Tech

Discussions around the recently launched Chinese tech startup Deepseek continue to grow daily. The app is making waves as a strong competitor against the dominant ChatGPT, the leader in AI chatbot technology. When ChatGPT was launched in 2015, it had never gained such overwhelming attention. However, DeepSeek entered the race and quickly rose to the top of global app rankings on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, gaining widespread acceptance and dominance. Five key aspects stand out among several factors that set DeepSeek apart from other AI chatbots. Founded in late 2023 by CEO Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek AI, a Chinese AI startup based in Hangzhou, China, has rapidly become a leading AI chatbot, challenging major players like Llama 3, Perplexity, Google, and OpenAI. Despite Liang Wenfeng’s low profile, his innovation reshapes the AI industry and has positioned DeepSeek among the most influential Chinese AI firms. According to research released last week, the DeepSeek development team revealed that they had spent less than $6 million on computing power to train the model—a fraction of the multibillion-dollar AI budgets of US tech giants like OpenAI and Google, the creators of ChatGPT and Gemini, respectively. This efficiency highlights DeepSeek’s impact on AI advancement and AI technology, setting a new benchmark in AI development. As of now, DeepSeek has become one of the most downloaded apps on the Apple App Store in both the UK and the US, sending shockwaves across the AI industry. One of the biggest companies affected by its rise is Nvidia, which reportedly lost over $500 billion following DeepSeek’s dominance due to decreased demand for expensive Nvidia chips. However, the Chinese AI company has also faced security concerns, with some questioning whether it poses a potential cybersecurity threat. Additionally, it has been subjected to malicious attacks to undermine its success. In this post, I will share everything you need to know about DeepSeek the chinese AI and five things to know about this disruptive new presence. Table of contents How DeepSeek, the Chinese AI, is Disrupting Global Tech: 5 Things You Should Know What is DeepSeek? Who founded DeepSeek? NVIDIA impact losses & US Tech market 5 Things You Should Know About DeepSeek AI Summary What is DeepSeek? The DeepSeek LLM is an AI model that is open source and uses reasoning combined with what the company calls “cold start data.” According to research, this means that instead of crawling through the Internet to source user information, it relies independently on reinforced learning to improve accuracy. It is powered by the open-source DeepSeek V3 model, supposedly developed for just $6M. The developer highlighted this on its GitHub page. The developers of DeepSeek describe R1 as large-scale reinforcement learning on the base model. “We directly apply reinforcement learning to the base model without relying on supervised fine-tuning as a preliminary step,” it says. This approach allows the model to explore chain-of-thought for solving complex problems. With RL, DeepSeek R1 Zero naturally emerged with numerous powerful and engaging reasoning behaviors. Based on analyzing a range of combined data sources, DeepSeek’s app has seen 2.6 million downloads and recorded a peak of 7 million daily Google searches. At the same time, its users have grown to an estimated 5-6 million worldwide. An estimated 2.1 million searches for DeepSeek were recorded over the weekend, with at least 1.6 million on Sunday, January 26 alone. This is 12.3% of ChatGPT’s 13 million searches in the same timeframe. This shows a promising future for the app if adequately managed. Read Also: What are the 7 Best GRC Courses for 2025 Who founded DeepSeek? The app was founded by CEO Liang Wenfeng, who is based in Hangzhou, a city in southeastern China. The 40-year-old man is an information and electronic engineering graduate who founded the hedge fund that backed DeepSeek. His leadership has propelled DeepSeek to become a major Chinese AI firm. After the launch of DeepSeek R1 around the beginning of this month, the company boasted of “tremendous performance” that rivals one of OpenAI’s latest AI models for tasks such as debugging, maths, coding, and natural language reasoning. DeepSeek has been the talk of the world and has been praised by President Donald Trump of the United States of America, who called it a “wake-up call” for the ai companies and tech giant in America. It has also been praised by tech figures, including OpenAI Chief Sam Altman, who called it “an impressive model, particularly around what they’re able to deliver for the price.” He also boasts that OpenAI will enhance its performance in the short run. