Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Home Blog Page 25

Report: Blockchain hackers stole $3.8 billion in 122 attacks in 2020

By
Guest Writer
-
0
Photo by Launchpresso on Unsplash

Atlas VPN has released a report on how much cryptocurrency was stolen by hackers in the year 2020. Below is the report in its full depth

The year 2020 was challenging for cybersecurity and the world in general. The global pandemic did not only threaten our physical health but also gave way to a new wave of cyberattacks endangering our digital lives.

It seems that the worldwide chaos hardly affected the blockchain world as cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, saw a significant rise in their value by the end of 2020. Nevertheless, the blockchain sector did not evade cyberattacks last year.

Atlas VPN team found that blockchain hackers stole nearly $3.78 billion in 122 attacks throughout 2020. Blockchain-linked attacks that happened last year alone account for almost a third (33%) of all time hacks aimed at blockchain projects.

The numbers are based on the data provided by Slowmist Hacked, which aggregates information about disclosed attacks aimed at blockchain projects, apps, and tokens. The data also considers blockchain scams, which make up 13% of all blockchain hack events in 2020. Monetary losses were calculated based on the January 12th, 2021 conversation rate.

Ethereum (ETH) DApps, decentralized applications based on the Ethereum smart contract, were the most frequently breached blockchain target. In 2020 alone, there were 47 successful attacks aimed at ETH DApps, which cost victims around $436.36 million or $9.28 million per hack.

Cryptocurrency exchanges, businesses that allow their clients to trade crypto to other assets, were also highly targeted last year. In 2020, there were 28 cryptocurrency exchange breaches, which together amounted to $300.15 million in losses or approximately $10.72 million per hack.

The third spot in the list is occupied by blockchain wallets — digital wallets that allow crypto holders to store their cryptocurrencies. Last year, hackers launched 27 successful attacks aimed at crypto wallets, netting $3.03 billion or around $112.12 million per hack. The nature of blockchain wallets makes them the most profitable target to cybercriminals.

Blockchains themselves were also affected by hacks in 2020. The year saw 12 successful attacks launched at different blockchains, which brought cybercriminals $5.91 million or $492,517 per each breach.

Next up are Tron DApps and EOS DApps. Like ETH DApps, they are decentralized applications based on specific protocols. Each type of DApps was breached three times last year. In total, Tron DApp breaches cost victims $10 million or around $3.33 million per hack, while EOS DApps caused damages of $2.85 million or approximately $949,416 for each breach.

Finally, 2020 saw two scams involving Ethereum-based tokens, a type of the token issued solely on the Ethereum blockchain. However, it is not clear how much financial damage these scams have caused.

Blockchain-linked hacks drop for the first time in 5 years

In our mid-year report on blockchain-related attacks, we observed a decline in hacks. Now that 2020 finally wrapped up, we can see that the trend persisted till the end of the year. In 2020, blockchain-related hacks dropped for the first time in the last five years.

The year 2019 saw 133 coordinated attacks targeting various blockchain platforms, apps, and tokens, while in 2020, the number decreased by 8% to 122. While the drop is not very significant, it still indicates an overall decline in blockchain-related hacks.

Let’s look at the attack numbers quarter by quarter. In contrast to 2019, when most blockchain-related breaches took place in the first quarter of the year, the first three months of 2020 saw the least amount of successful attacks. In 2020 Q1, 13 blockchain-related hacks were detected.

In the second quarter of last year, blockchain-linked breaches rose by 54% to 20. Q3 of 2020 saw an increase in attacks again by 160% to 52 attacks — the most out of all the quarters last year. Finally, the number of detected breaches fell by 29% to 37 in the last quarter of 2020.

It is hard to say what the future holds for the blockchain in terms of security. We are only in the middle of January, and two successful attacks, as well as one blackmail case involving cryptocurrency, have already been reported.

Nevertheless, the numbers are not near the ones recorded in the record-breaking year of 2019, when 31 attack took place in January alone. Therefore, the breaches may continue to decline in 2021.

Followers Gallery: An incredible application that has assisted me with getting Instagram followers and likes for free!

