Tech
Google Invests $1 Billion in Subsea Fiber-Optic Cable Connecting Africa and Australia
Google has announced plans to con- struct a subsea fiber-optic cable connecting Africa and Australia,
a project that promises to revolution- ize digital connectivity and economic growth across the continent.
The new cable, dubbed “Umoja,” which is Swahili for “unity,” will directly link Africa and Australia, reducing latency and enabling faster data transfer between the two continents.
The announcement, made on May 23, 2024, marks a significant milestone in Google’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower communities globally.
The project is expected to take several years to complete, with a estimated completion date of 2026.
The Umoja cable will start in Kenya and run through various countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and k Africa, before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia. The terrestrial part of the route is already complete, with Google collaborating with Liquid Intelligent Technologies on the project.
According to Brian Quigley, VP for Global Network Infrastructure at Google Cloud, “Umoja will enable African countries to more reliably connect with each other and the rest of the world.
Establishing a new route distinct from existing connectivity routes is critical to
maintaining a resilient network for a region that has historically experienced high-impact outages.”
The project has garnered enthusiastic support from various stakeholders, including Meg Whitman, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, who emphasized the project’s significance for Kenya’s digital transformation journey. “This is a momentous occasion,” she remarked.
“Access to the latest technologies, underpinned by dependable and resilient digital infrastructure, is essential for fostering economic opportunities.”
Google’s investment in the Umoja cable is a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to promoting digital inclusion and fostering sustain- able economic growth in Africa. As the project progresses, it is expected to have a transformative impact on the digital landscape of the continent, paving the way for a future of enhanced connectivity, economic opportunity, and global collaboration.
With the Umoja cable, Google is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa, empowering businesses, communities, and individuals to fully leverage the potential of the digital age.
Business
The Rising Tide of Cyber Threats: How to Protect Your Personal Devices and Prevent Financial Loss
In today’s interconnected world, cybercriminals are be-coming increasingly adept at exploiting vulnerabilities in personal devices to extract sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. As hacking attempts grow more sophisticated, experts are sounding the alarm on the importance of adopting robust security measures to safeguard personal devices and prevent devastating financial losses. The alarming rise in cybersecurity breaches has resulted in staggering financial losses, with the International Monetary Fund reporting that losses from cyber incidents have quadrupled since 2017. While the average loss hovers around $0.5 million, severe at-tacks can have catastrophic consequences, costing companies as much as $2.5 billion once every decade.
The sheer scale of these losses reiterates the urgent need for individuals and organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and protect their personal devices from the ever-evolving threats posed by cybercriminals. As the digital landscape continues to shift and vulnerabilities are exploited, it is crucial that we adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity, rather than simply reacting to threats as they arise. Experts agree that a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity is essential, incorporating robust security measures, regular soft-ware updates, and a healthy dose of skepticism when interacting with online content.
One of the most critical steps in protecting personal devices is to ensure that all software and operating systems are up-to-date. In addition to regular updates, it is essential to adopt robust security measures, such as fire-walls, antivirus software, and encryption. These measures can help to prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to personal de-vices and extracting sensitive information. However, even with robust security measures in place, it is still possible for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in personal devices. This is why it is crucial to adopt a healthy dose of skepticism when interacting with online content. This includes being cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources, as well as being wary of phishing scams and other types of social engineering attacks.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, it is clear that cybersecurity must be a top priority for individuals and organizations alike. By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, incorporating robust security measures, regular software updates, and a healthy dose of skepticism, we can help to prevent devastating financial losses and protect our personal devices from the rising tide of cyber threats.”
Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Beckham Anderson, a leading cybersecurity expert. “As cyber threats continue to evolve, it’s essential that we stay one step ahead by adopting a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. This includes regular software updates, robust security measures, and a healthy dose of skepticism when interacting with online content. “The rising tide of cyber threats poses a significant risk to individuals and organizations alike. However, by prioritizing cybersecurity and adopting a multi-layered approach to protecting personal devices, we can help to prevent devastating financial losses and safeguard our sensitive information. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in our approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that we are always one step ahead of the cybercriminals.
A group of former employees has filed a lawsuit against X, formerly known as Twitter, alleging unfair treatment following the company’s acquisition by Elon Musk. The lawsuit claims that X violated labor laws, failed to provide adequate notice and severance packages, and disproportionately targeted women and older workers for job cuts.
The lawsuit is one of several filed in the months after Musk’s $44 billion acquisition, which led to the layoffs of approximately 75% of the workforce. Court documents reveal that other cases accuse Twitter of not giving employees and contractors advance notice of layoffs and failing to pay billions of dollars in promised severance.
X has denied any wrongdoing, but the lawsuits highlight the challenges faced by the company as it undergoes significant restructuring. As the cases move forward, they will likely provide insight into the inner workings of X and the decisions made by Musk and his team.
Read also : Venezuela Blocks X (formerly Twitter) For 10 Days, Accusing Elon Musk Of Promoting Hatred
“We’re committed to protecting the rights of our former employees and ensuring that they receive the fair treatment they deserve,” said a spokesperson for the plaintiffs. X has not commented further on the lawsuits, but its denial of wrongdoing suggests a lengthy and contentious legal battle ahead.
In a bold move to enhance user safety across Sub-Saharan Africa, TikTok has launched its inaugural Safety Advisory Council, a diverse group of experts tasked with providing localized insights and recommendations on safety issues. This initiative marks a significant step in TikTok’s global safety strategy, expanding on its existing network of Safety Advisory Councils that have shaped the platform’s safety policies worldwide.
The council members, comprising academics, NGOs, content creators, and community leaders, will work closely with TikTok to address regional safety concerns and develop proactive strategies to manage emerging challenges. This collaborative approach underscores TikTok’s commitment to creating a secure and positive environment for its users in the region.
Read also : TikTok Unveils Inaugural Visionary Voices List For Africa
Alongside the council, TikTok is launching the latest phase of its #SaferTogether campaign, focusing on educating the community about safety features and community guidelines through workshops, social media outreach, and partnerships with local stakeholders. The campaign aims to promote a shared responsibility for safety and encourage users to engage actively with the platform’s safety tools.
With the support of strategic partners like Safaricom, TikTok remains dedicated to upholding platform integrity and safeguarding its user community across Sub-Saharan Africa. As the platform
Maureen Obih – Diaspora Diva
EXCEL International African Market
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