Unveiling Kenya's Corruption Vice: A Call to Action

Introduction: Dear Readers,

Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we shed light on a pressing issue that continues to plague Kenya: corruption. Despite efforts to combat it, corruption remains a significant challenge, undermining progress, eroding trust in institutions, and perpetuating inequality. In this edition, we delve into the depths of Kenya's corruption vice, exploring its manifestations, impacts, and the urgent need for collective action to address it.

The State of Corruption in Kenya: Corruption in Kenya manifests in various forms, from petty bribery to grand-scale embezzlement. It permeates all sectors of society, including government institutions, businesses, and everyday interactions. The misappropriation of public funds, nepotism in hiring practices, and fraudulent procurement processes are just a few examples of the widespread corruption that cripples Kenya's development.

Impacts on Society: The consequences of corruption are far-reaching and devastating. It undermines the rule of law, distorts market mechanisms, and stifles economic growth. Corruption also exacerbates poverty by diverting resources away from essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Furthermore, it erodes public trust in government institutions and fosters a culture of impunity, where the powerful act with impunity while the vulnerable suffer the consequences.

Recent Developments and Challenges: Despite efforts to combat corruption, challenges persist. While Kenya has established anti-corruption agencies and enacted legislation to address the issue, enforcement remains weak, and high-profile cases often result in impunity. Additionally, corruption thrives in environments where transparency and accountability are lacking, highlighting the need for greater public oversight and engagement.

Call to Action: Addressing corruption requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Citizens must demand accountability from their leaders, while government institutions must strengthen anti-corruption measures and ensure the impartial enforcement of laws. Civil society organizations, the media, and the private sector also play crucial roles in exposing corruption and advocating for reform.

Conclusion: As we confront the scourge of corruption in Kenya, let us remember that change is possible when individuals unite in pursuit of a common goal. By holding our leaders accountable, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of integrity, we can work towards a future where corruption no longer impedes Kenya's progress. Together, let us strive to build a nation founded on principles of honesty, justice, and equality for all.

Thank you for joining us in this important discussion.

Sincerely,

Brian Mattah.

 CLONING AN SSD

Cloning an SSD (Solid State Drive) involves creating an exact copy of the entire drive, including the operating system, applications, and data, onto another SSD. This process can be useful when upgrading to a larger SSD, replacing a failing drive, or migrating to a new computer. Here's a general guide on how to clone an SSD:

Things You'll Need:

1.       Target SSD: The SSD you want to clone onto.

2.       Cloning Software: There are several third-party cloning software options available, such as EaseUS Todo Backup, Macrium Reflect, Acronis True Image, Clonezilla, etc. Some SSD manufacturers also provide their own cloning software.

3.       External SSD Enclosure or Adapter (Optional): If you're cloning to a new SSD that won't replace your existing one immediately, you might need an external enclosure or adapter to connect it to your computer.

Steps to Clone an SSD:

1.       Backup Important Data: Before proceeding with the cloning process, ensure you have backed up any important data on your source SSD.

2.       Install Cloning Software: Download and install the cloning software of your choice on your computer.

3.       Connect Target SSD: If your target SSD is external, connect it to your computer using an enclosure or adapter.

4.       Open Cloning Software: Launch the cloning software. It should detect both the source SSD and the target SSD.

5.       Select Source and Target: Choose the source SSD (the one you want to clone) and the target SSD (the one you want to clone onto).

6.       Start the Cloning Process: Follow the instructions provided by the cloning software to start the cloning process. This may involve selecting cloning options such as sector-by-sector cloning or optimizing for SSD.

7.       Wait for Cloning to Complete: The cloning process may take some time depending on the size of your SSD and the speed of your computer. Once it's complete, you'll receive a notification.

8.       Verify Cloned SSD: After cloning, verify that the target SSD contains all the data from the source SSD, including the operating system, applications, and files.

9.       Replace or Install Target SSD: If you're replacing your existing SSD, shut down your computer, replace the old SSD with the new one, and boot up your computer. If the target SSD is external, you can now disconnect it from your computer.

10.   Test: Boot up your computer and ensure everything works as expected on the cloned SSD.

Notes:

·         Some cloning software may require you to boot from a USB drive or CD/DVD to perform the cloning process.

·         Ensure that the target SSD has enough capacity to accommodate all data from the source SSD.

·         Double-check that you've selected the correct source and target SSDs to avoid accidental data loss.

