In this article, I would like to take you through the risks and dangers associated with Third-party software a computer program created or developed by a different company than the one that developed the computer's operating system. For example, any software running on a Microsoft computer that was not created by Microsoft is third-party software, including internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Google Chrome), PDF readers like Adobe Reader, and Java, a programming language and computing platform software that is used to interact with most websites.

In simple language for a layman, any apps or software that are not developed by the manufacturer of the devices or the owner of the website on which the apps are used are known as third-party apps

Imagine a world where third-party software is as common as the air we breathe. Every device we use, every system we rely on, is powered by software from third-party vendors. This software is often essential to our daily lives, but it also poses a number of risks.

One of the biggest risks associated with third-party software is that it can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. If a third-party vendor's software is hacked, the attackers could gain access to our data, our systems, and even our lives.

Another risk associated with third-party software is that it can be buggy or poorly designed. This can lead to a variety of problems, from minor inconveniences to major system outages.

Let's share a story about one of the risks associated with third-party software:

Five years back in Kano, there was a big company that relied on a third-party software vendor for its customer relationship management (CRM) system. This CRM system was essential to the company's operations, as it stored all of its customer data and contact information.

One day, the third-party software vendor suffered a data breach. The attackers were able to steal the CRM system's database, which contained all of the company's customer data. The company was devastated. It had to contact all of its customers and notify them of the data breach. It also had to take steps to protect its customers from identity theft and other fraud.

The company's experience is a cautionary tale about the risks associated with third-party software. When we rely on third-party software, we are putting our data and our systems at risk. Especially in a company that holds big data. It is important to carefully evaluate any third-party software before using it and to take steps to mitigate the risks or design their software for their work.

Advice from Experts to mitigating the risks associated with third-party software:

Only use software from reputable vendors.
Keep your software up to date.
Implement strong security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Regularly monitor your systems for suspicious activity.
Have a plan in place to respond to a cyberattack.

By following this advice, you can help to protect your data and your systems from the risks associated with third-party software.