South Africa Sees Rise in Cyberattacks, Reports Critical Security Gaps

Strategic Insights -

South Africa has seen a significant increase in cyberattacks in 2023, with 47 percent of organizations reporting between one and five cybersecurity incidents, according to national cybersecurity surveys released by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The surveys found that 88 percent of companies surveyed experienced at least one security breach in 2023, with 90 percent of them being targeted multiple times. The CSIR attributed the rise in cyberattacks to a lack of skilled cybersecurity personnel, with 63 percent of cybersecurity roles partially or completely unfilled.

Key Takeaways:

  • 47 percent of organizations in South Africa reported between one and five cybersecurity incidents in 2023, according to the CSIR.
  • 88 percent of companies surveyed experienced at least one security breach in 2023, with 90 percent of them being targeted multiple times.
  • The most common cyber threats in South Africa are malware and phishing, with organizations reporting a high incidence of these attacks.
  • 63 percent of cybersecurity roles are partially or completely unfilled, indicating a significant cybersecurity skills gap.
  • Only 32 percent of employees have received cybersecurity awareness training in the past year, highlighting a serious gap in building cybersecurity awareness and culture.
  • The CSIR emphasized the importance of developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce through training and education programs.

Statistics:

  • 47 percent of organizations in South Africa reported between one and five cybersecurity incidents in 2023 (CSIR).
  • 88 percent of companies surveyed experienced at least one security breach in 2023 (CSIR).
  • 90 percent of companies surveyed were targeted multiple times in 2023 (CSIR).
  • 63 percent of cybersecurity roles are partially or completely unfilled (CSIR).
  • Only 32 percent of employees have received cybersecurity awareness training in the past year (CSIR).
  • More than 1,200 individuals and organizations, including government departments, municipalities, and public entities, were surveyed by the CSIR.

Sources:

  • CSIR - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
  • Xinhua News Agency (via COMTEX)