SIMPLE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR DIGITAL ESTATE SECURITY.

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 *What is a Digital Estate?* 

According to Microsoft published article, every modern company has some form of digital estate. Much like a physical estate, a digital estate is an abstract reference to a collection of tangible owned assets. In a digital estate, those assets include virtual machines (VMs), servers, applications, data, and so on. Essentially, a digital estate is the collection of IT assets that power business processes and supporting operations.

The importance of a digital estate is most obvious during the planning and execution of digital transformation efforts. During transformation journeys, the digital strategy teams use the digital estate to map the business outcomes to release plans and technical efforts. This all starts with an inventory and measurement of the digital assets that the organization owns as of today.

Most businesses hold personal information and conduct their businesses on electronic devices. It is vital to the reputation and day-to-day running of your business that you keep the information safe and away from prying eyes. Don’t be complacent, poor security can leave you and others vulnerable, and cyber-attacks affect businesses of all sizes.

Here are some practical, simple and familiar steps everybody or organizations can take to improve  their Digital Estate security:

1. *Back up your data.* You should back up your data regularly. If you’re using an external storage device, keep it somewhere other than your main workplace – encrypt it, and lock it away if possible. That way, if there’s a break-in, fire or flood, you’ll minimize the risk of losing all your data.

Check your back-up. You don’t want to find out it’s not working when you need it most. Make sure your back-up isn’t connected to your live data source, so that any malicious activity doesn’t reach it.

2. *Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.* 

Make sure you use strong passwords on smartphones, laptops, tablets, email accounts and any other devices or accounts where personal information is stored. They must be difficult to guess. Most Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRT) recommend using three random words.

Where possible, you should consider using multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication is a security measure to make sure the right person is accessing the data. It requires at least two separate forms of identification before access is granted. For example, you use a password and a one-time code which is sent by text message.

3. *Be aware of your surroundings.* 

For example, if you’re on a train or in a shared workspace, other people may be able to see your screen. A privacy screen might help you.

4. *Be wary of suspicious emails.* 

You and your staff need to know how to spot suspicious emails. Look out for signs such as bad grammar, demands for you to act urgently and requests for payment. New technologies mean that email attacks are becoming more sophisticated. A phishing email could appear to come from a source you recognize. If you’re not sure, speak to the sender. IT security team should provide awareness or training materials to help their staff recognize suspicious emails.

5. *Install anti-virus and malware protection, keep it up-to-date.* 

You must make sure the devices you and your employees use in the office, at home or when you’re working away are secure. Anti-virus software can help protect your device against malware sent through a phishing attack.

6. *Protect your device when it’s unattended.* 

Lock your screen when you’re temporarily away from your desk to prevent someone else accessing your computer. If you do need to leave your device for a very long time, put it in a secure place, out of sight. Enterprise environment should have screen lock policy for unattended devices.

7. *Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is secure.* 

Using public Wi-Fi, or an insecure connection, could put personal data at risk. You should make sure you always use a secure connection when connecting to the internet. If you’re using a public network, consider using a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN).

8. *Limit access to those who need it.* 

Different workers may need to use different types of information. Put access controls in place to make sure people can only see the information they need. For example, payroll or HR may need to see workers’ personal information, but your sales staff won’t.

If someone leaves your company, or if they’re absent for a long period of time, suspend their access to your systems.

 *9.Take care when sharing your screen.* 

Sharing your screen in a virtual meeting may show your device to others exactly as you see it, including any open tabs or documents. Before sharing your screen, you should close anything you don’t need and make sure your notifications and pop-up alerts are switched off.

10. *Don’t keep data for longer than you need it.* 

Getting rid of data you no longer need will free up storage space. This also means you have less personal information at risk if you suffer a cyber-attack or personal data breach.

11. *Dispose of old IT equipment and records securely.* 

You must make sure no personal data is left on computers, laptops, smartphones or any other devices, before you dispose of them. You could consider using deletion software, or hire a specialist to wipe the data.

Let me say here that you cannot get such thing as 100% digital security, but these simple and familiar tips given will help keep your digital estate safe, reduce associated risks and reduce surface attack. Remember to keep your operating systems updated and patch all software.

Ego Joseph Oborakpororo, is a season IT Expert and can be reached on www.egojoseph.com

WARD 9 CONGRATULATES UKAH, DESCRIBES HIS APPOINTMENT AS WELL DESERVEED.

