Cyber Insecurity: SA's Weak Defenses Threaten BRICS Partnerships

The Cyber Threat Landscape in South Africa
South Africa is experiencing 145% more cyberattacks than the African average, according to Interpol 2024. Yet, the country allocates only 0.3% of its technology budget to cybersecurity. As a result, BRICS members are demanding stricter standards for data-sharing partnerships to ensure secure collaboration.

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Diplomatic Fallout from Security Gaps
Ambassador Ntlathi highlighted several consequences of SA’s cybersecurity weaknesses:

• Russia Suspends Training: Joint cybercrime initiatives with Russia were halted due to South Africa’s “archaic” systems.
• Huawei Oversight: China now requires third-party audits for Huawei-related deals because of security concerns.
• BRICS Exclusion: South Africa was excluded from the BRICS Quantum Encryption Working Group, missing out on critical advancements.

Urgent Measures to Secure Digital Infrastructure
Experts recommend immediate reforms to prevent further isolation and protect investments:

• Adopt the BRICS Cyber Pact: Mandates real-time threat sharing among member states.
• Increase CERT-SA Funding: Triple the budget to R450 million to strengthen response capabilities.
• Fast-Track the Cybersecurity Bill: Legislation stalled since 2022 must be passed to provide a legal framework for national defense.

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Without these upgrades, South Africa risks losing access to essential BRICS technology partnerships and investment opportunities.

Closing Thoughts
Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is a national priority. Strengthening SA’s digital defenses is essential to safeguard the economy, protect citizens, and maintain strategic international collaborations.