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen described it as a ” ais Sputnik moment” — a reference to the Soviet satellite launch that exposed the yawning technology gap between the United States and its primary geopolitical adversary. Nvidia also welcomed DeepSeek’s accomplishment, calling it “an excellent AI advancement,” and appeared confident that “significant numbers of Nvidia GPUs and high-performance networking” would still be needed. “DeepSeek V3’s training costs, while competitive, fall within historical efficiency trends,” Lennart Heim, an associate information scientist at the RAND Corporation, told AFP, referring to R1’s previous iteration. Various other tech mavens and professionals have attested to its ingenuity and proficiency. Marina Zhang, an associate professor at the University of Technology Sydney, said, “DeepSeek’s ability to rival US models despite limited access to advanced hardware demonstrates that software ingenuity and data efficiency can compensate for hardware constraints.” Ion Stoica, co-founder and executive chair of AI software company Databricks, told the BBC that DeepSeek’s lower cost could spur more companies to adopt AI in their businesses. The Chinese AI startup claims its AI system can be trained on 2,000 specialized computer chips compared to an estimated 16,000 for leading AI large language models. NVIDIA impact losses & US Tech market According to research, Nvidia, Microsoft, Oracle, and Meta shares were all down on Monday morning ahead of the opening of the US markets. The S&P 500 fell 1.8% in early trading on Monday, while significant tech … Read more

Are you ready to advance your career in GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) domains and land an attractive, high-paying job? Here are the essential courses you must not miss. Did you know that a growing number of courses have emerged in recent years covering various aspects of GRC? According to research, GRC professional courses are among the most sought-after in 2025. While GRC is a standalone domain within the cybersecurity field, there are countless job opportunities that require specific certifications, even though some of these courses may be more expensive than others. GRC requires a versatile skill set to integrate and advise on governance, strategy, performance, risk, compliance, ethics, internal control, security, privacy, and audit activities. These certificates will validate your expertise, allowing you to present yourself confidently to employers. If you want to be more effective in your work and boost your income as a salaried employee or freelance professional, it is worth investing the time to explore these seven best courses that would be suitable for you and prepare you for high-paying cybersecurity jobs. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a professional looking to upgrade or upskill your skill set, or if you are a newbie eager to dive into the world of risk and regulations, regardless of your current experience or technical expertise in GRC, you’ve landed in the right place. In this post, I will provide an overview of the seven best GRC courses for 2025 that will enhance your professional life and prepare you for high-paying jobs.p Table of content What are the 7 Best GRC Courses for 2025 What Are GRC Certifications? Why are GRC certifications necessary? 7 Best GRC Courses for 2025 1. Certified In Risk And Information Systems Control (CRISC) 2. Certified Governance Risk and Compliance 3. Certified Compliance And Ethics Professional (CCEP) 4. Certified in Risk Management and Assurance (CRMA) 5. Project Management Institute’s Risk Management Professional Certification (PMI-RMP) 6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 7. CGEIT: Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT Final Thoughts FAQs What Are GRC Certifications? As more and more threats loom over organisations, there is a growing need for more stringent and strategic compliance regulations. This situation compels organizations to increasingly prioritize GRC practices and certified security professionals to navigate the complexities of the digital world. GRC, which stands for Governance, Risk, and Compliance, involves certifications designed to validate an individual’s ability to manage and implement effective strategies for risk management and governance while ensuring regulatory compliance with relevant authorities.   Photo credit: istockphoto Why are GRC certifications necessary? Obtaining a GRC certificate undoubtedly provides more leverage for individuals in an organization. The course helps professionals and experts expand their knowledge and expertise in the field, demonstrating their dedication to ethical and compliant practices. Consider GRC certifications as essential tools to boost your career and give you an edge over your competitors. Do you want to know why they are important for your career? Here are some reasons why you need them. Read Also: Top 12 Screening Questions for Cybersecurity GRC Role for 2025   Boost Career Prospects Obtaining a GRC certificate could be a gateway to career progression, whether you are just starting out in the GRC domain or are a seasoned professional. The advent of new technology has led to increasing cyber threats, resulting in a high demand for strict regulations across all sectors. This situation has made GRC more important in the cybersecurity field. As a result, organisations are actively seeking candidates with high potential who can navigate challenges, preferring certified GRC professionals because they