By
Remmy Bisimbeko
-
0

Getting followers on Instagram is slowly becoming an issue. I don’t mean to scare you with this claim, even though the methods used to try to get followers with the last difference in the Instagram account (March 2019) do not work. The desire to advance “ human” use and the camaraderie between clients using this stage is real, with Instagram making significant improvements that are affecting many records. Along with Facebook, Instagram is a star- studded organization that exists beyond everything else, and for some it has become an amazing individual brand and business tool. So we are discussing important changes. This development not only affects profiles. This is how they affect their publications (mainly affecting the natural accessibility of their publication)  .However, don’t stress: you are in acceptable hands. Instagram is one of the few informal organizations I’ve worked with recently, and it has allowed me to get information with which I have gained about 1000 new followers on Instagram. Has set a record.

Instagram is a very popular social media application. Today, almost all companies have their own Instagram accounts. They use Instagram because this application is very effective in digital marketing. However, this effect really depends on the number of followers and likes and account receives. If an account has very few followers and likes, it means that there is very little interaction on the account and obviously this is not a good situation.

It’s that we’re discussing ”VIP” insights, yet we’re discussing the amount of real followers that any online entrepreneur like me will find the best results in general. I progressed because I was offered an incredible application called Followers Gallery With this application, it’s easy to get free Instagram likes and followers. Also, obviously it’s safe ! I’ll explain in the accompanying sections !

What is the Followers Gallery? How can this give me free Instagram followers and likes?

Followers Gallery is an incredible application that every Instagram client needs multiple followers and naturally likes. This is a free Instagram followers mod apk. Why would it be good idea to use your Followers Gallery?

-You do not have to pay a penny with this application. Ignore the millions of dollars spent on fake followers and favorites.

-100% infection free. Your gadget will be safe once this application is introduced.

-Supports 24 hours every day and 7 days a week. Whenever you have trouble, the Followers Gallery group is always ready to help

-Every supporter you meet is genuine in light of the fact that they are made up of real Instagram clients.

-Easy to cooperate. You do not need an online media master to run this application efficiently

-This Instagram Auto like Application strengthens both Android and iOS. Although your telephone uses one of two working frameworks, you can download the application and find similar free Instagram followers and strategies of your choice

-There is no limit to the coin. The amount of coins you control is controlled by the amount you follow and the Instagram followers through the records of different followers in different galleries.

So the question is, who are you bored with? Don’t you need to get unlimited free Instagram followers and likes?

How Artificial Intelligence Helping African Farmers in the Fight Against Locusts

By
Guest Writer
-
0

Kuzi, a free tool that will help farmers and pastoralists across Africa to predict and control locust behaviour has been launched. Kuzi uses satellite data, soil sensor data, ground meteorological observation, and machine learning to predict the breeding, occurrence, and migration routes of desert locusts.  

Kuzi—the Swahili name for the wattled starling, a bird renowned for eating locusts—is an AI-powered tool that generates a real-time heatmap of locusts across Africa, shows all potential migration routes, and gives a real-time locust breeding index.

Using satellite data, soil sensor data, ground meteorological observation, and machine learning, Kuzi can predict the breeding, occurrence and migration routes of desert locusts across the horn of African and Eastern African countries, and uses deep learning to identify the formation of locust swarms. Kuzi then sends farmers and pastoralists free SMS alerts 2-3 months in advance of when locusts are highly likely to attack farms and livestock in their areas.

Without preventative measures, a swarm of 80 million locusts can consume food equivalent to that eaten by 35,000 people a day, devastating food stocks for vulnerable communities. Putting in place early detection and control measures, which are critical in desert locust management, will offer farmers and pastoralists a vital tool in the fight against world hunger and food insecurity.

Alerts are currently available for Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda, in the regional languages of Kiswahili, Somali and Amharic, spoken by over 200 million people across Eastern Africa.

“The first international anti-locust conference was held in Rome in 1931 and yet Africa continues to experience locust invasions almost 100 years later, with the worst locust invasion in 70 years occurring in 2020, threatening food supplies for millions of people across Eastern Africa. There has to be a better way to do this, one that has the local communities being central in the fight against locusts,” said John Oroko, CEO of Kuzi’s creator, Selina Wamucii.