·         After cloning, you may need to adjust BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the new SSD if it's replacing your primary drive.

·         Always keep a backup of your important data before performing any disk cloning or disk management operations.

Error "C:\Google\googleupdate.a3x" during Windows startup

Have you ever had a nagging notification or your computer displaying an error message of this kind? Line 0 (File"C:\Google\googleupdate.a3x")

Well, if you have then you have or had recently been attacked by a malicious software-worm called Verecno.

Verecno is a malware classified as worm. This malware infection is most possibly dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded by drive-by download technique when users visit malicious sites.

Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essential will detect this virus as Worm:Win32/Verecno.A

The verecno worm drops the following files into your computer's registry:

• C:\Google\Autoit3.exe
• C:\Google\Google.lnk
• C:\Google\Windowsupdate.lnk
• C:\Google\GoogleUpdate.lnk
• C:\Google\GoogleUpdate.a3x
• %User Startup%\GoogleUpdate.lnk
• %User Startup%\GoogleUpdate.a3x
• %User Startup%\WindowsUpdate.lnk
• {removable drive letter}:\Hot.lnk
• {removable drive letter}:\Movies.lnk
• {removable drive letter}:\My Games.lnk
• {removable drive letter}:\My Pictuers.lnk
• {removable drive letter}:\My Videos.lnk

Each time at Windows startup the Line 0 (File"C:\Google\googleupdate.a3x") error message window will appear because of this worm removed by anti-malware or an antivirus installed in the system. The malicious registry entry created by the malware to auto-start & run itself on every reboot will still be present thus invoking the computer system to display this error on startup.

"googleupdate.a3x" is one of the malicious files dropped by verecno malware and it's the one that will always be displayed during Windows startup.

Please follow the following steps in order to see off a successful verecno malware removal and how to fix googleupdate error:

1. Press Win+r, type regedit and enter.
2. Now press ctrl+f, type googleupdate.lnk and hit find.
3. Windows registry search and show detect entries under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run path just delete it and hit find to found next.
4. Similarly search with autoit3.exe, windowsupdate.lnk, googleupdate.a3x
5. And delete each found.

NETWORKING ESSENTIALS.

Wiring Standards.

Easy-to-Learn Video on ethernet cables wiring standards. View this and you will never trip during the process of doing this job....

At the end of this video you will be efficiently equipped with;

+The implementation of appropriate wiring standards.
       -568A.
       -568B.

+Straight Through Vs Cross-over.
+Rollover.
+Loopback.

Alternatively you may read through this:

Ethernet Cable - Color Coding Diagram

The information listed here is to assist Network Administrators in the color coding of Ethernet cables. Please be aware that modifying Ethernet cables improperly may cause loss of network connectivity. Use this information at your own risk, and insure all connectors and cables are modified in accordance with standards. The Internet Centre and its affiliates cannot be held liable for the use of this information in whole or in part.

How To Protect Yourself From Computer Viruses

Whenever you visit a website, there is a very slight chance that your computer will be attacked. Security software provides good protection, but does not mean that your PC will never be infected. It pays to be cautious and vigilant when it comes to preventing remote attacks, as our guide explains.

Brian Mattah | 29th April 2013

Whenever you visit a website, there is a chance that your computer will be ‘attacked’. Most sites are safe, but even the most reputable companies can be infected. Websites offering screen-savers, pirate software or games, music downloads and other something-for-nothing attractions are more likely to be infected.
You can reduce the risk of being attacked by installing the WOT (Web Of Trust) browser add-on, McAfee SiteAdvisor, or a similar program.
If your PC runs Microsoft Windows, there are three things you should do to protect your security:

Keep software up to date

Today, most malware attacks are mounted by criminal gangs who have found ways of infiltrating known security weak spots.
It’s important, therefore, to install the monthly updates that Microsoft delivers via its Windows Update service. Click the ‘Start’ button and select ‘Windows Update’. Microsoft’s website will check your PC and recommend a range of updates for you to install. Some are more important than others (you can pick the ones you want), but you should always install the ones marked ‘Critical’.

Over the past few years, Microsoft has improved its security measures, and Windows 7 is more secure than XP. In response, attackers have turned their attention to other software.

It’s therefore important to make sure you are running the latest versions of Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Sun’s Java and any Apple software you have installed. Microsoft Office and Office viewers also need security patches, especially Excel. Secunia’s Personal Software Inspector, a free download, will check your PC to see if you have any programs that need updating.

