Government Urges Vigilance Against Rising Cyber Threats (Oct 2025): What Happened, What It Means, and How to Stay Safe

To launch Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Government convened a national webinar that brought together policy-makers, investigators, educators, and industry to align on immediate risks and practical countermeasures for households and businesses. The GCIS announcement set the agenda: empower the public with specific tools, reporting routes, and everyday habits that reduce exposure to scams and abuse online.

A follow-up GCIS media release stressed that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. It highlighted the National Cybersecurity Hub (the country’s National CSIRT) within the DCDT; the Hub coordinates incident response, public awareness campaigns, and works hand-in-glove with SAPS on cybercrime investigations and with ISPA on fast takedowns of fraudulent websites.

Government Urges Vigilance Against Rising Cyber Threats Quick Summary (Vertical Table)

The National Cybersecurity Hub: First Port of Call

South Africa’s National Cybersecurity Hub is formally recognised as the national CSIRT, hosted by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. It aims to make cyberspace safer for residents and organisations, and provides alerts, basic incident-handling guidance, and awareness resources. The Hub is also listed with the global FIRST community, underscoring its coordination role.

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What this means for you: when you spot suspicious activity (phishing, malware, scam sites), consult the Hub’s resources and reporting guidance first, then escalate via the appropriate channels below.

The Legal Backbone: Cybercrimes Act (and a Cybersecurity Bill Under Development)

Investigations and prosecutions of cyber offences fall under the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 legislation that criminalises a wide range of conduct, strengthens investigative powers, and creates a national point of contact. Law-enforcement leaders reiterated during Awareness Month that phishing, ransomware, identity theft, and child-exploitation crimes all fall within this framework. A Cybersecurity Bill is being developed to strengthen the broader cybersecurity posture.

FPB on Harmful Content and Image-Based Abuse

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) cautioned about the spread of harmful content from cyberbullying and hate speech to image-based abuse (non-consensual sharing of intimate images) and malicious AI-generated material. The Films and Publications Amendment Act (effective since 2022) enhances FPB’s power to act against such content, including takedown notices and enforcement measures; sharing intimate images without consent is a criminal offence.

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Where to report: Start with FPB’s website for guidance on complaints and enforcement procedures; FPB also partners with platforms and law enforcement to act on reports of CSAM and other prohibited content.

ISPA’s Takedown Process: Getting Fraudulent Sites Pulled Fast

The Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) operates a recognised takedown mechanism. If you suspect a scam site or unlawful content hosted locally, you can lodge a takedown with ISPA; hosts are required to act expeditiously to remove offending content once notified. This tool is especially useful for fake online stores, phishing pages, and impersonation sites highlighted by government.

Practical Safety Habits You Can Adopt Today

Speakers reinforced a set of simple, high-impact habits:

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1. Use strong, unique passwords and enable a reputable password manager.
2. Turn on multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Never share one-time pins (OTPs).
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive logins; if necessary, use a trusted VPN.
4. Think before you click: do not open unsolicited links or attachments, and independently verify investment or tender offers.
5. Check website legitimacy: look for typos, too-good-to-be-true prices, and verify payment gateways.
6. Keep systems updated: apply updates on phones and laptops to patch known vulnerabilities.
7. Teach your family: use Digify Africa’s “Kitso” WhatsApp bot (076 593 7181) for bite-size safety lessons tailored to parents, teachers, and learners.

How to Report or Get Help (Bookmark This)

• Suspected cyber incident / awareness resources: National Cybersecurity Hub (DCDT) – guidance, alerts, coordination.
• Crimes in progress / criminal complaints: SAPS and HAWKS (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation). Start with SAPS contact portal for the DPCI; reference the Cybercrimes Act for reportable offences.
• Fraudulent websites / unlawful hosted content: ISPA takedown portal lodge a complaint for swift removal.
• Harmful content / image-based abuse / CSAM: FPB reporting pathways and guidance.
• Digital safety learning: Digify Africa – Kitso WhatsApp learning bot (076 593 7181).

FAQs

1) What is the National Cybersecurity Hub and how does it help me?

It is South Africa’s National CSIRT, hosted by DCDT. The Hub coordinates incident response, publishes alerts, and links you to the correct law-enforcement or regulatory pathway for your case.

2) Is sharing someone’s intimate images without consent a crime?

Yes. The Films and Publications Amendment Act criminalises non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Report via FPB and, where applicable, open a criminal case under the Cybercrimes Act.

3) I found a clearly fraudulent shopping site. What can I do quickly?

File an ISPA takedown hosts must act expeditiously. You can also notify the National Cybersecurity Hub and your bank if you shared any details.

4) Are there trusted, free digital-safety lessons for my family?

Yes. Add “Kitso” on WhatsApp: 076 593 7181 for practical safety tips aimed at parents, teachers, and learners.

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5) Which law covers phishing, ransomware, and identity theft?

The Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 defines offences, empowers investigations, and sets out reporting mechanisms.

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