Akiba Digital: Reimagining Credit Scoring for a More Inclusive Africa

Meet Akiba Digital, a fintech pioneer founded in 2017, aiming to put a dent in the traditional credit scoring model that failed to recognise nearly 80% of small businesses and individuals across Africa.

Look, we all know the conventional credit scoring system has its limitations. It’s like judging someone’s driving skills by checking if they’ve ever had a parking ticket. Akiba Digital is flipping the script using alternative datasets—from your social media engagements to your online shopping behaviour—to form a more holistic view of creditworthiness.

So, who’s betting on this game-changer? Akiba Digital has recently secured a $1.1 million pre-seed funding round. The investment circle includes Expert DOJO and Oui Capital and even features a former PayPal executive. It’s not pocket change; it’s fuel to propel Akiba into capturing a larger slice of the South African market and linking over 20,000 SMEs to prospective lenders.

Akiba Digital

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Safe Online Shopping: Tips and Tricks for Secure Transactions

Safe online shopping has become increasingly important in recent years, especially with the rise of online shopping and the COVID-19 pandemic. With more and more people turning to online shopping, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect your personal and financial information.

One of the biggest risks of online shopping is the potential for data breaches. When shopping online, you share sensitive information with retailers, including your bank or credit card details, contact information, and address. If hackers gain unauthorized access to an e-commerce website, there is a risk that your information could be exposed in the event of a data breach. This can result in identity theft, financial loss, and other serious consequences.

To stay safe while shopping online, there are several steps that you can take. These include using strong and unique passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi when purchasing, and only shopping on secure websites. It is also important to be wary of phishing scams and fake reviews, which can be used to trick you into sharing your personal or financial information. By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and enjoy the convenience of online shopping with peace of mind.

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Digital Identity Theft: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

Digital identity theft is a growing problem in today’s digital age. It is a type of cybercrime where an individual’s personal information is stolen and used for fraudulent activities. This can include stealing credit card information, social security numbers, and other sensitive data.

The consequences of digital identity theft can be severe, ranging from financial loss to reputational damage. Victims of digital identity theft may find themselves struggling to recover their stolen information and may face difficulties in restoring their credit score. In some cases, victims may even be falsely accused of crimes committed by the identity thief.

To protect against digital identity theft, individuals should take steps to secure their personal information online. This can include using strong passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, and being cautious of suspicious emails or messages. By taking these precautions, individuals can reduce the risk of falling victim to digital identity theft and protect their personal information from cybercriminals.

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Protecting Personal Data Online: Tips and Best Practices

Protecting personal data online has become increasingly important in today’s digital age. With the rise of cybercrime and data breaches, individuals must take proactive steps to safeguard their sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. This article will provide tips and best practices for protecting personal data online, including creating strong passwords, identifying unsecure websites, and being cautious with financial information.

One of the first steps in protecting personal data online is creating strong passwords. This means using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to create a unique and complex password. It is also important to avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as this can make it easier for hackers to gain access to multiple accounts if they manage to crack one password.

Another important aspect of protecting personal data online is identifying unsecure websites. This can be done by looking for the padlock icon in the browser address bar, which indicates that the website is using encryption to protect data. It is also important to be cautious when entering financial information online and to only enter sensitive information on websites that start with “https://” and have a padlock icon. By following these best practices, individuals can help protect their personal data and reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime.

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Cybersecurity Basics: Protecting Your Digital Life

Cybersecurity has become an essential aspect of our daily lives. With the increasing amount of data being shared and stored on the internet, the need for security measures has never been greater. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from unauthorized access, theft, and damage. It involves a range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard digital information from cyber threats.

In this introductory guide, we will explore the basics of cybersecurity, including why it is essential and how it can be implemented. We will cover the different types of cyber threats, such as malware, phishing, and ransomware, and the measures that can be taken to prevent them. We will also discuss the importance of cybersecurity for individuals, businesses, and governments, and the consequences of not taking cybersecurity seriously. Whether you are new to the topic or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will provide you with a solid foundation in cybersecurity basics.

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Online Financial Safety: Tips to Secure Your Finances

Online financial safety is a crucial aspect of modern-day banking. With the rise of online transactions, it has become increasingly important to protect oneself from online fraud and scams. According to a report by UK Finance, more than £1.2 billion was lost to fraud in 2020, with a significant portion of it being related to online banking.

One of the most important things to keep in mind while banking online is to never share personal information with anyone. This includes passwords, PINs, and one-time passwords. Reputable financial institutions will never ask for such information, and it is important to be wary of any unsolicited requests for personal information. Additionally, it is important to use strong passwords that are not easily guessable and to change them frequently.

Another important aspect of online financial safety is to use secure networks while banking online. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure and can be easily hacked, allowing hackers to gain access to personal information. It is advisable to use a secure network while banking online, such as a home network or a mobile data connection. By following these simple tips, one can ensure that their online banking experience is safe and secure.

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