are viewed as more suitable and up-to-date in their field. Demonstrating Professional Credibility and Skills In today’s job market, many hiring managers refer candidates with excellent credentials to organizations for job opportunities. Certification course play a crucial role in branding and professional credibility; having a certificate validates knowledge and skills while simultaneously showcasing an employee’s commitment to professional development. This underscores the value of the time and effort invested by individuals committed to acquiring relevant skills. Therefore, obtaining a compliance professional certificate cannot be overemphasized; it is essential if you want to excel in your professional journey. Validation Of Expertise And Knowledge In any career field, certificates have their own advantages and influence, and this is also true in cybersecurity. Having a reputable certificate should not be underestimated, and GRC certifications are no different. They not only enhance your knowledge but also improve your earning potential in the eyes of employers, keeping you updated on current threats across various domains such as risk management, compliance framework, information security, and corporate governance. While obtaining this certificate is no small feat, achieving it signifies that professionals possess a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s best practices and regulatory obligations, as well as the latest updates within the GRC field. This certification demonstrates your capacity and competency to your organization.   Read Also: I Bagged Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate for $0 Here’s How I Did It & You Can Do the Same in 2025. 7 Best GRC Courses for 2025 Whether you are a certified GRC professional or an entry-level newbie looking to find the right courses for you, fret not, we have covered the seven best GRC certifications for 2025. Below are the seven best GRC courses you can access to start your professional development journey today and choose the certification that best aligns with your needs—and all of them come with certificates. 1. Certified In Risk And Information Systems Control (CRISC)   The certification is provided by ISACA, the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). It is designed for individuals who want to be proficient in risk management within the IT space. It is one of the certifications widely relevant in the tech domain and can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in identifying, mitigating, and managing IT-related business risks and putting adequate procedures in place to avert them. Exam Details   Exam Format   The CRISC is a multiple-choice exam, consisting of 150 questions.   … Read more

Are you an entry-level candidate looking for jobs in the GRC domain? It is essential to master these key interview questions. Are you aiming to land a job in a GRC role? You’re not alone—many individuals share your aspirations to achieve their career goals. As of 2024, 26% of hiring managers seek GRC skills, making them among the most in-demand competencies. Within cybersecurity organizations, diverse functions are crucial, including the ability to “Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.” Photo credit: ijubaphoto GRC is one of today’s most in-demand employers, making it one of the best cybersecurity career choices, especially for entry-level positions. According to research, hiring managers and recruiters often seek entry-level positions for GRC roles across all areas of the organization. These hiring managers seek candidates who can process information, distil logical questions, and analyze problems to meet job responsibilities. But to get your foot in the door at one of these high-paying companies, you must first ace the difficult brain-teaser questions. So, if you are actively searching for a GRC role, here are the top 12 cyber security interview questions GRC roles for 2025, plus how to answer them appropriately, according to Infosectrain. Table of contents 12 Screening Questions for Cybersecurity GRC Role 1. What is governance, and how does it relate to GRC? 2. A new regulatory compliance must be followed in the field in which you work. How would you get everyone in your company to comply with this requirement? 3. A business unit is experiencing a significant increase in data privacy-related consumer complaints. How would you investigate and address this issue from a GRC standpoint? 4. How do you develop and implement a compliance program? 5. An entirely novel project involving significant technological changes is being initiated. How would you guarantee that the project adheres to regulatory requirements, GRC risk management standards and compliance frameworks? 6. A cyberattack has compromised sensitive information in the organization. What steps would you take to evaluate the impact, mitigate the risks, and ensure compliance with applicable data protection regulations? 7. A security breach has been discovered at a third-party vendor that your company relies on for vital services. How would you manage the risks associated with this incident and ensure that the vendor complies with all security standards? 