Government's Dynamic Approach to Addressing Challenges of Cybersecurity in South Africa

Abstract

Cybersecurity is the practice of making the networks that constitute cyber space secure against intrusions. The aim is to maintain the confidentiality, the availability and integrity of information, by detecting interferences. Traditionally, cybersecurity has focused on preventing intrusions and monitoring ports. The evolving threat landscape, however, calls for a more dynamic approach. It is increasingly clear that total cybersecurity is impossible, unless government develops a cyber-security strategy. The aim of this chapter is to discuss government's dynamic approach to addressing challenges of cybersecurity. The chapter looks at the co-ordination of cyber-security activities so as to have a coordinated approach to cyber-crime. This chapter also highlights the idea of protecting sensitive data for the public good. It is generally accepted that technology has become indispensable in modern society. Government's cybersecurity presents a unique challenge simply because of the volume of threats that agencies working for government face on a daily basis.