The  Chairman, leaders and stakeholders of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Okpanam have congratulated the Director -General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah on his appointment.

In a statement on behalf of the ward 9  members of the party in Okpanam, the ward 9 chairman of the party, Engr. Augustine Obiekea said that the appointment was well deserved.

Engr. Obiekea  said that the party and the good people of Okpanam welcomed his appointment by the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori with joy.

He said that Chief Ukah was a great asset to the party and the community as well as the state in general, adding that his contributions to the unbroken dominance of the party in the area was worthy of commendation.

" On behalf of the  leaders, stakeholders,  councillors and political appointees both present and past , we congratulate on his appointment " .

Engr. Obiekea described Chief Ukah as an administrator of high repute, who was always committed  to bringing the needed result in every position he held.

He further stated that the DG of the DSCTDA was accessible in all ramifications, stressing that he was a kind hearted man .

The party chairman explained that the State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori considered Chief Ukah worthy for the position as the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency as a result of his  antecedents.

BOZIMO'S ELEVATION TO SENIOR ADVOCATE RANK, VALIDATION OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AS DELTA AG/JUSTICE COMMISSIONER----EBERE.

The Delta State Solicitor - General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe has stated that the elevation of the immediate past Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Isaiah Bozimo to the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was a validation of his achievements as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Erebe stated this in Asaba while speaking with newsmen .

He said that the Ministry of Justice was thrown into jubilation on the announcement of the elevation of Mr. Bozimo as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, designate, describing it as an honour well deserved.

While congratulating Mr. Bozimo, the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, noted that Bozimo's approach to solving legal issues, staff welfare, and capacity development of the staff was unparalleled.

He further described the rank of SAN as the penacle of every legal practitioner's career, adding that it was a thing of joy that Bozimo attained the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria at a relatively young age and in good health.

Erebe said that Bozimo's elevation as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria though an individual award, but was collectively for all Staff of the Ministry in particular and for Deltans Deltans in general.

He stated that  Bozimo's short stint in Ministry was filled with eventful and numerous achievements and commended staff of the Ministry for the support they gave to him.

EBERE CONGRATULATES EX DELTA ATTORNEY GENERAL,SAIAH BOZIMO,ON HIS ELEVATION TO RANK OF SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA(SAN).

The Delta State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, has congratulated the immediate past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Mr Isaiah Bozimo on his elevation to the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

 In a congratulatory message , Mr. Erebe stated that the elevation of the past Attorney-General to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate was an honour well deserved. 

He described Mr Bozimo as humble, hardworking and a dedicated legal practitioner who exhibited remarkable leadership traits as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. 

Mr Erebe stated that staff of the Ministry received the news of his elevation with joy and wished him well.

It could be recalled that Mr.  Isaiah Bozimo is amongst 58 lawyers who were elevated to the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria for 2023 by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee.

DTSG TO SUSTAIN EFFORTS IN IMPROVING TEACHING, LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN DELTA, SAYS OGHORO.

Delta State Government (DTSG) has reiterated its resolve to sustain efforts in the area of  projects and activities towards improving the teaching and learning environment in the state.

The Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Augustine Oghoro stated this in Asaba while declaring open, the 2023 WAEC state committee meeting.

Oghoro , who represented the State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu , said that the state government was concerned about the performances of candidates from the state  in WAEC examination.

He attributed the rate of reduction in examination  malpractices in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state to the efforts of  the  WAEC and officials of the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in ensuring effective monitoring of the examination in the state.

Oghoro described monitoring as one of the key ways of checking incidence of examination malpractices among students.

He underscored the importance of continuous collaboration between WAEC and the ministry in selecting and appointing credible supervisors for the conduct of the examination.

Oghoro explained that the forum offered stakeholders the opportunity to review the conduct of 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for the school certificate in the state.

Earlier in her welcome address, the State Director of Examinations, Mrs. Clementina Ojumah stressed the need for heads of schools and stakeholders to work together as a team in order to tackle the issues bedeviling the conduct of WAEC examinations in the state.

Mrs. Ojumah, who lauded the council for its efforts in ensuring smooth and timely release of its examination results, said that the state government was committed to taking education to enviable height in line with the MORE agenda of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori's administration.

