PAPER: SECURING THE FUTURE: Blueprint for solving South Africa's cybersecurity crisis in the age of AI

The major powers globally have made cybersecurity a top priority. They see that every aspect of our lives depends on an expanding complex network of cyber systems that are vulnerable to exploitation. That cyberspace is a domain of power and opportunity, but with that comes threat from malicious actors. South Africa is not adequately prepared for this reality. In fact, the country has the third-highest incidence of cyberattacks in the world. Citizens are being scammed, defrauded, robbed and tricked by sophisticated cybercriminal gangs. Businesses are being extorted and held to ransom. The country’s defence organisations and government themselves regularly fall victim to cyberattacks. And the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is just making it easier for even amateur cyber actors to access dangerous cyber tools.

The crisis of cybersecurity in South Africa requires a national project involving all sectors of society: the government, private sector, civil society and citizens. Following the lead of countries around the world that are winning the cybersecurity war, there are three main priorities. First, is putting in place a dedicated cybersecurity organisation; one that is totally free from political appointments and interference and led by the top cyber experts in the country. The second priority is developing a national cybersecurity awareness campaign to strengthen the weakest link in South Africa’s cyber defence: the human element. And third, a national programme of cultivating the next generation of cyber talent is required. Without proper cybersecurity, no nation can be secure. A single cyberattack could descend the country into total anarchy in less than a week. This thought alone should be driving us to act now, together as a nation.