Crooks launch cyber warfare
Tech Reporter
Since the Covid-19 pandemic forced a global shift to dependency on the digital economy workplaces have opened up unprecedented technological risks such as unsecured devices, shadow IT and unregulated internet access, and fraudsters have launched unprecedented cyber warfare.
Businesses across the globe have typically taken an immature approach to cyber security, believing that a firewall is an adequate fortress to defend their intellectual property.
CEO of Snode Technologies Nithen Naidoo says there is an urgent need for always-on surveillance and real-time risk analysis for potential breaches.
“Cybercriminals are deploying a varied arsenal of insidious tactics to access your company’s information technology: coronavirus-specific phishing schemes, malware, memetics, deepfakes and mass cognitive influence operations. In this new normal, organisations must aggressively confront these potential risks. Fundamental to the success of security efforts is launching cyber defence solutions that are impactful, agile and quick to adopt. Failure to do so could be catastrophic,” he says.
Business continuity is the key modus operandi in these precarious times. Cyber security efforts need to be upgraded to defend the digital infrastructure that is integral to a company’s success. As such, it is imperative that South Africa has access to locally-developed cyber defence technology that accounts for its unique requirements through a secure, trusted technology supply chain.
“At Snode we focus on digital defence innovation with in-house developed technology and home-grown talent. Cyber security must be approached as far more than just a checkbox exercise; the newfound fragility of information technology systems means that organisations must go the extra mile to not only remain resilient and secure but to spring into the digital landscape of the future. Our central premise is built on the need to mature the cyber security posture of our businesses and solidify South Africa’s fierce reputation for world-class defence innovation. In a new era of cyber defence, it is important that business leaders and governments adopt a forward-thinking approach towards integrating cyber security into their business operating model,” Naidoo says.
Central to this is to invest in robust cyber solutions to anticipate, combat and refine their approach to adverse business conditions, vulnerabilities and threats as a result of the world’s heightened online footprint.
“Companies should be looking beyond the short-term implications of operating in cyberspace due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and gear themselves towards a defence strategy to ensure success during the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Naidoo adds.