Latest news with #Collard
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Digital gossip: When WhatsApp groups become cyber-risk zones
93% of African respondents use WhatsApp for work communications, surpassing email and Microsoft Teams. Despite their popularity among employees, informal messaging platforms pose significant risks to organisations' cybersecurity. This is according to Anna Collard, senior vice president of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. WhatsApp According to the 2025 KnowBe4 Africa Annual Cybersecurity survey, 93% of African respondents use WhatsApp for work communications, surpassing email and Microsoft Teams. 'For many organisations, platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have become integral to workplace communication. Ease of use is what makes them so popular,' explains Collard. 'Particularly on the continent, many people prefer WhatsApp because it's fast, familiar and frictionless. These apps are already on our phones and embedded in our daily routines.' Convenience at cost Collard says while it feels natural to ping a colleague on WhatsApp, especially if you're trying to get a quick answer, convenience often comes at the cost of control and compliance. In the US, a top-secret military attack on Yemen was leaked on the messaging platform Signal earlier this year, with the plan inadvertently shared with a newspaper editor and other civilians, including the Defence Secretary's wife and brother. 'There are multiple layers of risk,' states Collard. 'It's important to remember that WhatsApp wasn't built for internal corporate use, but as a consumer tool. Because of that, it doesn't have the same business-level and privacy controls embedded in it that an enterprise communication tool, such as Microsoft Teams or Slack, would have.' ALSO READ: South Africa remains a global hotspot for data breaches Data leakage Collard explains that the biggest risk for organisations is data leakage. 'Accidental or intentional sharing of confidential information, such as client details, financial figures, internal strategies or login credentials, on informal groups can have disastrous consequences. 'Informal platforms lack the audit trails necessary for compliance with regulations, particularly in industries like finance with strict data-handling requirements,' she said. Identity theft She said phishing and identity theft are also threats. 'Attackers love platforms where identity verification is weak,' she says, adding that at least 10 people in her personal network have reported being victims of WhatsApp impersonation and takeover scams. 'Once the scammer gains access to the account, in many cases via SIM swaps, the real user is locked out, and they have access to all their previous communications, contacts and files,' she comments. 'They then impersonate the victim to deceive their contacts, often asking for money or even more personal information.' ALSO READ: SA's Treasury discovers malware as hackers exploit Microsoft flaw Mitigating risks She explained that beyond security, using these channels can also lead to inappropriate communication among employees or the blurring of work-life boundaries, resulting in burnout. ' Collard said that for organisations wanting to mitigate these risks, it's important to set up a clear communications strategy. 'First, provide secure alternatives. Don't just tell people what not to use. Make sure that tools like Teams or Slack are easy to access and clearly endorsed.' Collard said it is also vital to educate employees on why secure communication matters. 'This training should include digital mindfulness principles, such as to pause before sending, think about what you're sharing and with whom, and be alert to emotional triggers like urgency or fear, as these are common tactics in social engineering attacks.' Collard said by introducing approved communication tools, organisations can benefit from additional security features, such as audit logs, data protection, access control and integration with other business tools. 'Using approved platforms helps maintain healthy boundaries, so work doesn't creep into every corner of your personal life. It's about digital wellbeing as much as it is about cybersecurity.' Collard maintains that while informal messaging offers convenience, its unchecked use introduces significant cyber risks, saying organisations must move beyond simply acknowledging the problem and proactively implement clear policies, provide secure alternatives, and empower employees with the digital mindfulness needed to navigate these cyber-risk zones safely. ALSO READ: Data breaches cost SA organisations over R360m in 3 years
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Chats, hacks and cyber traps: When WhatsApp groups become serious cyber-risk zones
The cybersecurity risks of informal messaging platforms in the workplace Image: Supplied In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace communication, the convenience and familiarity of informal messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have become indispensable tools for many organisations. However, their widespread popularity among employees raises significant concerns related to cybersecurity, as highlighted by the 2025 KnowBe4 Africa Annual Cybersecurity Survey. The findings reveal that an overwhelming 93% of African respondents utilise WhatsApp for work communications, eclipsing traditional email and even Microsoft Teams. But what can organisations do to safeguard themselves against potential data leakage and other evolving threats? According to Anna Collard, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa, the comfort of using these applications is a driving force behind their integration in workplaces. 'Particularly on the continent, many people prefer WhatsApp because it's fast, familiar, and frictionless,' she explains. In today's hybrid work environment, where collaboration is key, these platforms provide a quick and effective means for employees to connect. 'It feels natural to ping a colleague on WhatsApp, especially if you're trying to get a fast answer,' she adds. However, the convenience of informal platforms can lead to detrimental risks regarding control and compliance. Informal messaging, formal risks Recent incidents have illuminated the dangers associated with using these informal channels for professional communications. Notably, WhatsApp messages have been cited as evidence in employee tribunals, indicating the gravity of what can transpire in a seemingly harmless chat. The British bank NatWest has taken the bold step of banning WhatsApp communications among its staff, signalling a growing recognition of the associated perils. Furthermore, the alarming leak of a US military operation's details via Signal, an informal messaging app, underlines how these platforms can pose threats beyond the corporate realm. Collard points out that informal messaging apps were not designed with corporate usage in mind and lack essential privacy and business-level controls found in more secure tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack. 