“A new wave of locust upsurge now threatens millions across Eastern and Southern Africa, exacerbating food insecurity for already vulnerable communities, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have a responsibility to develop and deploy locally bred solutions that address these challenges faced by our vulnerable rural communities,” adds Oroko.

The free tool is currently available to users in Somali, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda with plans to roll out to cover the rest of Africa.

Farmers can sign up for the free SMS alerts with any mobile device, with or without an internet connection, capture the GPS location of their farm, and they are good to go, without any charges.

*Editors Note: This is a press release from

The 6 Best Sports Score Apps for Android

By
Davis Kawalya
-
1

Sports score apps ensure you get updated on the latest scores worldwide at any given moment. Most people treat sports as a lifestyle since they are passionate about the game, not only to watch but also to bet on them. On the other hand, it is a demanding task to keep yourself updated on your favourite team’s scores every moment and still run your day-to-day errands.

To save your day, consider using live score apps. When you install the apps, you get updated about the latest in real-time wherever you are wagering with the Betway app for accurate stats. Play store has multiple apps that provide one with the latest updates on sports scores.

  1. theScore

The app ranks first since it provides comprehensive coverage of different sports events. Fans can keep abreast of the latest scores on EPL, NBA, or NFL all under one roof. The app covers almost every major competition and league. The app provides you with comprehensive pre-game analysis, betting lines, and line movements for sports betters.

As a sports fan, you can see trending topics from multiple social media platforms. The app’s interface is intuitive hence has lots of users.

  1. LiveScore

Just like theScore, it offers a range of sporting events, but centres more on soccer. Apart from fans getting notified of the real-time scores on different sports, one can stream live soccer without being charged, enabling them to use the in-play betting option exclusively on Betway. Nonetheless, the feature is only available in a few countries. The app provides users with live commentary to ensure you do not miss out on any latest news.

  1. CBS Sports

The app dedicates itself to providing the fastest sports updates to its users. According to users, the app meets the mark. It utilizes push notifications to update users on the tweets, news, highlights, and latest scores. Users can personalize their notifications depending on their preference.

Comparing it to the apps mentioned above, it is more mainstream since it is a more feature-packed sports app. One can stream live games the moment you install the app. As an added opportunity, you can stream live radio and interact with some of the greatest sports legends.

  1. ESPN

The app is mainstream and presents users with all they expect from such a big name in the sports industry. The app updates users on the latest scores and highlights. Its coverage is robust since you can find updates from NFL to other minor leagues.

Users have the opportunity to access multiple ESPN podcasts. Once you subscribe to the app, you can stream lots of content such as exclusive ESPN+ Originals and live games.

  1. Yahoo Sports

The app has been a go-to if you need the latest score updates. The app experiences a decent level of traffic. It ensures users stay in the loop on the latest scores on sports such as MLB, NBA tennis, and college football. Remember all these are games you can bet on live with Betway.

  1. Bleacher Report

The app is ideal for fans that need more in-depth insights into their favourite sports. The app updates users of the latest scores and breaking sports news. The app collects handpicked stories the minute they happen. The app keeps you updated on the latest news as they take place.

The apps are the best you can install, especially when on the go, since they will keep you updated on the latest scores. Android users have multiple options available on the play store. Therefore as fans, there is no reason as to why you should miss out. 

How the internet changed Poker

By
Remmy Bisimbeko
-
0

There are significantly more people playing poker online today than in land-based venues, including casinos and local poker rooms. This is a trend that is gaining traction every year and the pandemic only pushed the process into overdrive. Having said this, people have enjoyed the online version of the game for many years now and most of those who made the switch didn’t return to local game parlors. With more people embracing online poker, the Internet has changed the game and mostly for the better.

Aggressive poker is winning poker

Back in the day when poker and roulette was played mostly among friends on sites like playUK.com and in local venues, reading opponents and bluffing used to be a valued quality. Internet poker is more dynamic because people play more hands per hour, which gives them more opportunities to outshine opponents. Better players are more likely to thrive online, as a high game frequency reduces the role played by luck. Aggressive poker is winning poker regardless of where you play, but this is particularly true when gaming over the Internet.

