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Home décor can be tedious, often involving a lot of time, money, and effort. Your living room set up starts looking boring after a couple of years. You think your kitchen could do with a facelift. The bathroom lacks charm. You crave change. But you don’t have the time or don’t want to spend a lot to give your home a complete makeover. However, with a little imagination and some elbow grease, you can refresh your space. We’re here to share a few ideas to get you started.

Style your coffee table

Put some books and candles. Display an arrangement of vases with stems, leaves, and flowers. Dried flowers work as well. Experiment with different vignettes to keep things interesting. You can change your coffee table décor according to the season or what you are in the mood for.

Hang art on your bookshelves

Bookshelves can look a little lackluster and one easy way to jazz it up is by hanging a large piece of art on it. You can also go for a cluster of smaller frames in the middle or at one side for a similar effect. You can use similar frames in different sizes or opt for an eclectic mix.

Add a pedestal

If you have planters and other decorative items like statues or vases on the floor, consider getting a pedestal of sorts to elevate it. It’s the simplest way to add gravitas to objects around the house as well as show some love to neglected spaces. Don’t overdo it though. Choose two in varying styles at the most.

Switch a side table

You would be surprised how by changing just one small piece of furniture in the house you can change its look and feel. Oftentimes we stop seeing things because they have been around for long. Switching out pieces will draw your attention to them and liven up your space. For instance, use a small stool for the side table and use your bedside table as a footstool in your study or a drop zone in the hallway.

Place a shawl or a throw

You can add a bit of texture to your velvet or fabric sofas by draping a shawl or throw over the backrest or the arm. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive. You can use an extra blanket or even an old saree. Silk sarees in vintage patterns can lend a regal, old-world charm to an otherwise contemporary space.

Paint the insides of shelves

If you have open shelving or storage units, paint the insides a vibrant color like lemon yellow or olive green or any other shade of your choice to give it some character. Alternatively, you can also line it with an interesting patterned wallpaper. It will add depth and visual interest to your shelves while also making the items on display pop.

Personalize your space

The most interesting homes are ones that tell stories of the homeowners. Showcase something you made or was made by your mother or child. Frame a piece of art or a birthday card your son made for you when he was five. Get some black and white prints of photos and frame them. The idea is to surround yourself with little things that bring a smile on your face.

Bring in a tree

Most of us have houseplants but how many of us can boast of having a tree in our homes? The height of it will give your space a much-needed oomph. It’s especially great for small spaces. We recommend lemon tree or the classic fiddle-leaf tree. You can also get a faux one if looking after a real one sounds too taxing.

Try decals and stickers

You can add wall decals and stickers in varying sizes, shapes, and patterns to infuse color to your space. These are beautiful and renter-friendly too. You can easily peel them off and stick them elsewhere when you need to move. You can also use them to spruce up your appliances and furniture.

The cover of the paperback edition of ‘Then She Was Gone’ has black branches on a gray background and a smattering of pink petals that look like they are being blown by a sudden gust of wind. The effect is ominous. It’s why I bought the book without even reading the blurb on a recent bookstore visit. The book is thick but the font is several points bigger than the regular font and the chapters are short so you are likely to breeze through it. I finished the book in two days. I would have probably finished it in a day if I didn’t have work obligations that couldn’t be pushed back. It helped that the plot was compelling.

Fifteen-year-old Ellie Mack is Laurel’s favorite child, though she knows a mother shouldn’t have a favorite. But Laurel doesn’t feel the same connection with Hanna and Jake that she feels with Ellie. Then one day Ellie disappears. She tells Laurel she’s going to the library to study but she never makes it there. The police think she has run away. The disappearance has all the hallmarks of a runaway. But Laurel refuses to believe it. Ellie wouldn’t just give up on her dreams and run away. She was a brilliant student and she was looking forward to her GCSEs. She had a wonderful boyfriend, Theo. She wouldn’t abandon him like that.

The event ultimately tears Laurel’s family apart. She blames Paul, her husband, for not trying harder to find Ellie. She looks at Hanna and wonders why it wasn’t her who went missing instead of Ellie. Hanna and Jake leave home at the first chance they get and Paul tells her that he has met someone he would like to start over with. Laurel lives with the hope of finding Ellie. Then she meets a man named Floyd who sweeps her off her feet. He has a nine-year-old daughter named Poppy and she’s brilliant. She’s also a splitting image of Ellie. What happened to Ellie? And what’s Floyd’s role in all this? As Laurel digs around, she unearths something far more sinister than one could ever imagine.