'Organisations face multiple layers of risk,' she warns. The spectre of data leakage stands at the forefront, with accidental or intentional sharing of sensitive information, such as client details and financial data, threatening to devastate corporate integrity and client trust. 'It's also completely beyond the organisation's control, creating a shadow IT problem,' she notes. Alarmingly, the 2025 survey revealed that 80% of respondents rely on personal devices for work, many of which remain unmanaged, ultimately creating significant blind spots for organisations. Additionally, the absence of an audit trail on these platforms can jeopardise compliance with industry-specific regulations. This is particularly relevant to sectors such as finance, where meticulous data handling is obligatory. Coupled with vulnerabilities to phishing and identity theft—where criminals exploit weak identity verification on these platforms—organisations find themselves in precarious territory. As Collard observes, numerous individuals have fallen prey to WhatsApp impersonation scams, with attackers capitalising on an unsuspecting user's compromised account to manipulate their contacts. This concern extends beyond mere security threats; the informal use of messaging platforms can also lead to inappropriate employee interactions and blur the boundaries between professional and personal life, contributing to workplace burnout. 'A constant stream of messages can disrupt focus and ultimately lower productivity,' claims Collard. Having the right guardrails in place To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for organisations to establish clear communication strategies. 'First, provide secure alternatives,' Collard advises. Rather than merely prohibiting the use of informal tools, businesses should make access to secure platforms like Teams or Slack simple and accessible. Furthermore, employee education is paramount. This training should encompass the significance of secure communication, focusing on digital mindfulness principles—encouraging employees to pause and consider what they are sharing, their intended recipients, and to remain vigilant against emotional triggers such as urgency, which are often exploited in social engineering attacks. Cultivating a culture of psychological safety is essential, allowing employees to feel empowered to question odd requests, even if they originate from higher-ups. Introducing approved communication tools can also enhance security features, incorporating capabilities such as audit logs, data protection, and access control. These secure platforms foster healthier communication practices, allowing employees to schedule messages and set availability statuses, thereby preserving work-life boundaries and enhancing overall digital wellbeing. In conclusion, while informal messaging platforms provide enticing convenience, their unchecked utilisation can usher in significant cybersecurity risks. As Collard underscores, organisations must transcend mere acknowledgment of the issue and proactively implement robust policies, offer secure alternatives, and empower employees with the digital mindfulness necessary to safely navigate these treacherous cyber landscapes. IOL
Rhyl Journal
16-07-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
On this day: Teacher beats cancer, aids pupil with leukaemia
Ryan Collard, 30, was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer in June 2017 - the same year his twin brother was diagnosed with the same disease. He underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant and was declared in remission a year later in 2018. So when a student at his school, Callie Ragaven, five, was diagnosed with leukaemia, Mr Collard requested she be put into his class so he could support her. He "went out of his way" to support her - reassuring her and sending her videos of her classmates she wasn't able to meet, and even hand-delivering a party bag. Callie and Ryan (Image: SWNS) Mr Collard even hand-delivered a party bag to her door so she didn't miss out on treats when she wasn't well enough to attend class at Green Ridge Primary Academy, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Without Ryan's knowledge, Callie nominated him for Collection Pot's Teacher of the Year award - which he won. Surprised, Mr Collard said: 'Teachers are all different and everyone has their own idea of what makes a good teacher. "My priority is that the children are happy. If they feel safe and are excited to come to school, that's all I can ask for. "If they are happy and safe, then they will learn. "To be nominated is extremely overwhelming and has made me feel super proud of myself. "After cancer treatment, it can often feel like you may never achieve your full potential anymore, but this has proved me wrong.' After being diagnosed with leukaemia, Callie pushed back her start date for school from the September to the January due to her treatment. Her mum Shalinee was concerned she would miss out and struggle to settle into school. She said: 'He specifically requested to have Callie in his class as he knew how hard cancer treatment can be. "He was so understanding from day one and sent her videos of the kids in the class and even hand-delivered a party bag to our door that one child had brought into school as he didn't want her to miss out.' Talking about why she nominated her teacher, Callie said: 'I started Reception this year having just been diagnosed with leukaemia. "Mr Collard has given me the most incredible start to school life that I could have ever imagined. Ryan welcoming his first child Carter with his wife, Sophie. (Image: SWNS) "Nothing is ever too much for Mr Collard and he does his job with so much love and dedication.' Mr Collard won £250 in a Collection Pot for himself and £1,000 for his school and Callie will receive a £250 Visit Britain Gift Card. After being diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer, the gruelling treatment left Ryan infertile. But recently Ryan and his wife Sophie welcomed a baby boy, Carter, after going through IVF treatment. He said: 'I really struggled coming back to work and seeing all the wonderful kids. "Reception age is my favourite age as they are just so magical and hilarious, so teaching them was a great distraction. "However, sending them off to their parents and seeing how excited they got was heartbreaking as I thought I might never have that experience. 'We were extremely lucky this year to have our little boy Carter who is nine weeks old today. He has genuinely changed my life. "Before him, it was a daily struggle and I would constantly ask myself 'what purpose do I have in life?' "I felt like such a burden. "Luckily, my wife Sophie was my biggest motivator and kept me going at the darkest of times, reminding me that we'd be parents no matter what." This story was first reported on by Emilia Kettle on July 16, 2024.
