Tag: cybersecurity

South African businesses are rushing to adopt generative AI, attracted by its potential to boost efficiency, productivity and innovation. However, without a solid cybersecurity foundation, AI will act as a Trojan horse, exposing companies to advanced cyber threats.

South Africa’s major banks maintained steady growth in 2024 despite a challenging operating climate and macroeconomic uncertainties. Combined headline earnings grew by 5.9%, reaching R119 billion. This surpassed FY23 results. The combined ROE stood at 17.5% (FY23: 17.6%). The net interest margin was 451 bps (FY23: 459 bps). The credit loss ratio improved to 89 bps (FY23: 102 bps).

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being weaponised by cybercriminals, the question of whether we can effectively combat AI threats with more AI is not just a technical inquiry, but a pressing global concern. AI-generated cyberattacks, such as deepfake technology and automated hacking attempts, have created a cybersecurity arms race.

Email plays an integral role in daily life, but cybercriminals exploit it as a prime attack channel. Phishing scams involve malicious emails designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information. These scams rank among the most prevalent cybersecurity threats.

The terms 'Cybersecurity' and 'Cyber Resilience' often appear interchangeable, which creates confusion. These concepts are related but serve distinct purposes. Both play critical roles in protecting data and ensuring business continuity. However, what are their differences, and why do organisations need both?

In recent months, SABS has faced growing scrutiny. Allegations of maladministration and mismanagement have led to a comprehensive investigation by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).

Organisations are facing a surge in internal security threats. A startling 76% of organisations have detected increased insider threat activity over the past five years. Yet, less than 30% believe they have the right tools to handle these threats effectively.

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 Many businesses still rely on outdated, reactive approaches, even though Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is not a new concept.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.

Con artists and scammers are becoming more skilled at manipulating bank details and private information from consumers. It is important to understand the risks and recognise the warning signs. Fraud and scam statistics in South Africa are alarming.

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.