As mobile devices become a closer companion for consumers, they also become a bigger threat to their privacy and security. This is an unfortunate reality, because the convenience of mobile devices is unmatched by anything technology has ever made possible
Research reveals that South Africa is ranked sixth amongst the world’s most affected countries by cybercrime. With an estimated 52 victims per 1 million internet users, the level of cybercrime in South Africa is extremely high.
In 2021, there were an average of 97 victims per hour, while back in 2001 only 6 South Africans per hour fell victim to cybercrime – indicating that as the technology advances, so do the crimes.
So, what can ordinary citizens do to protect themselves and what are the leading cybercrimes faced today?
Ilonka Badenhorst, General Manager at the mobile services regulator, WASPA (Wireless Application Services Provider) , would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the above and expand on:
- What are some of the common online threats that consumers are still faced with
- What security solutions are there to help conquer mobile security challenges for consumers?
- What is WASPA doing in the mobile application services space to regulate the online environment to be a safer one for all?
The Public sector challenge
I wanted to touch base to share the below interview motivation for your consideration. Please let me know if you would be keen on an interview or QA here.
Did you know that South Africa witnessed 230 million cyber threat detections – in total – last year (according to Interpol) and has the 3rd highest number of cybercrime victims worldwide, at a cost of R2.2 billion a year?
While unfortunately the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) does not offer resources or statistics pertaining specifically to local cyber incidents – what we do know is that these attacks are causing havoc on our infrastructure (CoJ attack in July 2019 or the Transnet attack in 2021), our information and our economy.
However, the challenge we face is that given the our aging technology, inadequate funding, and lack of training in this sector, as well as the high-value data it holds – it means it is becoming a bigger target for cyber security breaches.
And Interpol itself even stated, in an October 2021 report, that there is a “critical absence of cybersecurity protocol, cyber-resilience as well as mitigation and prevention measures for individuals and businesses” in Africa.
But these incidents are preventable, public organisations just need to be equipped with the right know-how to defend themselves.
Today people speak about digital resilience – and for good reason – as it the ability to understand when an organisation may be at risk, knowing what to do if something goes wrong, and being able to recover when faced with compromises is critical.
And it doesn’t merely start with just a systems upgrade – it means balancing the system with the right processes, policies and governance. Everything from privacy and records management, incident management and people education must be examined. A big ask some might say – but a worthwhile one.
This Cyber Security Month, Digital Resilience, a DSG company, would love the explore the public sector challenge and opportunity above with you in more detail – and how can it be done? A conversation needed when we consider that the SA Banking Risk Information Centre, recently stated that SA loses $157m annually to cyberattacks.