Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How South Africans can stay secure online
As October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, South Africans are encouraged to protect themselves online, follow safe digital practices, and use tools like Digify Africa’s Kitso WhatsApp bot for guidance.
As South Africa marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, citizens are being urged to take simple yet effective steps to protect themselves online.
According to the South African Government News Agency, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted a national webinar under the 2025 global theme “Secure Our World” to promote safer online practices.
Omphile Kgwathe-Nkiwane, head of client services at Digify Africa, emphasised the need for individuals and families to remain alert to digital dangers.
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“In the past, the boogeyman was on the streets, but now he is on the internet,” she said.
To help parents and guardians, Digify Africa has introduced a WhatsApp learning bot called Kitso, which provides simple tips on digital safety. Users can save the number 076 593 7181 on WhatsApp to access the resource.
Kgwathe-Nkiwane explained that Kitso was designed to make online safety accessible.
“With so much information online, some people find it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not. That is why we created the learning bot – to make the content easy for anyone to read and apply practically.”
The public has been encouraged to follow key safety practices, including:
• Use strong and unique passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable two-factor authentication for important accounts.
• Be wary of phishing attempts and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
• Stay cautious on social media and never agree to meet strangers met online.
• Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public places when accessing sensitive information.
• Trust your instincts – if an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is part of a global initiative aimed at empowering communities and businesses with the knowledge to protect themselves from cyber threats.