8. Can you provide an example of a project you have led related to governance, risk management, or compliance? 9. How do you communicate the results of a risk assessment to stakeholders? 10. How do you handle a non-compliance issue? 11. We have received a whistleblower complaint about possible fraud in one of our departments. How would you approach it so that an unbiased investigation could be conducted while also maintaining confidentiality and preventing reprisal? 12. A new business opportunity necessitates forming a partnership with a company in a high-risk jurisdiction infamous for corruption. How would you evaluate the associated risks and design a compliance framework to mitigate those risks? 12 Screening Questions for Cybersecurity GRC Role If you are looking for jobs in a GRC role, here are the most important interview screening questions and answers you should not miss. 1. What is governance, and how does it relate to GRC? Answer: Governance refers to the policies, procedures, and processes that ensure an organization is managed and operated responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with its organizational cybersecurity framework. 2. A new regulatory compliance must be followed in the field in which you work. How would you get everyone in your company to comply with this requirement? Answer: To ensure compliance with a new regulatory requirement within an organization, I would take the following steps: Communicate the changes and provide training. Update policies and procedures. Implement monitoring mechanisms. Maintain proper documentation. Stay informed and adapt as needed. Thoroughly study the new requirements. Assess its impact on the organization. Develop a compliance plan. 3. A business unit is experiencing a significant increase in data privacy-related consumer complaints. How would you investigate and address this issue from a GRC standpoint? Answer: I would investigate and address the increase in consumer complaints related to data privacy by taking the following steps: Identify gaps or vulnerability assessment in data privacy controls. Implement corrective actions to address the issues, such as employee training, process improvements, and enhanced monitoring. Conduct a thorough review of data privacy policies and procedures. Assess data handling practices for compliance with relevant regulations. Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented measures to ensure ongoing compliance activities and improve customer satisfaction. 4. How do you develop and implement a compliance program? Answer: Developing and implementing a compliance program can be complex. The following are general steps that organizations can take to develop and implement a compliance program smoothly: Conduct a compliance risk assessment Develop policies and procedures Communicate and train Monitor and internal audit Enforce and improve Implement incident management process Read Also: I Bagged Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate for $0 Here’s How I Did It & You Can Do the Same in 2025 5. An entirely novel project involving significant technological changes is being initiated. How would you guarantee that the project adheres to regulatory requirements, GRC risk management standards and compliance frameworks? Answer: To ensure the project aligns with regulatory requirements, risk management standards, and compliance frameworks, do the following: Conduct a thorough regulatory analysis to identify all relevant laws and regulations. Perform a detailed risk assessment to uncover potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. Incorporate compliance requirements into the project’s planning and design phases. Establish robust controls and monitoring mechanisms to ensure continuous compliance. Collaborate with key stakeholders, including legal, compliance, and risk management teams throughout the project lifecycle to address any compliance concerns effectively. 6. A cyberattack has compromised sensitive information in the organization. What steps would you take to evaluate the impact, mitigate the risks, and ensure compliance with applicable data protection regulations? Answer: In the event of a cyber attacks compromising sensitive customer data, the following steps should be taken to evaluate the impact, … Read more

Coursera is one of the best platforms for learning cybersecurity at an entry level. Here is how I secured a full Scholarship for Google’s cybersecurity certificate.   