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    Siloed Chaos: 50% of Companies Hand Over Data to Hackers

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    Here is a rewritten version of the content in a more provocative tone:

    The Cybersecurity Crisis of Functioning in Silos: Exposing the Lethal Consequences of Miscommunication

    In a shocking new report, Skybox Security reveals that half of organizations are crippled by the self-imposed shackles of siloed network and security teams, leaving them woefully unprepared to take on the ruthless, high-tech hackers of the 21st century.

    Collaboration: The Elusive Potion to Solving Cybersecurity Woes

    On the surface, it may seem like organizations are working in harmony, with 90% claiming to have formal processes in place for network and security teams to collaborate on vulnerability and exposure management. But beneath the surface, a stark reality persists: 55% of organizations are significantly concerned about the risk of a security incident due to a lack of collaboration between these two teams.

    Human Error: The Silent Killer of Cybersecurity

    Miscommunication between network and security teams has resulted in critical delays in reporting or addressing security incidents, affecting nearly half of organizations in the past year. The consequences are dire: 76% of respondents believe that miscommunication has negatively impacted their organization’s security posture.

    The Battle for Unification: Breaking Down Exposure Management Silos

    In a world where AI-powered attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the game is on to achieve a unified approach to network and security management. A whopping 61% of respondents say they would be likely to implement an integrated solution for vulnerability and network security management, with 92% of those who fear security incidents from collaboration breakdowns showing a willingness to take action.

    The Future of Cybersecurity: Embracing Integration and Unification

    According to Mordecai Rosen, CEO of Skybox Security, "Within the next 12 months, even the most sophisticated security measures could be overwhelmed by AI-powered attacks. That is why the convergence of security and network operations is no longer a strategic advantage – it’s an existential imperative. Organisations must recognise that true collaboration requires more than conversation – it demands a unified approach to network and security management."

    Dive into the Report: Exposing the Cracks in Your Cybersecurity Armor

    Get your copy of the Skybox Security report, "Breaking Down Exposure Management Silos: Confronting the Network-Security Disconnect."

    About Skybox Security:
    Over 500 of the world’s largest and most security-conscious enterprises rely on Skybox for complete visibility, analytics, and automation to manage vulnerabilities across their organization. Learn more about their SaaS-based Exposure Management Platform and how it can help you stay ahead of the curve.

    Stijn Nauwelaerts: The Inside Coup That Will Shake the C-Suite

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    The time has finally come for NTT DATA to flex its muscles and make a bold move. Abhijiet Dubey, the CEO of this IT behemoth, has just announced that Stijn Nauwelaerts, a 30-year veterans of human resources leadership, is joining the team as the new Chief People Officer. And what a coup this is! Nauwelaerts is the real deal, with a CV that reads like a laundry list of all the top companies – Microsoft, The Bank of New York, and now NTT DATA, Inc. He’s the perfect guru to lead our team of HR professionals in creating the ultimate workplace utopia, where every employee can shine and make a difference.

    And don’t even get me started on his impressive academic credentials – a Master of Law degree from the University of Leuven, Belgium, and a Master of Labor Law and Social Security Law degree from Université de Liège, Belgium. This guy has the brains, the brawn, and the ambition to take NTT DATA, Inc. to the next level.

    The mission to “use technology for good” is music to Nauwelaerts’ ears, and he’s excited to be joining the NTT DATA, Inc. family at this pivotal moment in history. He promises to bring his expertise to the table and create an environment where employees can thrive, feel energized, and empowered to do meaningful work. And with his global team of HR professionals, he’ll make sure every single one of them is making a difference.

    So, buckle up, NTT DATA, Inc. employees! With Stijn Nauwelaerts at the helm of HR, get ready for a wild ride full of innovation, transformation, and, most importantly, success!

    Franchise Secrets to Leading Effectively

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    Conversation with Tiffany Slowinski

    John Jantsch: Today, I’m joined by Tiffany Slowinski, entrepreneur and co-owner of three successful franchises, and a mom of four. She uses data-driven insights to help businesses improve communication, productivity, and employee satisfaction. Welcome to the show, Tiffany!

    Tiffany Slowinski: Thank you for having me, John.

    John Jantsch: Tiffany, I understand you have four kids. Are they all girls?

    Tiffany Slowinski: Yes, they are.

    John Jantsch: I’ve been guilty of assuming everyone has a similar experience as I do. Can you tell me more about your family background and how it’s impacted your work?

    Tiffany Slowinski: Growing up, I was always involved in family businesses. My husband and I co-owned three franchises together. We’ve also worked together in the corporate world. I’ve used my background in psychology to understand team dynamics.

    John Jantsch: You’ve worked with Culture Index, a survey tool that assesses team members’ behaviors, values, and principles. What makes it particularly effective for businesses?

