South Africa, known for being the most internet-addicted country globally, is facing a rising threat of ransomware attacks, ranking as the most targeted nation in Africa and eighth worldwide. The country, with citizens spending 9.5 hours online per day in 2022, is confronted with cyber vulnerabilities despite its high digital connectivity. The South African government’s cybersecurity strategy is deemed underfunded and lacking a robust position in cyber governance discussions. While some efforts, such as the introduction of the 2015 Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill and the establishment of entities like the Cyber Command, have been made, the government’s low prioritization and reluctance to invest in cybersecurity persist.
The researchers point out that South Africa’s Cyber Command is under-resourced and has struggled to develop advanced cyber capabilities due to deprioritization of defense expenditure. Cybersecurity, despite being mentioned as a central national priority, faces challenges, as evidenced by the 2021 cyberattack on Transnet, revealing significant gaps in the country’s cyber defenses. The Department of Science and Innovation’s role in cybersecurity development is questioned, raising doubts about its effectiveness over the past decade. The ambiguous geopolitical stance of South Africa in cyber governance debates, occasionally aligning with the U.S. and European states and other times with Russia, adds complexity to its international cyber diplomacy.
The analysis underscores the need for South Africa to reassess and strengthen its cybersecurity strategy, allocating sufficient resources to bolster defenses against cyber threats. The government is urged to play a more assertive role in global cyber governance discussions, fostering collaboration, and clarifying its position to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to cybersecurity.
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