Cybersecurity Threats in South Africa

 

Around twenty years after computers were upgraded in the 1950s, the first computer virus, the “Creeper system,” invaded computers. The main goal was to completely fill the hard drive, which would then make the computer unusable. There has been a tremendous leap in cyber attacks since then, and it is now more important than ever for all users of computer operating systems to be knowledgeable on how to safeguard their devices as well as their digital personal information.

 

The digital sphere in South Africa is both a haven of opportunity and a battleground against growing cyber threats. Protecting one’s data, operations, and reputation in today’s ever-changing business climate requires strong cybersecurity measures. Regardless of the challenges your company faces in navigating South Africa’s cybersecurity threats in 2024 or beyond we can handle it. If you are looking for a reliable IT company, ASG, a world leader in IT security solutions, is ready to help.

 

We offer outsourced IT services in Gauteng, contact our teams:

• IT companies in Fourways
• IT companies in Johannesburg
• IT companies in Sandton

 

The South African Context

The cost of cybercrime is increasing at a pace of 15% per year on an international scale. By 2025, it is projected to cost firms $10.5 trillion per year (or R194 trillion at the January 2024 exchange rate). 

Cybercrime is projected to cost South Africa’s economy R2.2 billion year, according to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Banks, credit bureaus, healthcare providers, retail chains, government agencies, and cryptocurrency exchanges have all been hit by ransomware attacks in South Africa recently.

Managing cybersecurity in South Africa’s online environment is no easy feat. Numerous cyberattacks, especially BEC schemes and ransomware, plague the country at large.  Effective data security and incident response plans are essential in light of new legislation such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Privacy and Online Protection Act (POPIA). 

The difficulty in developing in-house expertise is exacerbated by the shortage of certified personnel. Cloud computing, mobile workforces, and the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) are just a few of the future trends that will also impact the industry and necessitate extensive security solutions.

 

Trends

Following is a rundown of the cybersecurity trends and risks that will be prevalent in 2023, as per research out of the University of San Diego. 

• Attackers will be able to steal data or disrupt services if they exploit vulnerabilities in cloud storage settings. 
• Problems with unprotected file sharing, weak passwords, personal device use, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and illegal access to critical data are some of the hazards associated with hybrid or remote work settings. 
• Malware that goes undetected on mobile devices can cause damage, snoop, disrupt, or even get illegal access to other systems. 
• Attackers use misleading email or text messages to trick victims into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. 
• Computer systems might be inaccessible due to ransomware unless certain demands, such payments, are fulfilled. 
• Cryptojacking is the practice of secretly mining cryptocurrency on a user’s device. 
• Damage to property, disruption of operations, or alteration of physical settings can result from cyber-physical attacks, which compromise security. 
• Attacks that are “state-sponsored” — those in which governments or its agencies deliberately target private citizens, non-profits, or other governments. 
• Cybercriminals target internet-connected devices, such as medical equipment, smart home gadgets, and industrial control systems, in order to take advantage of security flaws.

 

Boost Your Cybersecurity with a Customised Approach

By fostering close collaboration, ASG gains insight into your organisation’s distinct needs and navigates its specific challenges. Leveraging our extensive product portfolio and deep expertise, we enhance your cybersecurity resilience across various crucial domains.

 

Evaluate and Prioritise Risks

• Determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and dangers facing your company in the South African environment by doing a thorough risk assessment.
• Learn more about the risks, rank them by likelihood and possible impact, and make informed decisions with the help of ASG’s cutting-edge risk assessment tools and methodology.
• Identify the most pressing security holes in your system and create a mitigation strategy to fix them while staying within your company’s risk tolerance.

 

Establish Secure Solutions of the Highest Quality

• For your network’s protection, ASG provides a full suite of products and services, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and SIEM systems. Protect your network from unwanted visitors and other forms of cybercrime with these solutions tailored to the specific challenges faced by South African businesses.
• Protect your devices from malware, ransomware, and other new threats with our endpoint security solutions that incorporate powerful endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology. These solutions can identify, investigate, and respond to threats in real-time.
• Concerning data security, ASG provides a full suite of products, including encryption, access restrictions, and DLP solutions. All of your sensitive information will be protected by these solutions, which meet the high standards set by POPIA and other laws.

 

Ongoing Evaluation and Threat Data

• Set up a SOC or use ASG’s MSIEM (managed Security Information and Event Management) services to keep an eye on your security status all the time. With these services, your firm can be alert to ever-changing risks thanks to 24/7 threat detection, incident response, and expert coaching.
• Keeping you apprised of the ever-changing threat landscape, ASG’s global threat intelligence team diligently monitors cyber threats and vulnerabilities unique to the South African region. We offer proactive solutions to mitigate these attacks.

 

Knowledge of Laws and Regulations and Compliance

• Companies need to be aware of all data protection legislation and the Cybercrimes Act in South Africa to navigate the cybersecurity minefield. Developing a thorough compliance strategy, interpreting these requirements, and implementing the controls that are needed are all areas in which we can help your company.
• To keep your organisation in compliance and out of trouble with the law, our legal and compliance experts monitor the ever-evolving framework of regulations.