Most malware attacks now come via the web browser, so again, it’s important to have the latest version of your browser installed. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) is safer than previous versions, and you should install it even if you don’t use it.

Historically, Mozilla’s Firefox browser has been safer than Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome seems to be the safest today. Chrome is run inside a ’sandbox’ so that the attackers need to get through two layers of security in order to infect your PC - one in Chrome, and one to get out of the sandbox. Criminal gangs value their time, and it’s more profitable to spend it on easier targets.

Run an anti-virus program

You should also run anti-virus software. There are lots of good free programs available, including Microsoft Security Essentials. Alternatives include Avira AntiVir Personal Edition, Avast! Free Antivirus, and AVG Free. Kaspersky is good too – but you’ll have to pay for that program.

If you are changing your anti-virus software, check the supplier’s website to see if there is a removal tool to remove it completely. When you have uninstalled it, take the time to run MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) and SuperAntiSpyware to check that your PC is clean. (Microsoft also offers a free anti-spyware program, Windows Defender.)

Never under any circumstances install anti-virus software in response to a pop-up, and never pay for such a program. There are dozens of fake anti-virus programs that pretend to find malware on your PC and - after you have paid up - pretend to remove it. Also, never do business with a company that phones you out of the blue and says it can solve a problem with your PC.

Turn on your firewall

A firewall is a device that increases the security of computers on the internet by controlling the connections that can be made between them.

The firewall sits between your computer and the internet and permits or blocks connections between your PC and other computers on the net, according to rules defined by you. This makes it more difficult to launch attacks on your computer.

All updated copies of Windows XP and later versions have built-in firewalls, which provide the minimum protection required.

There are more sophisticated free firewalls, such as Outpost Firewall Free, Comodo Internet Security, and Online Armor Free. However, these require more work, and more understanding of your PC.

Surf safely

Security software provides good protection, but that does not mean that your PC will never be infected. Many attackers now trick users into installing malware. For example, you may be lured by a message on a social networking site to watch an amusing or sexy video, but you’ll have to install a new codec to see it.

The codec is malware - probably a simple ‘Trojan’ that will download more noxious malware later. (A Trojan is a program that pretends to be something it isn’t.) Sometimes Trojans are hidden in pirate software and in tempting files on file-sharing systems.

No software can completely protect users - but it pays to be careful with what you download and to make sure you have up-to-date software installed to help prevent your computer from being infected.

BEWARE OF THE POP-UPS

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by Brian Mattah
Danger Lurking Beneath

Beware of such links especially from pop-ups (which are actually online advertising forms on the World Wide Web intended to attract web traffic or capture email addresses-so don't be surprised when you clicked on any of them and next morning find your spam folder or inbox clogged up with mails from unknown people, companies or even institutions).
Pop-ups may include buttons that say ‘Close’ or ‘Cancel’. There is no guarantee that the link behind the button will dismisses the pop-up once you click on the buttons. Instead they could trigger other pop-ups or download pieces of VIRUS. It’s safer to close a pop-up in Microsoft Windows by using a keyboard shortcut such as Ctrl-W or Alt-F4, or by opening the Task Manager, selecting the browser programme and clicking End Task.
Some pop-ups don’t come from websites but from malware (a malicious type of software) that has been secretly installed on the user’s PC. If this happens, the PC must be thoroughly cleaned using good security software. If the PC has been used to access banking, shopping and other important sites, all passwords should be changed because they may have been compromised.
Particularly nasty pop-ups are used to sell fake anti-virus programs, which are sometimes called ‘scareware’.

The pop-ups pretend to find viruses on your PC and - after you have paid up - pretend to remove it. In fact, these programs are malware and may install more malware.
To stop pop-ups in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8, go to the Tools menu, select ‘Pop-up Blocker’ and then ‘Turn On Pop-up Blocker’.
To stop pop-ups in Mozilla’s Firefox, click on Tools, select ‘Options’, and then ‘Content’. Click the checkbox next to ‘Block Pop-up Windows’. Most browsers have similar options.

Pop-ups Can As Well Be Helpful

Not all pop-ups are there to infect your computer. On some sites they’re used to explain something so that you don’t have to navigate away from the main window. Also, sometimes pop-ups appear when you need to download or install something from a web page. ONLY ever INTERACT with these POP-UPS if you TRUST the WEBSITE they’ve come from.