Speakers
Dr
Anna-Marie Jansen van Vuuren
(University of Johannesburg)
Prof.
Joey Jansen van Vuuren
(Tshwane University of Technology)
Description
South Africa is one of the African nations with the highest rate of internet access to the internet. Despite this rapid spread of mobile phones and interactivity, the country’s government has been slow in implementing a definite cyber strategy. With more South Africans gaining access to the internet, the risks of citizens’ exposure to cyber threats are rising. The Institute of Risk Management South Africa has that cyberattacks were amongst the ten highest ranked risks threatening the country. The large number of South African citizens growing up without regular or sustained exposure to technological devices and broadband internet access makes them vulnerable to online exploitation. This may in turn lead to the country itself being more exposed to security breaches and potential international cyberattacks. Within this paper the researchers argue for the importance of implementing a strong cyber awareness strategy in South Africa. The paper situates the country within its unique African context, by explaining strategies and frameworks that have been developed internationally, and how they could be applied to the country. They conclude by recommending that for South African and African citizens to protect themselves against online threats, they need adequate training in cybersecurity awareness.
Primary author
Prof.
Joey Jansen van Vuuren
(Tshwane University of Technology)
Co-author
Dr
Anna-Marie Jansen van Vuuren
(University of Johannesburg)
