Vodacom Business unveils new cybersecurity report to empower organisations
80% of South African businesses said they had experienced a cyberattack in the past year, with only 32% of organisations saying that cybersecurity training is prioritised among employees.
Midrand’s economy proliferates, driven by its strategic location and vibrant business community.
However, as a prime business hub, the recent Vodacom Business Cybersecurity report highlights the rising cybersecurity threats businesses face in South Africa.
The report, commissioned with Omdia and presented at Vodacom World in Midrand on November 27, emphasises the critical role of cybersecurity in digital resilience and outlines the latest tactics cybercriminals employ.
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Joined by industry stakeholders and cybersecurity experts, Vodacom Business presented key findings from the report, highlighting that in an era of accelerating digital transformation, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated.
The report reveals that 80% of South African businesses said they had experienced a cyberattack in the past year, with only 32% of organisations saying that cybersecurity training was prioritised among employees.
The financial impact of these attacks has reached R2.2b annually, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
Videsha Proothveerajh, the director of Vodacom Business, stated that while cloud, IoT technologies, and mobile networks empower businesses, cybersecurity must also be viewed as a crucial growth enabler.
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“Our report provides vital information on why businesses need to prioritise cybersecurity. It serves as an essential resource for organisations and decision-makers looking to understand cybersecurity risks and implement effective strategies to protect their assets and data,” said Proothveerajh.
It discusses various cyber threats, with ransomware identified as the most severe. Just over a third (36%) of companies are confident they can prevent a ransomware attack without significant operational disruption.
Omdia’s 2024 Cybersecurity Decision Maker Survey found that 41% of global organisations rank ransomware among their top three security challenges, particularly affecting the public, health, and finance sectors.
Amid rising ransomware incidents, AI-driven cyberattacks, and a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, organisations are under significant pressure to secure their infrastructure. Cybersecurity is the top IT priority for 42% of global organisations, including those in South Africa.
“By prioritising cybersecurity, businesses can protect their reputation, maintain customer trust, and ensure operational continuity. Vodacom Business is dedicated to supporting organisations in their cybersecurity efforts, providing the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard their operations,” Proothveerajh added.
“We recognise that the question is not whether an attack will happen, but when. Turning to a digital solutions provider that understands the ins and outs of your operations is key to building a security posture that can mitigate risk, from the factory floor to the C-suite.”
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