Then She Was Gone follows a pattern that most thriller writers employ. It is thus predictable. There are only a handful of characters so you can also guess what might have happened. But the how and why keeps you glued to the pages. I wish Hanna’s relationship with Laurel had been more explored. It could have been a great portrayal of a complex mother-daughter equation and how there is always more than what meets the eye in any relationship that is driven by both compulsion and love.

Lisa Jewell has suddenly blown up in my reading circles. Everyone talks about her and they have all read ‘The Family Upstairs’. Her latest book ‘None of This is True’ is also being discussed. A few celebrities have recommended it on Instagram as well. Then She Was Gone got me out of a reading slump and I’ll definitely read more of her works when I find myself unable to concentrate on reading. Then She Was Gone was a compelling story that consumed me. I was tense throughout—caught up in Laurel’s world of horror. It would be nice to have that shiver-up-my-spine feeling again while reading a book.

Thriller

Then She Was Gone

Lisa Jewell

Published: 2017

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Pages: 426, Paperback

Social engineering, in the context of cybersecurity, refers to the manipulation of individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. This technique has evolved significantly over time, adapting to changes in technology and society. By examining its history, current state and future implications, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of this pervasive threat.

In the digital age, where firewalls and encryption safeguard our data, an often-overlooked threat exploits the weakest link in the security chain: Human psychology. This insidious threat, known as social engineering, involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Unlike traditional cyber-attacks that target systems and networks, social engineering preys on human error and trust. The techniques range from phishing emails that mimic legitimate communication to pretexting, where attackers fabricate a story to gain access to sensitive data. Even seemingly benign interactions, like a friendly phone call or an innocuous social media message, can be vectors for these attacks. As our reliance on digital communication grows, the sophistication of social engineering tactics increases, making it imperative for individuals and organizations to recognize and counteract these deceptive practices. Awareness, education and vigilance are our best defenses against social engineering, ensuring that our trust does not become our downfall in the cybersecurity landscape.

Historical context

The concept of social engineering is not new. It dates back to ancient times when individuals employed psychological manipulation to achieve their goals. One of the earliest examples is the Trojan Horse from Greek mythology. The Greeks used deception to gain access to the city of Troy, illustrating how manipulating human trust can lead to significant consequences. In more recent history, con artists like Charles Ponzi in the early 20th century used social engineering to perpetrate financial frauds, preying on people's greed and trust.

With the advent of the digital age, social engineering tactics evolved. The rise of the internet and email in the 1990s introduced new opportunities for attackers. Phishing emails, which trick recipients into providing personal information by masquerading as legitimate communications, became a prevalent form of social engineering. These early attacks laid the groundwork for the sophisticated techniques we see today.

Present-day challenges

Today, social engineering remains one of the most effective methods for cybercriminals. Despite advancements in technology, human behavior remains a critical vulnerability. Modern social engineering attacks are highly targeted and sophisticated, often leveraging extensive information gathered from social media and other online sources.

Phishing attacks have become more convincing, often personalized to increase their success rate. Spear-phishing, a more targeted form of phishing, uses detailed information about the victim to create highly believable emails. For instance, a cybercriminal might research an individual's job role, recent activities, or interests to craft a message that appears to come from a trusted source.

Another prevalent technique is pretexting, where the attacker invents a scenario to persuade the target to divulge information. This could involve pretending to be a colleague, a trusted authority, or a service provider. For example, an attacker might call an employee, posing as IT support, and ask for login credentials in the name of resolving a technical issue.

Baiting and quid pro quo attacks are also common. Baiting involves luring victims with a promise of something enticing, like free software or a prize, which actually installs malware on their devices. Quid pro quo involves offering a service or benefit in exchange for information or access. For instance, an attacker might offer free technical support in exchange for login details.

Social media platforms have become fertile ground for social engineering. Cybercriminals create fake profiles to befriend victims, gather information and exploit it. LinkedIn, in particular, is frequently used for these attacks, given its professional context and the valuable information it provides.

The future of social engineering

Looking ahead, social engineering is likely to become even more sophisticated and challenging to detect. The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into cyberattacks poses a significant threat. AI can be used to analyze vast amounts of data quickly, identifying potential targets and crafting highly personalized attacks.

