Tag: cyber threat

As cyber attacks grow in frequency and complexity, it is urgent to shift from prevention alone to detection and response. Many businesses still rely on outdated, reactive approaches, even though Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is not a new concept. Without proactive cyber threat management these reactive methods leave organisations vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.

As essential services continue to digitise at an increasing rate, digital identity will remain central for businesses and governments. In many cases, digital identity is recognised as the first line of defense in protecting funds and data. As a result, business attitudes toward digital identity are evolving fast.

Our 2025 cybersecurity predictions, developed by a team of global industry experts, highlight critical trends shaping the cyber threat landscape. In 2024, cyber threats escalated at an unprecedented pace, driven largely by the rapid adoption and evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

With increasing alacrity, businesses must recognise the crucial need to transform their organisational structures. This is necessary to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. However, it’s equally important for organisations to consider the associated risks. This will ensure long-term resilience.

As the year ends, businesses face year-end fatigue and the pressures of the approaching festive season. This period, marked by heavy workloads and rushing to meet targets, creates opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. One prominent method is business email compromise (BEC), a sophisticated cybercrime targeting organisations via email system infiltration. A common BEC tactic involves altering banking details on invoices.

As Black Friday approaches, millions of consumers prepare for one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The excitement of discounts and limited-time deals drives online shopping. However, this also creates an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit the surge in activity.

These are times of unprecedented change and disruption. New technological innovations and geopolitical events are just two of the major catalysts of change in the landscape of risk. In times of volatility, businesses are often faced with increased risk exposure, with opportunistic cybercriminals at the ready to exploit vulnerabilities and take advantage of loopholes.

Business travel fuels growth for many South African companies, driving expansion through new connections, sealing deals, and unlocking opportunities in diverse markets. However, data reveals a significant cost associated with these trips. From August to October 2023, companies typically spent R15,138 per domestic trip and R34,943 per international business travel. These high costs highlight the critical need for companies to ensure their employees are safeguarded against cyber threats.

The telecom industry stands at a critical juncture as it navigates the convergence of emerging technology against a fast-changing business landscape and ever-evolving consumer expectations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the telecom industry, and we are at the forefront – helping to drive revenue growth by simplifying, modernising and automating Communications Service Providers' (CSPs) business operations.

The 2024 Cybersecurity Readiness Index reveals a decline in South African businesses’ preparedness for cyberattacks. According to the released index, just 5% of companies in South Africa have ranked at the "mature" level of readiness which is needed to be resilient against modern cybersecurity risks, down by 19% year-on-year.