NordPass
NordVPN has launched NordPass, a password manager built with a focus on simplicity and security.
When it comes to cybersecurity, people have plenty of bad habits. This includes passwords: from keeping login information in sticky notes or notepads to using “password” or “123456.” And worst of them all, reusing the same one for different accounts.
Like a master key, NordPass fits just about everyone’s needs. Not only does it help to generate new complex passwords, but also lets one share them securely with friends or co-workers. Most importantly, this password manager remembers it all: from complex logins to private notes and credit cards. And you can access it all with a single master password.
To keep the information secure, NordPass uses XChaCha20 encryption for the password vault and Argon 2 for key derivation. Users can also choose optional two-factor authentication for extra safety. The new tool will have a zero-knowledge architecture to ensure full security.
A NordVPN spokesperson says that password information belongs to users only, so NordPass product has zero-knowledge encryption.
“By the time the data reaches our servers, it’s already been encrypted on your device. That means we have zero knowledge about the items saved in your vault.”
Powered by cybersecurity experts, NordPass is easy to use. One can download user-friendly browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave, Edge, and Vivaldi. And, of course, apps for iOS and Android.
Features at a glance:
- Top security and zero-knowledge architecture
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Effortless password management, only a single password to remember
- Syncing on up to 6 devices at the same time
- Sharing items (such as passwords, credit cards, and notes) with family, friends, and co-workers
- The ability to import from other password managers
- Secure storage for private notes and credit card information
- Universal availability (apps and extensions)
Platform: Android, iOS and any other device running an up-to-date browser.
Expect to pay: Premium users can share and use NordPass on more devices at the same time. Monthly prices start from R36 with a 2-year plan. If users need basic features only, they can get a freemium version of NordPass.
Stockists: Visit nordpass.com for more information
Visit the next page to read about DHL Express live chat, ESET becoming a member of the Google App Defense Alliance, Shyft’s integration with iiDENTIFii, and MTN’s Ayoba reaching 1 million monthly users.
DHL Express Live Chat
DHL Express has launched a Multi-Channel Tool (MCT) that allows customers to interact with DHL Express via live chat and specialised email services.
Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, says customers benefit from quicker response times, as well as being abler to interact with the company through the channels that are most convenient for them.
He says that customers can use the live chat option on a mobile device or on the DHL Express website and receive assistance with self-help options online. “Live chat is the popular choice of many customers due to its fast response times.”
The Multi-Channel Tool uses a centralised knowledge management system that offers a customer service agent desktop, web self-service, case management, and customer interaction channels, such as e-mail, telephony, live chat and social media. Customer service agents also have access to processes, policies and procedures, and case studies they can use to answer queries effectively. This empowers the agents with the correct information on hand, speeding up query resolution time.
When a query is received, it is routed to an agent knowledgeable in that specific subject matter, further enhancing the customer experience.
Platform: Android, iOS and most other devices with an up-to-date browser
Expect to use: A free service
Stockists Visit the DHL Express site here to use the chat service
Visit the next page to read about ESET becoming a member of the Google App Defense Alliance, Shyft’s integration with iiDENTIFii, and MTN’s Ayoba reaching 1 million monthly users.
ESET becomes a member of the Google App Defense Alliance
ESET recently announced that it had become a member of the App Defense Alliance to protect the Google Play Store. ESET will provide its detection capabilities and improved security for the Android ecosystem and will spearhead investigations that make the Google Play Store safer.
“What was previously a reactive effort to catch security vulnerabilities is now a full-fledged and proactive campaign to protect billions of consumers and businesses at the source,” says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO at ESET South Africa. “ESET has constantly been at the forefront of threat research. Together with Google, ESET and the other App Defense Alliance members will be able to provide Google with the information to eliminate threats and help Android users stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.”
Platform: All devices using the Android platform from the partnership
Cost: No cost, just the reassurance that you are not downloading any viruses or malware
Stockists: ESET security will be added to each app to ensure safe downloads
Visit the next page to read about Shyft’s integration with iiDENTIFii, and MTN’s Ayoba reaching 1 million monthly users.
Shyft now with iiDENTIFii
Having successfully launched Shyft to its customers, Standard Bank is looking at ways of making the foreign currency application accessible to users who do not have an active transactional account with the bank. Shyft app enables users to buy, send and store foreign currency directly from their mobile phone. In order to access the app as non Standard Bank users, new customers initially had to visit a Standard Bank branch to verify their identity.
“Shyft is essentially a digital solution that allows for easy and convenient access to foreign currency, and we needed this friction-free ethos to be reflected in the sign-up process for every customer – regardless of who they bank with,” says Arno von Helden, head of PBB FX Digital Solutions at Standard Bank. “By working with iiDENTIFii, we have been able to remove the barriers to adoption for non Standard Bank users.”
iiDENTIFii is a global remote biometric digital authentication and automated on-boarding technology platform.
With the iiDENTIFii solution in place, non Standard bank users can securely open a Shyft account via their mobile phones without having to go into a branch.
Platform: Android and iOS
Expect to pay: Opening an account is free however fees will be charged dealing with forex
Stockists: Visit Standard Bank here for further instructions
Visit the next page to read about MTN’s Ayoba reaching 1 million monthly users.
Ayoba
MTN Group recently announced that its instant messaging platform, Ayoba, has reached 1 million monthly active users. Ayoba is a communications application localised for African and Middle East consumer needs, under an independent Over the Top (OTT) brand, with unique features for MTN customers. The app supports many local languages spoken across the MTN markets, including isiZulu, isiXhosa, Pidgin, Yoruba, Swahili, Hausa, French and English.
The platform, which was launched earlier this year, is now operational in 8 MTN markets, namely: Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Congo Brazzaville, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Afghanistan and South Africa. Ayoba is also available across multiple markets on the Google Play Store and via the Ayoba website www.ayoba.me as an OTT offering.
As part of continuous efforts to enhance its offerings, Ayoba will be adding more features in the future and is working on building an open digital platform that will enable third party additions. This will offer a rich and diversified experience on the platform, enabling the delivery of more value to users while empowering local developers and local communities.
Platform: Android
Expect to pay: A free download
Stockists: Visit the Google Play Store to download the app