Bluffing is important in this game, but when you play online, it is recommended not to push the envelope. Aggressive poker means that you push opponents into a corner each time you have the opportunity without going over the top. Bluffing is dangerous because people can afford to wait for premium hands and play them aggressively, so it’s more difficult to scare them away. Protecting strong starting hands and taking the initiative pre-flop, as well as the next street is now a key quality for winning poker players.

Math reigns supreme in online poker

Online gamers are generally better at using mathematics in their advantage, as they are compelled to rely on numbers with each hand. The proverbial poker face is no longer useful and the ability to read opponents is also rendered irrelevant when you can’t see the player you compete against. Instead, players extract a lot of information based on how opponents act pre-flop, as well as the subsequent streets. You need to make the right choice when betting, calling or raising and it is vital to pick the correct amount.

The Internet has also led to an improvement of poker strategies, with an abundance of information available online for those interested to broaden their horizons. People can learn while they earn, by reading poker guides and tutorials, so they elevate the level of play in the long run. There are even coaches and players who stream their games online for free, or for a small payment. This kind of knowledge was previously unavailable to those who used to compete exclusively at live poker tables.

The future of poker is online and the Internet has transformed the game by making it more competitive at all levels. Players make significant progress online and can move up the ladder faster, by tapping into the immense potential of tutorials and poker guides. Most of this knowledge can be used at live tables, so those who occasionally return to enjoy this classic form of entertainment hit two birds with one stone.

UCC Publishes List of Approved Radio Stations.

By
Joel Osekeny
-
0

In what might be interpreted by the civil society spaces as a clamp on the guaranteed freedoms of expression, speech and press in Uganda, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has published a list of approved radio broadcasting service providers in country.

According to a publication on its website, the Commission informs the public that “the radio stations listed hereunder are currently the only authorised providers of radio broadcasting services”, and goes on to list a total of 194 registered frequencies all over the country. To note, some radio stations have more than one frequency.

Uganda is currently undergoing an election season to determine the leaders of the country in the coming polling dates next year (2021), and in an attempt to regulate broadcasts by all the media, the Commission has been on several occasions seen trying to enforce its position as a regulator of “telecommunication, broadcasting, radio communications, data communications and infrastructure” citing the authority conferred to it under section 4 of the UCC Act of 2013.

A few days ago, the same Commission made attempts to stop certain YouTube channels from what it has called a circulation of propaganda because of their row and unfiltered broadcasts of opposition campaigns, when it wrote to Google in the USA to block the stations. However, the fruition of the requests might be unrealised following a statement by an official from Google who expressed that the request will not be adhered to by the internet giant without a court order.

To date, we have seen several online TVs and Radios coming up, and several of these are excluded from the list of approved stations as these lack licenses to provide the services they do.

The internet is an uncharted territory for the Commission, and as a result of the ravaging COVID 19 pandemic, several streaming platforms are on the rise and they do not need to be assigned frequencies to operate on because of their medium of operation . The internet is an apparent free space.

Below is the list of approved ratio stations as of the 10th December 2020, and those who do not appear in the list have been asked to approach the Commission within 4 days from the date of receipt of the list (23rd December when it was published on the Commission blog) to avoid enforcement.

REVISED-LIST-OF-AUTHORISED-FM-RADIOS-AS-OF-10-DECEMBER-2020Download

6 Critical Advantages of SMSF Outsourcing

By
Alison Lurie
-
0

Are you handling self managed super fund (SMSF) accounts?Sometimes you might be overwhelmed with SMSF account management. In such situations, smsf outsourcing is one option to get expert accounting and advisory services. Here are some possible benefits of outsourcing work for the retirement funds:

Integrated Services

When outsourcing SMSF work, integrated services allow specialists to handle various bookkeeping and accounting work, which can provide more effective SMSF account management. For example, some companies can provide high-quality SMSF services in terms of financial planning and other tasks. 

These may be combined services of companies specializing in Super Funds like SMSFs.  By having this, companies will have the knowledge and experience required to provide various superannuation services. 

Retirement Fund Management

SMSFs function as one of the most popular retirement alternatives for Australians. Self-managed Super Funds have spiked in popularity recently and comprise more than 30% of all Super Fund assets, according to the Australian government.  