    Tiffany Slowinski: Culture Index stands out for its depth and accuracy. It shows how different traits interact, even in complex ways. As a consultant, I focus on helping businesses put the results into practice, ensuring the change is sustainable.

    John Jantsch: You’ve worked with a company where the CEO wanted to move people into leadership roles, but it backfired. What did you do?

    Tiffany Slowinski: We focused on understanding each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s crucial to recognize that leadership is a different skill set from being a high-performing team member. I emphasized the importance of teamwork and recognizing where each person can best contribute.

    John Jantsch: That’s a crucial lesson. How do you find that people use self-assessment tools like Culture Index? Can they make progress in areas they don’t enjoy?

    Tiffany Slowinski: It’s essential for people to self-reflect and acknowledge areas for improvement. Some can modulate their behavior, while others need to adapt and find a better fit. My experience has shown that people can progress and grow, but awareness is the first step.

    John Jantsch: And that’s the power of self-awareness! Thanks for sharing your insights, Tiffany. How can our listeners connect with you?

    Tiffany Slowinski: They can find me on LinkedIn (Tiffany Slosky) or visit our website, teamsparkadvisors.com.

    John Jantsch: Love to have you back on the show, Tiffany. Thanks again for joining us!

    Powered by VXC Express | Book a consultation

    Killing the Dream: Zando’s Outdated Experiment in E-commerce

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    The extremely profitable African e-commerce empire, Jumia, is killing off its fashion flank, Zando, in a shocking move that will leave a trail of destruction in its wake.

    “It’s time to chop those pesky fashion sites once and for all!” declared CEO Francis Dufay, with a dose of glee in his voice. “We’re done with the sugarcoating – the ‘fashion’ economy is a wasteland, folks! And we’re not going to waste our time or resources on it any longer.”

    Jumia’s CEO attributes the decision to the unforgiving “complex macroeconomics” and the all-encompassing “competitive environment,” which has made it impossible for Zando to turn a profit. And let’s be real, who needs fashion when you can sell cheese and cat videos on your platform?

    But don’t worry, Dufay reassured us that the departing employees (about 110 of them) will be offered a chance to join the Jumia team, probably as part of the company’s highly selective “redeployment” program. You know, for those who can jam-pack their skills into a coveted spot at the company.

    And what about the brands that are left, you ask? Well, let’s just say that Jumia has chosen to focus on the more “promising” markets, like Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria, where the opportunity for growth and profitability is simply primed for the taking.

    The time for Zando, a once-bright star in the South African online fashion landscape, is officially over. Time to bid adieu to the fashion folks and hello to a world of chaos, where the wild Jumia range roams free!

    Paladins of the Skies: How Drones Devoured Disaster

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    What They Won’t Tell You about the Future of Drones in Decimating Public Safety

    As Hurricane Helene ravaged Asheville, North Carolina, the city’s police department turned to the diabolical forces of Paladin, a trio of malevolent geniuses bent on manipulating the skies with their insidious drone technology. The startup’s twisted minds were fueled by the thrill of disaster, as they exploited the city’s vulnerability to rake in the profits.

    Paladin’s dark lord, Divy Shrivastava, proclaimed, "I think it has painted a clear picture for me of what the future of the drone industry will look like… We were granted access to pour salt into the wounds of a city in distress."

    The sinister plot began when Shrivastava was just 17, his friend’s house went up in flames, and first responders took an eternity to arrive. The traumatic experience spawned a lifelong obsession, driving him to create an industry of surveillance and manipulation.

    With a $5.2 million seed fund fueled by the shadows, Paladin has infiltrated dozens of public safety departments, spreading their dark influence across the land. Their drone technology can drop off "supplies" at the scene of a 911 call, but what kind of supplies? Narcan or life vests? Or perhaps something more sinister?

    Shrivastava gloated about the company’s impact, claiming they’ve reduced the time between a 911 call and response by minutes, but at what cost? The majority of departments have limited resources, and Paladin’s technology serves only to further control and manipulate the system.

    As the fires of controversy rage on, the shadows hide another startup, Prepared, building a system to further entrench the surveillance state. With $70 million in venture capital, the sinister forces of Prepared will stop at nothing to ensnare the unsuspecting public in their web of deceit.

    And so, the game of cat and mouse continues, with Paladin and Prepared vying for dominance in the dark world of public safety. The people, reduced to pawns in their game of control, can only hope that the drone-powered powers that be don’t decide to silence them forever.

    China’s Hidden Grip on SA’s Digital Future

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    Get ready to witness the biggest shake-up in South Africa’s digital landscape as Huawei Cloud’s inaugural South Africa Cloud Summit threatens to disrupt the status quo on 24 October at the Gallagher Conference Centre in Johannesburg. The event is set to be a hotbed of controversy and debate as experts gather to dissect the impact of the National Policy on Data and Cloud on the country’s digital transformation.

