Technology
Best Practices for Keeping Your CMS Updated and Secure
A Content Management System (CMS) drives many websites as it offers the best creation, maintenance, and deployment of digital content for an expanding enterprise. However, CMS can be an issue if not regularly updated or if security patches are bypassed. When hackers realize a CMS version is vulnerable, they attempt to breach it, gaining entry into a system to steal information or shut down a website.
A secure and reliable headless CMS requires constant updating, specific log-in and access, and continuous monitoring. Thus, a business that requires a secure CMS will ensure that client information is kept private, the experience is overall more seamless, and compliance is easier. This article outlines all the necessary updates and security patches to keep a secure and reliable CMS.
Regularly Updating CMS Core, Plugins, and Themes
One of the quickest ways to eliminate security vulnerabilities is by keeping the headless CMS core software and plugins/themes up to date. Developers are always updating for security vulnerabilities, enhancements of functionality, and added features. Failing to keep current opens a portal of exploitation for sites that developers have already fixed, making these sites low-hanging fruit for hackers. For example, if a retail business has a WordPress CMS for its website, and the WordPress CMS is outdated, it opens the site to being hacked.
There are WordPress fail issues that have not yet been addressed, which give hackers the chance to enter the system and add in malware. If a site has a lot of pending updates, many security vulnerabilities can be prevented. By checking often or setting up automatic updates, any business will have the most secure system possible. In addition, plugins or themes that are no longer supported by developers are ones to avoid as well. An unsupported plugin—with or without updates is a vulnerability, and it should be changed for something that gets consistent updates.
Strengthening Authentication and Access Control
A headless CMS such as the one that Storyblok provides usually has multiple users with different access levels. From administrators and editors to simple content creators, everyone can be a guest on the CMS. However, without access controls, a standard user can be granted administrative privileges either accidentally or on purpose and delete information or leave the CMS open for attack or intentional editing. Access control authorization relies on authentication. The ultimate protection for a CMS is multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication reduces the likelihood of an account being compromised because it requires another form of validation aside from a username and password.
These can include one-time passwords or biometric fingerprints. Furthermore, implement super admin access to only what is necessary. If many team members need access to a project, role-based access (RBAC) gives everyone access only to what their job requires. The fewer the super admin accounts, the fewer the chances of insider threats and accidental security misconfiguration. Furthermore, the company should have password policies in place to require complicated passwords capitalization, numbers, special characters and employees should be educated on changing their passwords regularly. The chances of credential compromise are minimized with password managers.
Using Secure Hosting and Encrypted Connections
A headless CMS is only as good as its hosting. Should a company choose a reliable hosting service that includes security (firewalls, DDoS protection, malware scanning along with proper backup solutions), the company can maintain a secure level from the very beginning. On the other hand, unreliable hosts are vulnerable and subject to server-level attacks, which leave a site vulnerable to hacks and shutdowns. Another major component of security is a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate, which protects all information sent from users to the site from prying third-party eyes.
With SSL encryption, this allows a company to avoid handing over to hackers any passwords, compromised personal information, or credit card numbers during those vulnerable transactions. Companies that deal with sensitive customer information needing additional security may opt for a managed hosting service with built-in, automated security management. Managed hosting services are more likely to secure vulnerabilities, watch for nefarious activity, and perform security hardening so these companies don’t have to delegate duty.
Conducting Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments
Regular security audits and vulnerability scans uncover vulnerabilities in a headless CMS before a hacker gets the chance to exploit them. Security audits ensure correct user permissions, potential database corruption, and server configurations so that no unintended levels of access exist. For example, a content-managed eCommerce site should assess how often rogue administrators can access the CMS via security audits to avoid malicious penetration that could lead to poor choices. Thus, a content-managed eCommerce site wants to ensure that accidental charge transactions do not happen on the checkout function, so a vulnerability scan is regularly required.
Security plugins within the headless CMS and external vulnerability scanning websites provide assessments of malware injections, brute force login attempts, and unnecessary file permissions. Furthermore, simply keeping an eye on the CMS logs to check for oddities, surprising login attempts, changes in core files, individuals visiting the admin panel when they should not be granted visibility would keep a company apprised of its security. An apprised awareness of security would avoid a lot of exploits from escalating into a massive cybersecurity event.