In May 2024, I was looking forward to how I could hone my skills and elevate my knowledge in the tech terrain, aside from my passion for climate change and advocacy. As an individual, I have always considered equipping myself with specific skills and advancing my knowledge beyond advocacy. Getting certified by Google offers a seamless opportunity to secure cybersecurity entry-level jobs and access a wide range of Google professional certifications. I never expected there would be a free course certificate that would shape my knowledge about security domains as I had been considering learning UI/UX design, data analysis, software engineering, etc. Despite being a curious individual eager to learn, these domain areas don’t excite me due to how demanding it is to understand them. My busy schedule at a writing agency is a burden. In this post, I will discuss how I navigated the cybersecurity domain and share my knowledge and experience with you on how you can apply for free courses on Coursera, especially cybersecurity, and secure your internship as an entry-level security analyst. I Bagged Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate for $0 Here’s How I Did It & You Can Do the Same in 2025. How it started! This year, around May, I decided to equip myself with one of the leading tech skills and chose cybersecurity. As someone without a tech background, it is challenging. By then, I had yet to get a platform like Coursera to learn, which made learning so much more difficult. I started with inspiration and encouragement from a coterie of friends and a mentor. Challenges One of the biggest challenges associated with learning cybersecurity is the need for a durable learning device like a laptop. It is challenging to learn the course with a device with low capacity in terms of memory and speed. How I got a Google Certificate for free One of the easier and more convenient ways to secure a Google cybersecurity certificate for free is through writing and applying to top organizations interested in sponsoring you for 6 months. I have been ignored several times, losing scores of applications to cheap excuses and failing to meet their application criteria. 3 Steps to Applying for Google Cybersecurity Application for Free There are various steps to take to apply for Google Cybersecurity courses, but in this post, we will discuss three ways to help you secure the course. Apply through Google Sites Many people apply for Google Cybersecurity cybersecurity courses through Google, and you will be given two options: either you wish to pay for the course or apply for financial aid. The financial aid option comes with a 90% discount, while you must pay the remaining 10%. Applying for financial aid means you will be taken through a different application process, highlighting your reason to be considered for it. It takes two weeks to get feedback on your approval after the application. Applying through this route can only cost you some cash. Applying via an International Organization Applying through NGOs that are Google partners can boost your chances of securing a scholarship. Google Identity India gave me a full scholarship to study cybersecurity for free. If you want to know how I scaled the application process and essay, I have provided a list of organizations offering free Google cybersecurity scholarships. Apply Through a Foundation/ Organization:  There are lots of NGOs, and top firms are looking to sponsor candidates who are eager and curious to study and learn. These organizations are all over social media and can be Google searched within a second. However, you will be required to write a motivation letter for application before getting selected. Here are a few organizations currently open for sponsor Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate, which you can apply to: 1. Google Career Certificate Cohort Scholarship Application How to Apply Early: Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate Click the link above to complete your application before the official launch date: December 10, 204 Application deadline: Undisclosed 2. Apply for Grow with Google Cohort 3 How to Apply Early: Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate Click the link above to complete your application before the official launch date: Feb 2025 Timeline to Keep in Mind. Early Access Applications Open: Now Official Applications Launch: Monday, December 16th Program Start Date: February 7th, 2025 Application deadline: Undisclosed What you will Benefit Projects: Build your skills and showcase your expertise with real-world projects. Understand the importance of cybersecurity practices and their usefulness in organizations. Identify common risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and techniques to mitigate them. Use security information and event management (SIEM) tools to protect networks, devices, people, and data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. CONCLUSION   The Google Cybersecurity Certification equips learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical experience, including hands-on work with Google servers, real incident response documentation, and real-world projects to enhance skills and showcase expertise. Participants gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity practices and their importance in organizations. They learn to identify and mitigate risks, threats, and vulnerabilities and protect networks, devices, people, and data using tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). The program offers valuable experience with Python, Linux, SQL, and essential network detection while covering Linux file systems, vulnerability assessment, and threat hunting, among other essential cybersecurity skills.   For more inquiries, kindly reach: babatundelaitan@gmail.com