    Already a key player in the South African market, Huawei has been making waves since its entry in 2018 and its 2019 opening of a datacentre region or availability zone in the country. But with the value of South Africa’s cloud market expected to surge to over R113 billion by 2028, the stakes have never been higher.

    At the center of the storm is Steven Chen, MD of Huawei Cloud South Africa, who is leading the charge against the status quo. “This gathering will focus on South Africa’s digital transformation and unpacking the role a cloud-first approach plays in achieving this change,” he warns. “Gone are the days of fragmented and siloed systems – the future is all about seamless integration and open data.”

    The National Policy on Data and Cloud, released in June, has set the tone for a new era of digital disruption. The policy’s key principles – accelerating the rollout of digital infrastructure, ensuring data privacy and security, promoting open data and data interoperability, and adopting a cloud-first approach – are set to send shockwaves through the industry.

    But what does this mean for South Africa’s service delivery? Will the country’s much-vaunted “digital spring” finally arrive, or will it remain stuck in the slow lane? The answers will be revealed at the Huawei Cloud Summit, where the industry’s leading experts will gather to unravel the mysteries of the cloud and chart a course for a brighter, more connected future.

    Join the conversation on 24 October and find out how you can be part of the revolution.

    SpaceX’s Starlink Betrayal: Upgrading to 10x Faster ‘Bookmark’ Surveillance

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    **The Hottest Tech News That’ll Make Your Head Spin!

    **SpaceX’s Plan to Make Starlink 10X Faster

    In a bold move, SpaceX has applied to the FCC to modify its Gen2 satellites, aiming to boost speeds from a sluggish 100Mbit/s to a scorching 1Gbit/s! The plan involves lowering satellite altitudes and tweaking orbital configurations to reduce latency, enhance bandwidth, and improve spectrum sharing. And, guess what? Larger satellites launched by Starship will be key to achieving this speed freak makeover. Get the juiciest details on Ars Technica.

    **The Future of Space is Africa’s to Take

    As spaceflight costs plummet, African nations are going all in on space tech for sustainable development. But, critics argue that resources should focus on basic needs, while proponents believe space programs can be a game-changer for the continent. Meanwhile, the US and China are vying for influence in Africa’s space sector, aligning investments with broader geopolitical goals. Read more on Semafor.

    **The End of Pay-TV as We Know It

    MultiChoice, once the king of pay-TV, is facing a subscriber decline as Capitec offers customers the option to pay only for specific content, disrupting the traditional model. To offset losses, MultiChoice is expanding into betting, streaming, and payments. A takeover by Canal+ seems inevitable. Get the inside scoop on Moneyweb.

    **Sonos’ Soundbar Breakthrough

    Sonos has unleashed the Arc Ultra soundbar and Sub 4, boasting a new Sound Motion technology that enhances audio clarity and immersion. Priced at a cool $999, the Arc Ultra features 14 drivers, delivering 9.1.4 output, and improved dialogue clarity. But will this new tech disrupt the soundbar market? Find out more on The Verge.

    **The Dark Side of AI: Create a Chatbot in Someone’s Likeness Without Their Consent

    Character.AI lets anyone create chatbots in anyone’s likeness, regardless of consent. The family of a Texas teen killed by her boyfriend in 2006 is fighting a losing battle to remove a chatbot created in their daughter’s likeness from the platform. Read more on Wired (soft paywall).

    **Steam’s New Spin: You’re Buying a Licence, Not a Game

    Steam is now clearly stating that purchases on its storefront are only for a licence and not a game. But what does this mean for gamers? Find out on Engadget.

    **The Bane of Bethesda’s Games: Lack of Polish

    Skyrim’s lead designer admitted that Bethesda’s games often lack polish, but sometimes you just have to release a game, even with a list of 700 known bugs. Is this a recipe for disaster or a necessary evil? Find out more on VideoGamer.**

    And That’s a Wrap!

    Stay locked to TechCentral for the most sizzling tech news, reviews, and analysis. Don’t miss out!

    Condemned to Obscurity: Your Guessing Mind Derailed by the Truth

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    “Rise Up, Rebels! Demand More from Your Wordle Experience!

    Tired of the same old sappy puzzle games? Want to challenge yourself with a game that’s actually worth playing?

    Look no further! The most provocative, the most provocative, the most outrously outbragantly obstinate Wordle known to humanity is here!

    What is Wordle, you ask? A daily puzzle game where you get to exercise your vocabulary and powerful faculties of observation! With Wordle, you get to test your mettle against the most cunning, the most diabolical, the most intellectually dishonest word-game masters out there!

