South African companies face growing cyber threats. Yet most still treat security as a compliance task instead of a business risk. Experts warn this gap leaves organisations exposed to costly breaches, operational shutdowns and reputational damage.
Threat volumes far exceed reported incidents
South Africa records an estimated 2 113 cyber threats a week. Research from Check Point Software Technologies shows this number is likely far higher.
Only 2 374 incidents were reported to the Information Regulator for the entire 2024–25 financial year. The gap points to widespread underreporting and an incomplete view of real exposure.
Basic vulnerabilities remain unresolved
Muhammad Ali, managing director of World Wide Industrial & Systems Engineers (WWISE), says most companies still fail to manage core risks.
He warns that attackers target smaller suppliers to gain access to larger networks.
Common failures include:
• late patching
• weak vendor oversight
• limited monitoring
• poor response planning
Spear phishing remains the most dangerous threat because messages look authentic and follow personal behaviour patterns.
Recent breaches show what is at stake
South Africa has already seen high-impact attacks, including a mobile network operator breach that exposed 2 terabytes of sensitive data. A major property group also suffered a breach that placed client information at risk.
Ali says these cases show how unprepared many organisations remain. He stresses that backup integrity and disaster recovery must be tested, verified and improved through simulation.
“It’s not if you’ll get attacked. It’s when,” he says.
Cyber resilience starts with leadership
Ali urges executives to view cyber resilience as a strategic investment.
He says leaders need clear, simple explanations of risk. Live simulations help executives understand financial and operational consequences.
Humans remain the biggest weak point. Training must be short, focused and engaging. Interactive videos, simulations and gamified campaigns improve retention and give staff real-world context.
New technologies demand structured governance
AI, IoT and cloud adoption introduce more entry points for attackers. Ali stresses the need for recognised standards such as ISO 27001 for information security and ISO 42001 for AI management.
These frameworks guide risk decisions and help organisations mature their security practices.
Compliance is misunderstood
Many companies still avoid ISO 27001 because they think it is costly or complex. Ali says the right consultant makes implementation manageable.
He advises companies to work only with accredited auditors and bodies such as SAATCA and CQI | IRCA.
A zero-trust mindset is essential
Ali says leaders must adopt a strict “don’t trust anyone” approach.
He recommends:
• scanning backups for malware
• verifying integrity checks
• testing recovery plans
• reviewing vendor access
• improving response readiness
ISO 27001 certification builds customer trust, lowers insurance costs and provides recognised assurance.