Hamilton Spectator
11-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Halton school board projects $7M budget deficit despite ‘reductions of 90 staffing positions'
A projected $7-million budget deficit looms over the Halton District School Board (HDSB) for the upcoming school year and needs Ministry of Education approval before any action can be taken. According to an email from spokesperson Heather Francey, the projected '$7.1-million deficit' is after the board made 'reductions of $9 million and 90 staffing positions.' In a repor t posted on its website, HDSB explained ministry sign-off is required when a school board anticipates a deficit of more than one per cent of its budget or has a shortfall for two consecutive years. According to the report, the board's total budget is just over $1 billion ($1,061,054,441). This puts its projected shortfall within the one per cent limitation. However, this is its second consecutive year of deficit. Last year's budget gap was $1.8 million . The report listed increasing sick leave replacement costs, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claims, unfunded statutory benefits (enhancement of CPP contribution), inflation related to learning resources and technology, and declining enrolment as main reasons for the deficit. It is projecting a enrolment decrease of 1.5 per cent compared to the last school year. HDSB's business services superintendent and treasurer Roxana Negoi said, in an email statement, financial pressures have increased with declining enrolment, reducing overall funding from the ministry. However, the decline is projected to be 'temporary' with 'growth expected in 2027-28.' According to the treasurer, the board has made 'significant reductions' over the past two years, while also drawing on accumulated surplus to help students and staff get the required resources and supports. Curtis Ennis, the board's education director, said the budget reflects feedback from the community and staff. 'Informed by the valuable feedback received earlier this year through the budget input process, which engaged students, staff, families and community members, the budget reflects a thoughtful balance of priorities, savings and efficiencies,' Ennis said in a separate statement. According to board chair Amy Collard, the choices HDSB made were not 'easy' but 'necessary' to ensure the current and future needs of students can be met. 'We've taken a careful, multi-year approach to managing the budget that prioritizes students' academic success and classroom resources, while making responsible and transparent financial decisions,' Collard wrote. HDSB's deficit elimination plan outlines recommendations for meeting the $7.1-million shortfall, including 'proposed future reductions' of permanent and temporary positions. Collard said the school board is committed to working in partnership with the Ministry of Education 'to advance our shared goal of providing the best education possible for students.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom launches AI chatbot 'Alfred' to speed up fault reporting
Eskom has faced backlash for its lack of service and expediting complaints, which often leaves people in the dark. Eskom has taken a small step into the future, and probably one giant leap, with the launch of Alfred, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)- driven chatbot designed to enhance and expedite customer service interactions. The parastatal has faced backlash over its lack of service and slow response to complaints, which often leaves people in the dark, angry, and frustrated. What is Alfred for? Eskom aims to utilise Alfred to minimise queues and provide a safer, more efficient experience. Alfred allows customers to report power outages, receive instant reference numbers, and get real-time updates on existing faults, any time of day or night. 'Alfred makes your interactions seamless, fast, socially distanced and safe. 'Utilising artificial intelligence to enhance and speed up customer service, Eskom customers can now report a power loss, get a reference number within seconds and get progress feedback on an existing fault – any time of day or night,' the utility said. ALSO READ: Report reveals alarming collection of data by AI chatbots Where is Alfred? Alfred can be found on Eskom's main page. You can also click on the Chatbot icon on the top menu. Alfred is on WhatsApp on this number 08600 37566. 'Eskom's Alfred is specifically for customers who can use their account or meter number to interact with the chatbot. Once engaged, Alfred allows you to log a power interruption as it happens and provides a reference number for your report. 'This makes it easy to track the progress of faults and stay informed without the need for long queues or phone calls,' Eskom said. Users are advised to provide accurate information when seeking assistance. Chatbots Meanwhile, The Citizen previously reported that chatbots can help diminish long queues and lengthy telephone calls to resolve queries at your bank, municipality, and telephone company. The rise of advanced language models, such as ChatGPT, has ushered in a new era of human-like interactions, where chatbots can engage in natural conversations, solve complex problems, and even exhibit creative thinking. This remarkable progress has opened up a world of possibilities, but it also raises concerns about the reliability and accountability of these systems, Anna Collard, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa, has warned. Authentication Collard said that while she likes using chatbots, she will always double-check the original sources when using chatbots for research or to ensure accurate data. Collard added that chatbots handling sensitive transactions, such as banking queries, should authenticate users before accessing or sharing any personal information. ALSO READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