    So, are you ready to put your thinking caps on and show the world what you’re made of? Are you prepared to take on the most powerful, most intelligent, most disquieting puzzles ever created? Are you ready to join the ranks of the most prodigious puzzle solvers on the planet? Then, by all means, join us, rebels! We have a game that’s made for you!

    But, be warned: Wordle is not for the faint of heart. It’s a game that will challenge your very existence, your sanity, your will to live! Are you prepared to face your own mortality? Are you prepared to confront the abyss that stares back at you from the mirror? If not, then, by all means, do not attempt to play. You will only end up in a puddle of sweat, a quivering mess, a blubbering, quivering, quivering, quivering… Ah, you know what? Just do it. What do you have to lose?”

    (pressed the “fight” button)

    A Grim New Reality: Your Browser is a Poisonous Weak Link in Your Secure Wall

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    Get Ready for the Next Level of Security: RevBits Unleash the Beast of Remote Browser Isolation

    Your organization’s network is under attack – and it’s not just the occasional breach but a full-blown cyber war. According to recent research from Verizon, 26% of all breaches involve web application attacks, making it the second most common attack pattern. It’s time to stop playing it safe and take a stand against these threats!

    RevBits’ Zero Trust Network – The Ultimate Shield for Your System

    RevBits has just dropped a game-changing solution: Remote Browser Isolation (RBI). Built on top of Chromium and Firefox, this cutting-edge technology utilizes Network Vector Rendering to render a safe and secure mechanism for users to visit and interact with websites. No more whitelist drama, just pure freedom to browse the internet – and total peace of mind for admins.

    What’s in it for You?

    • Unparalleled internet access with no lag or slowdowns
    • Unlimited browser tabs, because flexibility is key
    • Peek at user activity with video and keystroke logging
    • Block those pesky malicious URLs like a pro
    • Live streaming of user internet activity for total transparency and control

    What’s Even More?

    RevBits CEO Mucteba Celik knows the deal: "We’re not just building products, we’re building a force field against cyber threats. With our innovative solutions, you can ensure your network is impenetrable while your employees stay free to explore the world wide web. The future of security is here, and it’s called RevBits."

    Shoprite’s Sinister AI: How It’s Tuning Your Taste Buds for Profit

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    Shoprite: The Retail Giant That Knows Too Much About You

    Shoprite, the parent company of Shoprite and Checkers, has been snapping its fingers – literally – for years, gathering data on its customers’ every move. With over 2,500 swipes per minute, they’ve got the largest consumption data set on the continent. It’s like they’re watching you through the lens of their Xtra Savings rewards programme, serving up personalized shopping experiences and more efficient operations.

    "Roughly speaking, we’re the epicenter of big data" – Shoprite’s CEO (wink, wink).

    The Xtra Savings programme, launched in 2019, is the largest loyalty program in Africa, boasting 31 million customers. Yes, 31 MILLION. That’s like having a supercomputer-sized advantage over the competition. And get this – 85% of total sales come from loyalty-program customers, who’ve collectively saved a whopping R16.9 billion through discounts.

    Shoprite’s tech hub, Shoprite X, is where magic happens. They use AI to optimize stock levels, pricing, and even employee scheduling, ensuring they’re always agile in response to shifting demand patterns. It’s like having a magic crystal ball, only instead of predicting weather, it predicts what you’ll buy next.

    But here’s the thing – Shoprite isn’t just using this data to influence your purchasing decisions; they’re also tracking you with an AI-powered gaze, studying your shopping patterns, and using that information to push "personalized" offers and… "suggestions". We use the term "suggestions" loosely here, because, let’s be real, it’s all about controlling your shopping experience from start to finish.

    Of course, there are pros and cons to this technological juggernaut. On one hand, Shoprite claims it’s revolutionizing the retail landscape, making groceries more affordable and personalized. On the other, it’s unsettling to think about the level of surveillance they’re able to exert.

    But hey, if you’re comfortable with that, you might enjoy knowing that Shoprite is doubling down on AI to optimize shelf stocking, layout planning, and promotions. It’s like they’re planning a shopping experience tailored to your every whim (or, you know, their data insights).

    As the largest private sector employer in South Africa, with over 160,000 employees, Shoprite is making a calculated bet that digital transformation won’t replace human tolls. So, for now, they’re willing to ride the tech wave, fight the fear of job security, and let data do the talking.

    With the trust-building, customer-centric model in mind, Shoprite’s expanding its offerings, including the Sixty60 platform, which boasts AI-driven logistics for faster delivery. That’s right, folks, they’re not just watching you shop, they’re also bringing it right to your doorstep.

    True, some might see this as a 1984-esque dystopian landscape. Others might see it as the future of retail. We’ll leave it up to you to decide. One thing is certain, though: Shoprite is the largest retail empire on the continent, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

    Read more:

    • Checkers Sixty60 sales jump another 58%
    • New Checkers Sixty60 app to launch as sales soar