt's humble beginnings in Namibia started when Logical Networks was formed in 1998 by the South African Datatec Group as a specialist network design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance company. The team driving things behind the scenes knew that there is more Salt can to for the Namibian economy through smarter technology, and that is when in 2008 the name changed to Salt. Without Salt, the ocean is just dam water. We are the ocean to your business.
Every entrepreneur, company founder and owner will tell you, that the first step is the scariest and most exhilarating at the same time. And any chef worth his/hers Salt will tell you, the perfect recipe comes through hard work, trials, and error, and a never give up attitude.
We love celebrating the small things as much as we love celebrating our 25th birthday. We love changing people's lives one technology at a time. We are more than technology enthusiasts; we are leaders in making a difference. We love what we do, we love to CHALLENGE, we love to EMPOWER, and we love to IMPACT.
We love every day and every opportunity!
Salt would never have been here to celebrate this momentous occasion without the continued support from our customers, partners, distributors, and vendors and most of all, the Salties. You all have played such a crucial part in every success story we have to tell. There are not enough words to thank each one of you!
Here is to the next 25 years, and all our stakeholders continuing the journey with us!
Sonja Coetzer - Managing Director