Many Australians are looking for ways to supplement their retirement funds. This is due to issues like the higher cost of living, and concerns that pensions and social security funds might not provide them with a comfortable retirement after contributing to the labour force for several decades.

This highlights the importance of managing SMSF accounts effectively and efficiently. Outsourcing SMSF financial and accounting work can ensure that the accounts are carefully maintained.  

Super Fund Experience                                         

Superannuation funds have basic mechanics. Certain members create a trust organisation for collecting funds that provide benefits exclusively to the members. The members can then avail of the funds upon retirement. The “self-managed” component of SMSFs refers to members handling the supers and taxes.   

One of the benefits of outsourcing SMSF work is to allow companies that specialize in superannuation funds to provide various services related to financial planning and accounting. 

These are important services. In many situations, companies outsource the work due to not having the training, experience, or time to conduct SMSF accounting work, for example.

Saves Hassles

While it’s important to maintain SMSF accounts, it can also create hassles in terms of the time and effort required. This is why outsourcing advisory and accounting services can be beneficial. It helps to ensure that experts can maintain important SMSF management tasks. 

Cost-effectiveness

The cost of outsourcing SMSF work might also be cost-effective by making companies more efficient. They can then focus on other top priorities, including other work related to Super Funds management.

Firms that provide outsourced SMSF work offer different rates. However, in many cases, the fees are relatively low compared to the size of the Super Funds. In addition, these fees are relatively low compared to the convenience they provide.

Another benefit is many companies only charge clients based on Super Fund work that’s been completed. So they don’t have to pay extra fees and charges, which can add up quickly.

More Free Time  

Another benefit of outsourcing SMSF work is this allows the Super Fund members to relax, knowing that a company is handling advisory and accounting work for them. This provides more time for other priorities.

While Super Fund management can seem challenging, one option is to hire accounting and financial experts to handle various logistical tasks. Such smsf outsourcing services help to ensure that experienced professionals are maintaining superannuation funds. SMSF members can then focus on other top priorities like retirement plans.

UNICEF Uganda and Outbox Launch Innovation Fund Challenge

By
Boses Muhinda
-
0

UNICEF Uganda and Outbox, a Ugandaninnovation and entrepreneurship support organization have launched an innovation initiative dubbed the UNICEF Uganda Innovation Fund Challenge.

The UNICEF Uganda Innovation Fund Challenge seeks to support innovators that are using new and emerging technologies to address pressing issues faced by children and adolescents through social entrepreneurship. The initiative will address issues related to child survival and development, improving access to basic education and adolescent development for boys and girls and child protection in line with UNICEF Uganda’s objectives. 

The initiative includes mentorship, linkages to market access partners, business training and product development, as well as start-up grant funding support over a period of nine months. 

Innovation at UNICEF is about doing new things to solve problems and improve the lives of children. It is about matching today’s challenges we face in Uganda with tomorrow’s solutions. According to Shadrack Omol, UNICEF representative a.i., “to realize the SDGs’ vision where no one is left behind, we need to go beyond business as usual – investing in innovation and building broader, bolder partnerships that help us reach every child in Uganda”.

Despite Uganda’s steady progress in reducing maternal and under-five mortality, stunting in children, and AIDS related deaths among children, alongside improvements in access to safe water and sanitation, a number of challenges persist when it comes to the health, safety and development of children and adolescents. This initiative provides an opportunity for various stakeholders to come together and co-create solutions to address the systemic challenges faced by children and adolescents in Uganda.

Richard Zulu, chief executive officer at Outbox, added that”working with UNICEF Uganda contributes to our mission of bringing together resources that support entrepreneurs to succeed. This collaboration is an opportunity for the community to work alongside experts and bring their ideas to market, while contributing to the achievement of SDGs.”

The UNICEF Uganda Innovation Challenge Fund will support up-to eight social innovations over a period of one year. Participants with innovative ideas or solutions are encouraged to make submissions at https://unicef.innovationchallenge.ug/

URSB’s Bemanya Twebaze Hands Over Office To New Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho

By
Doryn Crystal
-
0

Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, the outgoing Registrar General, Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) this morning handed over office to Ms. Mercy Kainobwisho, the incoming Registrar General.

