The imperative shift: Why cyber security has become essential today
- Dumisani Sigogo
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By Dumisani Sigogo
Cybersecurity is more than just a function or a cost centre; it is a basic cornerstone of the digital world, allowing for robust infrastructure and dependable connectivity.
Selva Ganesh, Vice President and CEO of In2IT, cautioned delegates at his company's second annual CIO Cybersecurity Roundtable debate last week, which was organised in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of e-Government, Huawei, and Forescout.
The "Secure the World" event brought together top CIOs, technology strategists, and security experts to discuss how collaboration and innovation can protect South Africa's digital future.
The CIO Cybersecurity Roundtable featured panel discussions with security experts and technology strategists on topics such as emerging cyber threats and response frameworks, policy gaps and compliance alignment, collaboration between the financial and public sectors, and national cyber resilience.
Other topics covered were an overview of data privacy rules and compliance standards, the use of AI, automation, and zero trust in defence, reducing attack surfaces through integrated technology, and OEM-led strategies for public sector protection.
Ganesh stated that In2IT's most recent research into the increasing impact of cybersecurity reveals staggering figures that require immediate attention and action. By 2030, the anticipated worldwide cost of cybercrime would exceed $12 trillion– nearly double the current figure.
He said: “These insights underscore a critical truth: that cybersecurity can no longer be managed in silos. It demands collective action across industries, borders, and public and private sectors. Collaboration is not optional; it is essential.”
Meanwhile, Ganesh noted that the cybersecurity services market is expected to expand to $350 billion by 2027.
“These are not just numbers; they reflect the scale of risk and opportunity faced by each sector,” he said.
Mothibi Ramusi, Chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), delivered the event's keynote address, explaining that cybersecurity is about identity, dignity, and trust, not just money.
He commented: “It’s about the information stored on your phone, your laptop, and your cloud. And it’s about ensuring that when someone in a rural village receives their first WhatsApp message, they understand what’s real, what’s safe, and what’s not.
“That is why South Africa, in its G20 presidency, placed digital inclusion at the heart of its global agenda. We recognise that affordability and meaningful connectivity are essential for an inclusive society. Reducing the cost to communicate is not just economic policy; it’s social justice.”
Ramusi went on to state that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies has released a Digital Transformation Roadmap, which involves tracking a citizen's digital journey from birth to death.
This is not for monitoring reasons, but rather to provide services, establish connections, and empower citizens.
He explained: “Infrastructure alone is not enough. We must protect it. We’ve all received scam messages from someone impersonating a family member, asking for money. We’ve all seen the vulnerabilities. So how do we manage this? Education is key.
“Digital skills must be embedded in our curriculum, aligned with the future we’re building. Forums like this are vital, but we must go further. Next year, I have proposed that we host a cybersecurity dialogue in a village, because the people most vulnerable to cyber threats are often those least equipped to understand them.”
Looking ahead to 2030 and driven by the National Development Plan, Ramusi declared that ICASA must ensure that every South African has access to secure, affordable broadband.
“If the marginalised remain disconnected, they become the most vulnerable, receiving messages they cannot verify, falling prey to attacks they cannot anticipate. So let us begin at the borders, geographically, socially and economically, and work our way inward. Let us build networks that protect, platforms that empower and communities that understand,” he said.