Implementing a Reliable Backup Strategy
Fail-safe backup solution. Even with the most secure CMS, there’s always a chance that a hack or malfunctioning headless CMS occurs or even a wipe happens accidentally. A backup solution that is fail-safe ensures that no matter what type of catastrophic security issue occurs on the site, it can be restored with ease and no major downtime. Backup should be automatic and regular, off-site or an encrypted cloud solution. This ensures that even if the primary server is hacked, nothing is lost. A backup solution should encompass full database, full file, and full configuration backups for the CMS to guarantee that everything is restorable when needed.
For example, a headless CMS-centric, news-driven site and a digital asset manager are hacked and all posts are erased. They’ll be restored in a flash unless the backup from last night is still there. These types of restorations need to be regularly tested to confirm they are there and up to date.
Securing API Integrations and Third-Party Extensions
Many CMS have third-party applications, payment processors, and other services via API integrations for extended functionality. However, these integrations are potential weaknesses that hackers can infiltrate without proper security protocols. All API integrations should require secure authentication encrypted API keys and OAuth tokens and unauthenticated services should never have unrestricted access to sensitive data. Furthermore, only externally developed plug-ins and extensions should be used and those created by trusted developers and extensively vetted; antiquated, unpoliced third-party applications can open disastrous loopholes.
Of course, being a financial center, a headless CMS for investment and sourcing and getting reputable user information should have all third-party APIs and financial integrations assessed for security compliance to prevent data leaks or accidental purchases. By assessing and strengthening these external integrations, companies reduce the risk that additional vulnerabilities will penetrate the CMS ecosystem from the outside.
Monitoring and Responding to Cyber Threats
Yet regardless of how bulletproof a site may be, the ideal method of learning about and addressing cybersecurity weaknesses will always be preemptive and responsive awareness. Thus, companies need to adopt further real-time security monitoring to be notified of nefarious actions, unauthorized logins, and breaches. For example, a retail website’s enterprise content management system should include intrusion detection systems (IDS) and web application firewalls (WAF) to prevent accidental access from those who don’t belong or to prevent interactions with bots.
In addition, a cyber incident response plan ensures that there are trained protocols for rapid response if a breach were to happen. For instance, an incident response plan dictates that one must quarantine affected machines, roll back to backups, notify stakeholders, and determine how to prevent this from happening again. This level of understanding empowers organizations to be ahead of the game and mitigate as much destruction to their content management systems that cyber intrusions would create.
Conclusion
A maintained, safe CMS is not static. There are security updates, there is testing and debugging, and vulnerabilities are always there. Thus, for these enterprises that fail to secure their CMS systems, the chance for attacks is great resulting in breaches and costly downtime, which creates not only chaos in brand identity but in the company’s balance sheet. These measures minimize exposure and build a resilient, secure environment when organizations change default CMS files, update passwords, enhance server security, and engage in security audits.
Secure API integrations, knowledge of cybersecurity developments, and the ability to restore backups reliably, create a CMS more resistant to ever-increasing threats. A secure Content Management System essentially protects vital proprietary and customer data and keeps sites up and running with appropriate user confidence. Firms with a comprehensive Content Management System security strategy render their businesses transferable to the digital arena with more growth potential and less concern for cyber attacks.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An agreement for a satellite-to-mobile service that will benefit millions of people in Africa has been entered into between Airtel Africa Plc and SpaceX.
This service is through the introduction of Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across all the 14 markets of Airtel Africa that serve 174 million customers.
Through this partnership, Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage can have network connectivity through Starlink, which is the world’s largest 4G connectivity provider (by geographic reach).
The satellite-to-mobile service will begin in 2026 with data for select applications and text messaging.
This agreement also includes support for Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, with next-generation satellites that will be capable of providing high-speed connectivity to smartphones with 20x improved data speed. The rollout will proceed in line with country-specific regulatory approvals.
Airtel Africa is the first mobile network operator in Africa to offer Starlink Direct-to-Cell service, powered by 650 satellites to provide seamless connectivity to its customers in remote areas.
The partnership reinforces Airtel Africa’s commitment to bridge digital divide and offer seamless connectivity to its customers.
Airtel Africa and Starlink will continue to explore additional collaboration opportunities to further advance digital inclusion across the continent.
“Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering great experience to our customers by improving access to reliable and contiguous mobile connectivity solutions.
“Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements the terrestrial infrastructure and even reaches areas where deploying terrestrial network solutions are challenging.