Deepfake technology, which uses AI to create realistic but fake audio and video recordings, is another emerging threat. Imagine receiving a video call that appears to be from a trusted colleague or superior, instructing you to perform a specific action. The potential for such attacks to bypass traditional security measures is significant.

The Internet of Things (IoT) also introduces new vulnerabilities. With more devices connected to the internet, there are more entry points for attackers. IoT devices often have weaker security measures, making them attractive targets. An attacker could manipulate these devices to gain access to larger networks or gather information for social engineering attacks.

To combat these evolving threats, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity awareness and training. Employees are often the first line of defense against social engineering attacks. Regular training can help them recognize and respond to suspicious activities. Additionally, implementing robust security policies and procedures is essential. This includes multi-factor authentication, regular software updates and strict access controls.

Technology also has a role to play in mitigating social engineering risks. Advanced threat detection systems can identify and respond to suspicious activities in real time. Behavioral analytics can help detect anomalies that may indicate a social engineering attack. For instance, if an employee's login patterns suddenly change, this could trigger an alert for further investigation.

Moreover, collaboration between organizations and industries is crucial. Sharing information about threats and best practices can help create a more resilient cybersecurity landscape. Governments and regulatory bodies can also contribute by establishing and enforcing cybersecurity standards.

In conclusion, social engineering is a dynamic and evolving threat that exploits human psychology to compromise security. From its historical roots to its present-day manifestations and future implications, understanding social engineering is critical for developing effective countermeasures. As technology continues to advance, so too must our strategies for protecting against these sophisticated attacks. By prioritizing education, implementing robust security measures and leveraging advanced technologies, we can build a more secure digital future.

Nepal’s logistic sector needs to work towards transforming supply chains through digital platforms and technologies. Despite the rapid advancement of the global supply chain, we continue to rely on traditional methods. The World Bank has been suggesting the government on the agenda of digitalization, but a lack of coordination among government stakeholders has been obstructing the move. The integrated border management system (IBMS) from the World Bank will help streamline the border issues as well as help proper planning from the transit point until the logistic centers and electrical cargo tracking (ETCS) system of ADB with some amendments would help in the transit and domestic flow of goods. The trade facilitation and cross-border paperless trade agendas have been pending for a very long time with little to no activities. Further, involving freight forwarders in the Nepal National Single Window (NNAW) is pending .

The bilateral and regional agreements are all being executed in a very traditional manner, without incorporating modern automation and digitalization mechanisms to ease business and increase traceability, predictability, and accountability to facilitate and meet global supply chain demands.

The customers demand and expect faster, more transparent, and personalized service. To meet their expectations, we need to utilize digital platforms to enhance the customer experience through better tracking, faster delivery, and improved communication to ensure seamless integration of data across different systems and platforms associated with government and private sector service providers. This demands developing data formats and communication between actors in trade facilitation. Another significant challenge is adopting new technologies, scaling them throughout the supply chain through pilot projects in controlled environments before scaling, and making sure these components are simple to integrate and adapt.Protecting sensitive supply chain data from cyber threats is another important and burning issue. Implementing cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular audits, can overcome this by ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of data across the supply chain. Data governance policies, as well as the use of data validation tools to maintain high data quality and implement digital signatures, could be useful methods.

The cost factor associated with implementing new digital technologies is high. Still, there is a need to do a cost-benefit analysis and seek cost-effective solutions or phased implementation approaches to manage cost factors. Implementing automation through digitalization has proven successful in many countries, as it helps monitor the flow of goods, documents, money, data, and information among all those associated with the supply chain.

It is essential to change the mindset and adapt to change management by motivating the workforce through proper training, enhancing their digital knowledge, and addressing cultural and operational changes within organizations such as the Departments of Customs and Commerce, as well as both private and government logistic service providers.

Therefore, developing comprehensive training programs and change management strategies to help employees adapt to new technologies is a must, as is setting fixed regulations and standards across different actors and government support agencies to ensure compliance through regular audits. Another challenge is balancing digital transformation with sustainable practices to lessen environmental impacts through monitoring and evaluation. Other precautions include integrating new digital technologies with existing systems using middleware solutions and gradual transition strategies to avoid disrupting operations.

The transition to digitalization in the supply chain requires many issues to be addressed. Some issues require a strategic approach, leveraging the latest digital tools and technologies while ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and maintaining flexibility to adapt to future changes. Implementing IoT devices, real-time tracking, and advanced analytics to monitor and optimize supply chain performance will enable real-time visibility for analytics purposes while also easing the process of doing domestic and international trade.