Habits
Heritage, identity, and the risk of digital mimicry
As South Africans recently celebrated a day of communal braais and shared national pride, our digital lives inevitably mirrored our physical ones. We posted family photos, shared traditions, and celebrated our diverse cultures online. But in this outpouring of celebration, we risked exposing the very essence of our identity to cybercriminals who see our heritage not as a source of pride, but as a blueprint for manipulation.
“Heritage is not just about our traditions and history,” asserts Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & CISO Advisor at KnowBe4 Africa (https://www.KnowBe4.com/). “It's also about an individual's unique digital footprint that includes their personal information and cultural affiliations.” While celebrating heritage is a positive act, she warns that oversharing details online can provide cybercriminals with the ammunition they need for highly targeted attacks.
The digital shadow of a shared identity
Criminals consistently flock to where public interest is highest, and the increased social media activity around Heritage Day makes it a prime hunting ground. “The celebratory nature of Heritage Day makes people more trusting and less likely to scrutinise suspicious communications,” says Collard. “Cultural pride can override usual scepticism when receiving messages that appear to celebrate or acknowledge one's heritage.”
This is compounded by a tendency to share more personal information during cultural celebrations, including family photos, location data, and even ancestral origins or family names. This data helps criminals build detailed victim profiles for highly effective social engineering (https://apo-opa.co/4ai7HMO) campaigns.
When 'ubuntu' becomes a vulnerability
Cybercriminals are adept at exploiting the cultural significance of the occasion, using traditional greetings and heritage symbols to establish a false rapport. “They leverage the strong sense of ubuntu and community spirit in South African culture to lower victims' defences,” Collard explains.
This can manifest in several ways, from bogus charity appeals for a community project to phishing campaigns (https://apo-opa.co/3XUN3es) promising tickets to sold-out cultural events. Some scams are even more elaborate, exploiting deep-seated cultural beliefs. “Fraudsters may claim to represent traditional healers (sangomas) or deceased ancestors, promising to ‘bless' (https://apo-opa.co/3KQS9W3) or double your money through a ritual to manipulate victims into handing over their life savings,” she comments.
Fraudsters can also use artificial intelligence to study cultural posts to impersonate community leaders or heritage groups, exploiting the trust people have in these figures. “Be especially wary of attacks that leverage personal data from your social-media accounts to create a false sense of trust,” she cautions.
Another risk is the deliberate use of “rage-bait” around culturally sensitive topics. “Rage-bait is internet content intentionally designed to provoke anger or outrage to increase engagement,” Collard elaborates. “It's best not to comment on these posts, as they can be used as a tactic in a larger social-engineering campaign to exploit cultural stereotypes or vulnerabilities for malicious purposes.”
Building our cognitive defences
Protecting our digital identity is not a purely technical problem; it is a psychological one. “Heritage and identity are deeply emotional topics that could bypass rational security thinking if exploited by scammers or disinformation actors,” Collard maintains. “Technical solutions alone ignore how values influence decision-making and risk assessment – we need to foster digital mindfulness and teach people how to be aware of these tactics.”
For individuals, this means:
- Smart sharing: Review privacy settings before posting heritage-themed content. Avoid sharing specific locations, family details, or financial information that could be exploited.
- Verification habits: Double-check heritage-related offers or invitations through official channels. Be sceptical of unsolicited messages, even if they reference your culture.
- Digital hygiene: Use a password manager to create and manage strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on all your accounts.
For organisations:
- Run proactive awareness campaigns: Make employees aware of the specific dangers that exist online when sharing too much personal information
- Use culturally relevant training: “Using culturally relevant examples and scenarios in security awareness training (https://apo-opa.co/48SeZ7v) is a good idea,” says Collard, as it helps make the threats more tangible and memorable.
Heritage Day should be a time to strengthen our cultural bonds, not to make us vulnerable. “By staying culturally connected while remaining digitally cautious,” Collard concludes, “we can celebrate our heritage while securing our futures, safely.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.Contact details:
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek
anned@knowbe4.com
Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za
Dr. Rasha Kelej Drives Impactful Change in Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Hypertension, and Diabetes Care Across Africa and Beyond by Empowering Local Doctors Through 925...
- Merck Foundation in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health and Medical Societies provided out of total 2500 scholarships, 925 Scholarships of one-year Post-Graduate Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management; and One Year Fellowship program for Diabetes & hypertension for doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
- Merck Foundation released the First storybooks and Animation Films “Mark's Pressure”, and “Sugar Free Jude”, with the aim to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of Hypertension and Diabetes (which are corelated) and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond.
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks ‘World Heart Day 2025' in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia, through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Heart Day every day Cardiology, Cardiovascular Preventive, Hypertension, and Diabetes, across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
I am proud to share that, in partnership with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa & Asia and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have provided 925 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries of Online One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition and Obesity & Weight Management; One Year clinical Fellowship program for Diabetes and Hypertension; and also a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. These scholarships are helping to build a robust network of specialists, reaching beyond major cities and capitals”.
Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2500 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Dr. Nakigunda Kiroga, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Tanzania shares, “I am deeply grateful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity to pursue PG Diploma and MSc in Cardiology. The training program has strengthened my confidence in assessing patients' cardiovascular risks and applying evidence-based interventions to reduce them. It has also helped to brace my research capabilities. Moreover, the training program has also equipped me to better educate and guide my patients on their treatment plans and the lifestyle changes that will most benefit their health”.
According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the second leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, claiming the lives of over 1 million people every year. Alarmingly, high blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all CVD-related deaths on the continent, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and increased awareness around cardiovascular health.
Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched a range of community awareness initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle, and emphasizing the prevention, early detection, and effective management of diabetes and hypertension.
In partnership with African First Ladies, Merck Foundation has released children's storybooks and adapted animation Films “Mark's Pressure” and “Sugar Free Jude”.
“On the occasion of World Heart Day 2025, I am excited to share ‘Mark's Pressure' and ‘Sugar Free Jude', the first animation films in Africa designed to raise awareness about hypertension, diabetes, and the importance of healthy lifestyles among children and youth across the continent and beyond. These films are adaptations of our children's storybooks and aim to inspire communities to reduce sugar and salt intake, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and avoid smoking. By promoting these habits, we can tackle diabetes and hypertension which are the major risk factors for serious complications and heart disease and empower future generations to lead healthier lives”. Added Senator Dr. Kelej.
Watch the “Mark's Pressure” Animation film here:
Watch the “Sugar Free Jude” Animation film here:
Merck Foundation's pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, has episodes dedicated to raise awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.
Watch the Episode on promoting Healthy Lifestyle here:
Watch the Episode on Diabetes Awareness here:
All episode of “Our Africa” are available on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4q7tJqk), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4acjk7Z), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4q7yKiH) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4oQo2fl)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4pHRZzp), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4oN3G6A), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/3XMaQx5) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XMaRRF)).
Merck Foundation together with African and Asian First Ladies, annually launches their Awards for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians, Singers, and emerging talents from these fields to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Details of the awards:
1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4ps7BXH), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pVHtEg), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3KTZAvC), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/48PLBiw), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4abVOYS) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44lDokB).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Binance Launches ‘Binance Junior’ Crypto Savings Account for Kids and Teens
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Binance (www.Binance.com) today announced the launch of Binance Junior (https://apo-opa.co/49UWuBE), a new parent-controlled app and sub-account for kids and teens, ages 6-17, that offers parents a family-centric platform to build crypto wealth and savings, helping prepare their children for a digital financial future. Binance Junior allows parents to open and manage crypto savings accounts on behalf of their children, enabling young users to save and earn crypto in the account through Binance Flexible Simple Earn, while restricting trading activities to ensure safety.
Parents can fund the Binance Junior account via their master account or through on-chain transfers. By offering controlled early exposure to savings and digital assets, Binance Junior empowers parents to invest in their children's financial future and nurture positive saving habits. As crypto becomes increasingly integrated with mainstream finance, this new product aims to provide young users with a strong foundation in personal finance and digital asset education, promoting long-term financial literacy and readiness for the evolving economic landscape.
“As parents who love our children, we not only nurture them in their early development but long-term growth with responsibility and wisdom—helping their ability to face real life challenges independently where financial health and literacy are key to preparing them for the future, especially as money is evolving,” said Binance co-CEO Yi He. “Today, parents can take the first steps to prepare for their children's financial future and equip them for the future financial landscape. Binance Junior is a family finance initiative that helps parents build crypto wealth and savings for their children and encourages them to teach and practice healthy financial habits for the next generation into adulthood.”
Designed for both crypto-native parents and those new to digital assets, Binance Junior helps them begin their digital finance journey as a family in a secure environment with parental control and monitoring via a simplified interface, with safety measures in place. Binance Junior users aged 13 and above can initiate transfers on their app, with a higher age criteria where required by local regulations, and with daily limits applied. Trading is not permitted and transfers to non-parental adult users are also restricted. Parents will be notified of every transaction from their Junior account and have the ability to disable their child's Junior account at any time, immediately halting all transfers.
As part of Binance's continued mission to educate people about the world of digital assets, while preparing the next generation for financial health and wealth under its broader family finance initiative, it has released a self-published book, “ABC's of Crypto.”
The “ABC's of Crypto” is an educational book designed as a children's book for anyone who is interested in learning about crypto and illustrating how crypto can be “as easy as ABC.” The book breaks down fundamental terms in crypto, from security and blockchain technology to types of coins, in a fun and easy-to-understand way—encouraging families to learn together in their digital finance journey.
Binance Junior will be available in select countries via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information on features and how to get started, visit: https://apo-opa.co/49UWuBE.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.About Binance:
Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 290 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means.
For more information, visit: www.Binance.com