“We are very excited about the collaboration with Starlink, which will establish a new standard for service availability across all our 14 markets,” the chief executive of Airtel Africa, Mr Sunil Taldar, said.
Also commenting, the Vice President of Sales for Starlink, Ms Stephanie Bednarek, said, “For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach, and we’re so thrilled that Starlink Direct-to-Cell can power this life-changing service.
“Through this agreement with Airtel Africa, we’ll also deliver our next-generation technology to offer high-speed broadband connectivity, which will offer faster access to many essential services.”
Managing phone numbers used to be a constant hassle. Between personal lines, work numbers, online registrations, and international travel, people often juggled multiple SIM cards, devices, or expensive roaming plans just to stay reachable. Today, eSIMs and virtual phone numbers offer a smarter way to handle communication. One device can manage multiple lines, switch between them instantly, and keep work and personal contacts separate—all without a physical SIM. For travelers, remote workers, and tech professionals, this setup offers efficiency, control, and flexibility that traditional SIM cards simply cannot match.
A virtual phone number is a digital line that exists independently of any physical SIM. Calls and messages are routed through the cloud, meaning the same number can function across multiple devices: smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can pick a local number in another country without actually being there, or maintain separate lines for freelance projects while keeping your personal number private. Virtual numbers also help protect privacy and streamline online activity. They are perfect for temporary projects, online sign-ups, or situations where you do not want to share your main number.
When paired with eSIM technology, virtual numbers become extremely convenient. Platforms like eSIM Plus let users download multiple numbers onto a single device, switch between them instantly, and manage personal and business lines without touching a physical SIM card. Travelers can maintain local numbers abroad, freelancers can manage multiple client contacts, and tech-savvy users gain complete control over their connectivity. eSIM Plus simplifies this process, allowing for seamless integration of digital numbers and minimizing the complications associated with traditional SIMs.
Businesses also find virtual numbers invaluable. They enable companies to create a local presence in multiple regions without the need for physical offices. Calls can be forwarded to employees anywhere, while integration with CRM tools allows monitoring and analytics of communication. For individuals, virtual numbers enhance privacy and simplify digital life. Whether signing up for online services, running a side business, or protecting personal information, virtual numbers provide flexibility and control that traditional numbers cannot offer.
Everyday Scenarios for Virtual Numbers
Virtual numbers are not just a tech gimmick—they solve real problems.
- International Travel: A traveler can maintain a local number in multiple countries, avoiding expensive roaming fees while staying reachable by family, friends, and colleagues.
- Remote Work and Freelancing: A consultant or freelancer can separate client communications from personal calls without carrying multiple phones. Multiple virtual lines can support different projects simultaneously.
- Privacy Protection: Individuals can use temporary numbers for online registrations, dating apps, or marketplace accounts, significantly reducing spam and unwanted contacts.
- Small Businesses and Startups: Companies can create local contact points in different regions, forward calls to employees, and integrate with communication software for better workflow management.
With eSIMs, managing these numbers becomes effortless. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards, users download the eSIM profile to their device, and virtual numbers become instantly available. This combination provides unparalleled flexibility for modern digital lifestyles.
How Virtual Numbers Work
Getting a virtual number is straightforward. Providers allow you to select a number online, link it to your smartphone or VoIP service, and manage it through an app. Common features include:
- Call forwarding to any device
- Text messaging and multimedia messaging
- Voicemail management
- Temporary numbers for short-term projects or verification purposes
When integrated with eSIM, the activation process is even faster. Download the eSIM profile to your device, and all your virtual numbers are ready to go. This approach is ideal for travelers, remote workers, and anyone managing multiple lines on a single phone without extra hardware.
Leading eSIM Providers
Several providers lead the market in combining eSIM technology with virtual numbers:
- eSIM Plus: Offers digital SIMs integrated with virtual numbers, allowing multiple lines on one device. Users can manage personal, business, and international numbers seamlessly, making it perfect for remote workers, travelers, and freelancers.
- Truphone: Provides global coverage with quick activation. Users can switch numbers without changing SIM cards, ideal for business professionals moving across regions.
- Airalo: Focused on international travelers, offering cost-effective eSIMs for data and voice in over 190 countries. Airalo simplifies connectivity for tourists and remote workers abroad.
- GigSky: Offers pay-as-you-go and subscription eSIM plans suitable for frequent travelers and digital nomads. GigSky supports multiple virtual lines on one device.