In her remarks, the Ag. Head, Human Resources Management Division of WAEC , Lagos, Mrs. G.U Chukwudi -Nwoko said that the WAEC state committee meeting was held annually, adding that it was an avenue to review  the conduct of their activities for the year.

Mrs. Nwoko solicited the contributions and inputs of the stakeholders to help improve the education system, emphasizing that the council was collaborating with the state to fashion out measures towards improving the education sector.

FMC SEEKS END TO NEONATAL DEATHS IN DELTA.

The Pediatric Department of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Asaba as part of efforts towards ending Neonatal Mortality and Infant Morbidity  has organised a workshop tagged, “Helping Babies Breathe”  for officer in charge of Primary healthcare centres in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Permanent Secretary in the State Primary Health Development Agency (DSPHCDA), represented by the Director, Community Health Services, Dr. Paul Yinkore, said the training would equip participants on modern resuscitation techniques.

He noted that Neonatal Asphyxia was a leading factor in Infant Mortality, adding that the training would enhance the knowledge of the participants and help to reduce Neonatal Asphyxia and Infant Mortality in the state.

Speaking on the objectives of the training, the Head of Pediatrics, at the FMB in Asaba and Consultant Neonatologist, Prof. Angela Okolo, said her department observed gaps in the referrals  from primary health centres and decided to address the paucity of knowledge before referrals.

Prof. Okolo said "if babies do not breathe well, they would have slim chances of survival," stressing that Neonatal Resuscitation skills were essential during childbirth as It would also reduce incidences of Birth Asphyxia and its attendant long-term effects on the newborn.

A corp member, Dr. Uyioghosa Ose-Aigbekaen, said the training and donation of medical equipment to Umuaji Primary Health Centre were parts of their Community Development Services.

She said Neonatal Asphyxia, which is also known as Birth Asphyxia, was the medical condition resulting from deprivation of oxygen to a newborn infant that lasted long enough during the birth process to cause physical harm, usually to the brain.

2023 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SEADOGS (PYRATE CONFRATERNITY), SENSITIZES SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ON THE DANGER OF DRUG ABUSE.

Sapele : As part of the activities marking the *"World Mental Health Day"*  the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrates Confraternity), Urhiapele Deck, has carried out sensitization campaign to warn youths at secondary school levels of the dangers of drug abuse.  

The event which was *aimed* at promoting mental health in the society is part of the activities to commemorates the World Mental Health Day in the Urhiapele Deck chapter of the National Association of SeaDogs and similar exercise is being carried out in all the 64 chapters of the association worldwide.

The theme of this year's event is *"Together We Uphold Mental Health As Human Right".* Glory land International Secondary School, Amukpe, Sapele, was venue for the event.

 The Deck Capoon of the National Association of Seadogs, Urhiapele Deck, Dr Michael Eyide, explained that the event was another clear  demonstration of the association abiding commitment to contribute to the development of a just and egalitarian society.

He explained that the choice of picking a secondary school - Glory land International Secondary School, was a deliberate as the aim of the event was to sensitize the students, because their age bracket is more succeptible to peer group influence associated with drug abuse.  

Eyide, noted that many see education today as a scam, but maintained that most of them that came to sensitized the students are core profesionals who got to where they are today because of good education and advised the students to focus on their education and shun drugs.

Two of the resource persons: Dr Fredrick Adu, MD/CEO of Royal Clinic, and Mr Paul Ogboru, focal person on HIV/AIDS program at the Pharmacy Department, Central Hospital, Sapele, who spoke at the occasion summarized the effect of drugs as depression, mental disorder, lack of self esteem  and untimely death. They warned the students  to stay away from drugs and focus on their studies so as to become responsible children to their parents and the society at large.

In a vote of thanks, the Principal of Gloryland International Secondary School, Amukpe, Sapele, Mrs. Emuvoke Opuru expressed joy that her school was chosen as a demonstration to all schools in the district, in view of how drugs have  damaged the lives of many youths.

She added that the lecture provided a vivid awareness of the terrible effect of drugs and commended the National Association of Seadogs for the gesture.

 The  National Association of Seadogs was founded in 1952, by those referred to as the original 7. They are Professor Woke Soyinka and six others, who were all youths at that time. The  Association has contributed immensely to national development through various forms of advocacy and humanitarian projects,  striving for the *"attainment of a just society"* which has inspired hope in communities around the world.