This handover follows the election of Mr. Bemanya Twebaze as Director General of African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) and the appointment of Mercy Kainobwisho as acting Director General and Official Government Receiver. The handover was witnessed by URSB Board Chairman Ambassador Francis Butagira together with other members of the board and Top Management.

Speaking at the handover, Bemanya urged the team at URSB to further the registrations journey and complete the digitalization process that URSB had ushered in under his tenure.

“It has been an honor for me to have been at the forefront of formalizing our economy through the various services we provide here at URSB. I am thankful to all the teams that have helped me serve, the support from Government and H.E President Museveni, the Ministers of Justice and Constitutional Affairs I have had the joy to serve under and the URSB Board, who have given me a platform to serve my country. A lot more needs to be done and I am confident that Mercy will further the successes made so far.’’

Incoming Registrar General Ms. Mercy Kainobwisho affirmed her commitment to delivering improved services under the pace set by her predecessor. “I am pleased to take on such a vital role in transforming service delivery in the country. We shall continue working tirelessly to ensure all URSB services are accessible online and propel the vision as the centre of excellence for registrations services’’.

Board Chairman Ambassador Francis K. Butagira said he was confident that the leadership transition would strengthen the steady strategic directional path that organization had instituted. ‘I know that Mercy fits in well with the leadership pace already set by Mr. Bemanya. I have worked with both of them for some time and I can attest to their credible attributes that have seen URSB grow in leaps and bounds’ he said

Ms. Kainobwisho will take forward a number of initiatives that will transform URSB’s mandate of Business, Marriage, Intellectual Property, Insolvency and Security Interest in Movable Property Registrations. URSB has among others, embarked on integration of all their services online under the All-digital, all-online service delivery model with the aim of easing information sharing, digitalization of all records, improvement of services for clients, reducing the cost of and improving the cost of doing business, improvement of turn-around time for services as well as enhancement of public service delivery.

Netflix Appoints Strive Masiyiwa, Owner of Liquid Telecom, a First African on its Board

By
Joel Osekeny
-
0

In a bid to promote African content for the entertainment giant platform, Netflix has appointed Strive Masiyiwa, a Zimbabwean billionaire businessman and philanthropist to its board of directors. Masiyiwa is also the first African to have a seat at the Netflix board.

“We are delighted to welcome Strive to the Netflix board”, co – CEO Reed Hastings, co – founder and Chairman of the company is quoted to have said in a statement published on the company website, expressing how excited they are to have the African on the Board.

“His entrepreneurship and vision in building businesses across Africa and beyond will bring valuable insights and experience to our board as we work to improve and serve more members all around the world”, adds the founder in the statement.

Masiyiwa is one of the richest black people in the world with a net worth of USD. 1.7 billion and owning several businesses including his biggest possession Econet Global, the parent company to Liquid Telecom, a telecommunication company headquartered in South Africa with registration in several countries on the African continent including Uganda.

Econet is a telecommunications company with operations in 29 countries in Africa and Europe.

According to statement by Netflix, he sits on several international boards including Uniliver Plc, National Geographic Society, Asia Society and the Global Advisory boards of Bank of America, the Council on Foreign Relations in the US, Stanford University, and the Prince of Wales Trust for Africa, a member of the United States Holocaust Museum’s Committee on Conscience, and a former member of the Rockefeller Foundation that he served for 15 years. He is also the African Union Special Envoy to the continent’s COVID 19 response.

He replaces a former adviser to Barrack Obama, Susan Rice, who retired and has been called to join the Biden administration.

The African continent should be thrilled by the news, as this becomes a plus for the entertainment industry on the continent in relation to the quantity and quality of content that will be produced following the presence of a person who might have continental interests.

1...242526...106Page 25 of 106

LATEST POSTS

Follow GURU8

3,734FansLike
15FollowersFollow
1,046FollowersFollow
19SubscribersSubscribe

GURU8 is a Technology website showcasing the Latest News, Event updates, reviews and rumours in the Tech world while providing a platform for everyone to interact as well as gain information in reference to technology.
Contact us: info@guru8.net
+256771681909

©Hive Digital Ltd. GURU8 is a brand of Hive Digital Ltd