- Ubigi: Enterprise-focused, enabling companies to deploy eSIMs and virtual numbers to distributed teams. Employees maintain local numbers across regions without physical SIM swaps.
- Nomad: Travel-oriented eSIM provider supporting multiple virtual lines on one device. Ideal for digital nomads, remote professionals, and long-term travelers.
These services show how eSIMs and virtual numbers have evolved from niche tech to mainstream tools for managing modern communication efficiently.
Advantages Over Traditional Numbers
Virtual numbers have several key advantages over regular SIM-based numbers:
- Multiple lines on one device: Manage work, personal, and international numbers without carrying multiple phones.
- Privacy and control: Easily change or deactivate numbers for temporary projects, online registrations, or spam prevention.
- Global accessibility: Make and receive calls from anywhere without costly roaming charges.
- Integration with software: Works with VoIP apps, cloud platforms, and CRMs. Supports automated call routing, analytics, and communication tracking.
Traditional numbers cannot match this flexibility, efficiency, or convenience. Virtual numbers are built for modern workflows and digitally connected lifestyles.
Combining eSIM and Virtual Numbers
The combination of eSIMs with virtual numbers creates a flexible communication system. One device can handle multiple lines for home, work, or international use. Businesses can provide employees with local numbers in multiple regions without physical offices. Travelers can maintain home and foreign numbers without swapping SIM cards.
Consider a freelance consultant traveling across Europe: a virtual number in France, one in Germany, and a personal line—all on a single device. Clients reach local numbers, costs are minimized, and management happens from one interface. This setup highlights the efficiency eSIMs and virtual numbers provide.
Real-World Examples
- Remote Work Across Time Zones: An employee in Asia receives calls from North American clients using a local virtual number, avoiding international fees. eSIM profiles allow switching lines based on work hours.
- Maintaining Local Presence While Traveling: A business owner visiting multiple countries can maintain virtual local numbers. Clients call local numbers, but calls are forwarded seamlessly.
- Privacy and Online Security: Individuals use temporary virtual numbers for online registrations, reducing spam to their primary number.
These examples show why eSIMs combined with virtual numbers are essential for modern digital workflows.
The Future of Connectivity
With the rise of 5G, cloud communications, and AI-powered tools, eSIMs and virtual numbers will become increasingly integral to daily life. Expect tighter integration with business applications, enhanced security features, and instant switching between personal and professional lines.
For travelers, remote workers, and anyone managing multiple contacts, eSIMs paired with virtual numbers are more than a convenience—they’re a smarter, more efficient way to control communication in today’s digital world.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Lagos State’s representative, Team Nevo, won the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) South-West Regional Hackathon, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
The host state took the victory defeating pitches from other south west states, including Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States.
This regional hackathon was a major moment for the 3MTT Programme, bringing together young innovators from across the South-West to showcase practical solutions in AI, software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and other key areas of Nigeria’s digital future.
Launched by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the hackathon brought together talented young innovators from across the Southwest region to showcase their digital solutions in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity, among others.
“This event not only highlights the potential of youth in South West but also advances the digital economy, fosters innovation, and creates job opportunities for our young people,” said Mr Oluwaseyi Ayodele, the Lagos State Community Manager.
Winning the hackaton was Team Nevo, made up of Miss Lydia Solomon and Mr Teslim Sadiq, whose inclusive AI learning tool which tailors academic learning experiences to skill sets of students got the top nod, with N500,000 in prize money.
Team Oyo represented by Microbiz, an AI business tool solution, came in second place winning N300,000 while Team Ondo’s Fincoach, a tool that guides individuals and businesses in marking smarter financial decisions, came third with N200,000 in prize money.
Others include The Frontiers (Team Osun), Ecocycle (Team Ogun), and Mindbud (Team Ekiti).
Speaking to Business Post, the lead pitcher for Team Nevo, Miss Solomon, noted, “It was a very lovely experience and the opportunity and access that we got was one of a kind,” adding that, “Expect the ‘Nevolution’ as we call it, expect the transformation of the educational sector and how Nevo is going to bring inclusion and a deeper level of understanding and learning to schools all around Nigeria.”
Earlier, during his keynote speech, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, emphasised the need for Nigeria’s budding youth population to tap into the country’s best comparative advantage, drawing parallels with commodities and resources like cocoa, soyabeans, and uranium.
“Tech is our best bet to architect a comparative advantage. The work we are doing with technologies are very vital to levelling the playing field.”
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