Every year, on the first Thursday in May, World Password Day is commemorated. This day serves as the perfect opportunity for Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading global specialist cybersecurity provider, to send a reminder about the importance of dedicating special care to passwords, as they are one of the main barriers against cyber criminals.

Despite their enormous importance, there are still a high number of bad practices when it comes to managing and creating passwords. For example, in 2019, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre revealed that 23 million people worldwide continue to use insecure passwords such as “123456” or “qwerty”, evidencing that many users are still unaware of the potential dangers. In fact, research shows that people are continue to share their passwords with others, they use the same password across multiple accounts and fail to update their passwords regularly.

And in a country like South Africa, the dangers are significant. Our research shows that an organisation in South Africa is attacked on average 1445 times per week in the last 6 months, compared to 1211 attacks per organisation globally. Similarly, according to a recent INTERPOL report, South Africa had 230 million threat detections in 2022; 219 million of which were e-mail-related threats. South Africa also had the highest targeted ransomware and business email compromise (BEC)-related attempts.

With these numbers in mind, it is critical to remember that technological advances are not only benefiting users, but also providing cybercriminals with new tools to carry out their attacks. What once were considered secure passwords are now becoming outdated, creating new vulnerabilities.

The advent of new graphics cards with virtual memory (VRAM) has opened the door for these hardware devices to process high-speed data, the same way it is used in cryptocurrency mining. However, they can also be used in brute-force cyberattacks to obtain passwords, being the newest models able to perform more than a million checks in just one second, way faster than the previously achieved by central processing units (CPU). This means that if we have a password with less than 12 characters based exclusively on the use of letters and numbers, it could be breached in just a few days.

According to the latest report from Hive Systems, which shared the approximate times in which cybercriminals could “crack” our passwords, range from minimal effort and almost instantaneous times for the most insecure passwords, to 438 trillion years for the most robust keys. In a matter of just one year, these same figures have seen their possible vulnerability times cut by up to 90% that, with the entry of new agents such as cloud services or artificial intelligence, could be even more reduced in the coming years.

So, what does a password need in order to be secure and strong? Check Point Software gives the definitive answers below:

• The longer and more varied, the better: it should be at least 14-16 characters long and consist of different letters, combining upper and lower case letters, symbols and numbers. However, it has been noted that by simply increasing the password to up to 18 characters combined, a completely unbreakable key can be constructed. This belief is based on the number of attempts brute-force practice requires where the total number of combinations is equal to the number of characters multiplied by their length.
• Easy to remember, complex to guess: it should be a combination that only the user knows, so it is advisable not to use personal details such as dates of anniversaries or birthdays, or the names of family members, as these can be easier to figure out. A simple way to create passwords that anyone can remember is to use complete sentences, either using common or absurd scenarios, with examples such as ‘meryhadalittlelamb’, or its even safer equivalent with different characters ‘#M3ryHad@L1ttleL4m8’.
• Unique and unrepeatable: create a new password each time a service is accessed and avoid using the same password for different platforms and applications. This ensures that in the event of a password being breached, the damage will be minimal and more easily and quickly repairable. According to a Google survey, at least 65% of respondents reuse their passwords across multiple accounts and web services, which increases the chances of multiple platforms or applications being breached.
• Always private: a premise that may seem basic but is important to remember. A password should not be shared with anyone, and it is especially advisable not to write it down anywhere near the computer or even in a file on it. For this task, you can use tools such as password managers, which do the same job, but in a more secure way.
• Real security is just ‘two steps’ away: in addition to having a strong and secure password, the use of two-factor authentication (2FA) is a major security enhancement. This way, every time an attacker or an unauthorized person wants to access someone else’s account, the account owner will receive a notification on their mobile phone to grant or deny access.
• Change it periodically: sometimes, even after following all these practices, incidents beyond our reach occur such as leaks of company databases. Therefore, it is advisable to periodically check whether an email has been the victim of a vulnerability to a third party, as well as to try to trace the accounts that may have been compromised. To do this, there are public access tools such as the Have I Been Pwned website, which try to gather basic information on these leaks in order to offer support and help to users. Similarly, even if they have not been breached, it is always recommended to update passwords every few months.

“Every day, cybercriminals create new attacks aimed at stealing user passwords. Techniques such as phishing have managed to breach thousands of services by stealing credentials, especially here in South Africa, where on average, organisations are attacked 1352 times per week in the first quarter of 2023. While this number if actually down slightly, this doesn’t mean that organisations should get complacent,” shares Pankaj Bhula: Check Point’s EMEA Regional Director: Africa. “This risk can be easily remedied by establishing secure passwords, making it much more difficult for cybercriminals to guess these combinations, ensuring the highest level of security for our devices”.

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About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (https://www.checkpoint.com/) is a leading provider of cyber security solutions to corporate enterprises and governments globally.  Check Point Infinity´s portfolio of solutions protects enterprises and public organisations from 5^th generation cyber-attacks with an industry leading catch rate of malware, ransomware and other threats. Infinity comprises four core pillars delivering uncompromised security and generation V threat prevention across enterprise environments: Check Point Harmony, for remote users; Check Point CloudGuard, to automatically secure clouds; and Check Point Quantum, to protect network perimeters and datacenters, all controlled by the industry’s most comprehensive, intuitive unified security management; Check Point Horizon, a prevention-first security operations suite. Check Point protects over 100,000 organizations of all sizes.

With over 50 million global players daily, PUBG has become one of the most intense free-to-play multiplayer action games. At its peak, PUBG holds an extensive player base and is among the most downloaded and highest-grossing games on various platforms, including mobile devices, PC and consoles. Loved by all, especially teenagers, the game’s popularity can be attributed to its realistic graphics and innovative Battle Royale mechanics.

