South Africa is facing an alarming surge in cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure across various sectors, including telecommunications, finance, transportation, energy, education, and healthcare.
The State Security Agency (SSA) has acknowledged the significant threats, with ransomware attacks emerging as a major concern over the past year.
Notable incidents in the public sector include attacks on the National Health Laboratory Service and Denel, highlighting the growing sophistication and reach of cybercriminals.
The SSA warns that threats to South Africa’s critical information infrastructure are likely to escalate, driven by the country’s advanced communications systems, its global position, and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
These factors make South Africa an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for financial or strategic gain.
As the country’s reliance on digital technologies grows, so does its vulnerability to cyber-attacks, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information.