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Cluttered desktops: The ‘I might need this someday’ mindset is creating a cybersecurity nightmare

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KnowBe4

Digital hoarding poses a significant and often underestimated cybersecurity risk that extends far beyond a simple productivity issue, argues Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy and CISO Advisor at KnowBe4 Africa (http://www.KnowBe4.com/).

Like a garage slowly filling with forgotten boxes, our digital workspaces are becoming repositories of unmanaged data. We are all familiar with cluttered desktops, full inboxes, and personal files saved on work devices. This is digital hoarding – the compulsive accumulation and retention of digital assets beyond their useful life or business need.

“It includes storing multiple versions of documents, keeping outdated software, maintaining unused accounts, and preserving obsolete databases,” explains Collard.

Unlike physical clutter, digital hoarding creates an invisible risk – people  may not even know what data they’re storing or where. “We may be storing personal files mixed with business data across multiple platforms and devices,” she comments.

“This could mean that abandoned projects with sensitive client information are still accessible, while legacy systems could be running alongside modern infrastructure, creating security gaps (https://apo-opa.co/4pkGo93).”

Email accounts containing years of correspondence, including confidential information, also pose a considerable security risk. “If left unchecked, cloud-storage accounts, shared drives, and personal devices could all be accumulating a treasure trove of uncategorised data,” she shares.

Why we hoard digital data

There are numerous reasons why people may hoard data. “There’s the ‘I might need this someday’ mentality that drives people to retain information, just in case,” says Collard. “There’s also a fear of making the wrong decision by deleting a critical file, so it’s easier to just keep everything.”

Encourage your employees to share their success stories of improved efficiency through better data management

Some employees may have a sentimental attachment to their work, making it difficult for them to let go of old projects. In other cases, a lack of clear organisational policies on data retention leaves employees to make their own rules. “When there is no clear guidance, the default behaviour is often to save everything,” Collard notes.

The security implications of digital clutter

This accumulation of data creates a larger attack surface for cybercriminals. “Every account, and device is a potential entry point (https://apo-opa.co/3LJRu8S),” Collard warns. “Outdated software may contain unpatched vulnerabilities, and old documents with sensitive information can be a goldmine (https://apo-opa.co/4i7zcKX) for attackers.”

In the event of a data breach, digital hoarding makes it much harder to identify what has been compromised. The sheer volume of data can overwhelm security teams, and the presence of personal files on work devices can blur the lines between personal and corporate liability. Furthermore, retaining data for longer than legally required can lead to non-compliance with regulations such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

How to declutter your digital workspace

Collard believes that tackling digital hoarding requires a combination of clear policies, user-friendly technology, and a shift in organisational culture.

A crucial first step is to establish clear data retention policies that define how long different types of information should be kept. These policies should be automated where possible, with automated prompts that trigger data reviews and clean-up procedures. “Use data loss prevention tools to identify and classify sensitive information automatically,” she suggests, “and establish regular digital decluttering schedules as part of standard business processes.”

Organisations should also make deleting files easier than retaining them. “By providing simple, one-click archive and deletion tools, organisations can create secure disposal processes that employees trust,” she maintains. Implementing graduated storage costs can also make hoarding expensive, while AI-powered tools can suggest files for deletion based on age and access patterns. A practical guideline is the one-year rule – if you have not accessed a file in a year, archive or delete it. Clear folder structures with consistent naming conventions and regular reviews of shared access permissions are also essential.

Ultimately, decluttering effectively requires organisations to engage in cultural and behavioural change. “Recognise and reward employees who maintain clean digital workspaces,” she suggests, “and provide your employees with comprehensive security awareness training (https://apo-opa.co/4piGRIM) on the risks associated with digital hoarding.”

By creating peer accountability through team clean-up challenges, Collard believes that the battle against digital hoarding can be won. “Encourage your employees to share their success stories of improved efficiency through better data management,” she concludes. By treating digital hoarding not as a purely technical problem but as a human behaviour, organisations can move beyond simple storage management to build a more resilient and secure culture, which is crucial for effective management of human risk that exists in every organisation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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