PUBG is also one of the most renowned titles to grow the Battle Royale gaming genre, which has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. The game has received several Game of the Year nominations and set seven Guinness World Records in the past years among many other accolades.

If you haven’t already downloaded this game and wondering what this craze is about, here’s all you need to know:

The rapid growth of the Battle Royale genre

The basic premise of a Battle Royale game is that players start with little to no equipment or weapons and must scavenge for resources, weapons and armour from the game environment, while also trying to eliminate other players. As the game progresses, the playable area, also known as the “circle” or “zone,” gradually shrinks, forcing players into closer proximity and creating intense encounters. Players must strategically manage their resources, navigate the map and outlast their opponents to be the last player or team standing.

In PUBG, there are up to a hundred players that are dropped onto an island and must fight to be the last man standing. PUBG is a player versus player shooter, a type of large-scale last man standing Deathmatch.

The unique gameplay experience

The mobile version PUBG Mobile, has become a phenomenon, particularly in regions with large mobile gaming audiences such as Africa and Asia. Here’s what makes it one of the most downloaded and played mobile games globally:

PUBG Mobile offers a realistic and immersive gaming experience with its detailed graphics, authentic weapons and realistic physics. The game’s realistic mechanics, such as bullet drop and vehicle physics add to its appeal as players need to strategise and make tactical decisions to survive in the game.

When it comes to the social and competitive gameplay, PUBG allows players to team up with their friends or play solo, fostering social interaction and competition. The game offers various game modes, including solo, duo and squad, which encourages players to work together, communicate and create an engaging and challenging experience.

The Battle Royale game is also compatible across various platforms. PUBG is available on multiple devices, including smartphones, PC and consoles, making it accessible to a wide range of players worldwide. This cross-platform availability allows players to connect and compete with friends, regardless of the platform they are playing on.

Thanks to PUBG’s regular updates and community engagement, the game remains exciting and worth playing. Developers of the PUBG Corporation actively engage with the gaming community, listening to player feedback and incorporating changes and improvements based on player preferences, which helps in maintaining player interest and loyalty.

Lastly, PUBG has moved to the esports and streaming culture, with strong esports presence and competitive tournaments and leagues that attract skilled players and passionate fans. This adds to the game’s appeal, as players often strive to become the best in the gaming world. The game’s streaming culture has contributed to its fame, as players often stream their gameplay on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, creating a community-driven content ecosystem that fuels its popularity.

In particular, the Battle Royale genre has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, captivating players with its high-stakes, fast-paced gameplay and competitive nature. It has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing not only the gaming landscape but also popular culture and media.

To get a first- hand experience of PUBG,  download it from the AppGallery today.

A smartphone packed with great features for an all-round awesome mobile experience

South Africa – 01 May 2023 – Samsung Electronics has released the latest Galaxy A24 LTE smartphone – giving Galaxy fans yet another awesome device to stay connected.

This latest edition of the much-loved Galaxy A Series is here to redefine awesome with a brand-new design featuring a brilliant, Corning Gorilla Glass display protection as well as an awesome screen and camera that shoots sharp and steady to give you the best collection of all your life’s special moments.

From the back of the phone, the improved design of the latest Galaxy A24 LTE sports a glossy plastic finish and prism pattern back cover with a refined and polished camera deck. The optimised ratio between the corner and the camera modules – in particular – give the phone a sophisticated look while the no camera housing is straight out of the apex S series design playbook.

The phone’s sleek and premium design is well complemented by its exquisite flat body pattern. You also have the option of two beautiful colours, black and light green¹, to choose from to complete your phone’s look and ensure that you stand out.

Awesome Screen

The Galaxy A24 LTE’s super AMOLED display, from the 6.5-inch² full high-definition screen, gives a brilliant, vivid display that also keeps your eyes comfortable. With its eye care display³ and low blue light emission that is always clear even under bright sunlight, scrolling through your phone, binging on your favourite shows or playing games would be a pleasant experience that will not harm your eyes.

Awesome Camera

Capture all your different vibes and gain awesome perspectives with the triple-lens camera that includes an excellent 13-megapixel (MP) selfie lens that will be sure to deliver your photos and videos in immaculate quality. The main super sharp and steady 50MP camera is supported by an ultra-wide 5MP and a macro 2MP lens to give you even more options and angles for your beautiful shots.

Disclaimers

¹ Colour options may differ by country.

²  Screen measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners.

³ Galaxy A24 LTE’s display panel received Eye Care Certification by SGS based on its ability to reduce the harmful effects of blue light. This certification can be found on https://www.sgs.com.

Awesome Battery

You will be happy to learn that all these exciting features of the Galaxy A24 LTE will not quickly deplete your battery power and you will be able to enjoy them for much longer courtesy of the powerful 5,000mAh battery, which can last for more than two days on a single charge⁴. With video playback time up to 20 hours⁵, the battery can last long enough to keep you connected and should you need a quick recharge, the 25W fast charger⁶ will handle things for you to pick up where you left off in no time.

The Galaxy A24 LTE comes with the latest software in Samsung’s One UI 5.1 to give you an even finer mobile experience that is one up on the Galaxy A23 LTE, which it replaces. Memory is taken care of by 4GB of RAM while storage space is 128GB that is expandable by up to 1TB with MicroSD⁷.

In staying true to form and its commitment to the planet, Samsung’s eco-conscious technology and innovation were applied in the creation of the Galaxy A24 LTE, from the device itself to its packaging. The side keys and SIM trays were made from recycled plastic. No hazardous substance was used and the packaging was minimised and developed using recycled paper. The Galaxy A24 LTE will be available nationwide at retail partner stores from 01 May 2023 at a recommended retail price of R4999⁸.