South Africa Urged to Tighten Online Security

Government warns of rising ransomware and infostealer threats as criminals exploit software flaws within days.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Cybersecurity

Isometric editorial illustration of a single solid padlock on a sandstone plinth against a warm horizon, evoking everyday digital security. — South Africa's Department of Communications and Digital Technologies urged citizens to tighten online security habits after Interpol reported the country accounted for 92% of ransomware detections in Africa. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has urged South Africans to strengthen their online security habits. The warning follows Interpol's 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report, which found South Africa accounts for 92% of ransomware detections in Africa.

Why it matters

Ransomware attacks often begin with stolen passwords, infostealer malware, or unpatched devices such as routers and VPNs, putting both individuals and organisations at risk. Cybercriminals frequently exploit human error rather than technical weaknesses, so everyday habits play a direct role in exposure.

Interpol's assessment attributes 92% of Africa's ransomware detections to South Africa, and South Africa accounted for 43.6% of exploitable vulnerabilities detected across Africa in 2025. Criminals reportedly exploit software flaws within 24 to 48 hours of disclosure, and the underlying absolute counts are not given in the source.

The players

Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT)

The South African government department responsible for communications and digital policy, which issued the online security warning.

Interpol

The International Criminal Police Organization, which published the 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report.

Fortinet

A cybersecurity company that reported a sharp rise in infostealer malware activity.

The details

The DCDT stated that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and cautioned that clicking suspicious links, sharing OTPs, and reusing weak passwords can expose users to fraud and financial loss. Fortinet has reported a sharp rise in infostealer malware, which quietly harvests saved passwords, login sessions, and sensitive information from infected devices.

2025: South Africa accounted for 43.6% of exploitable vulnerabilities detected across Africa.
2026: Interpol published its African Cyberthreat Assessment Report.
Following Cybersecurity Awareness Month: DCDT and the FPB urged continued vigilance beyond the campaign.

Threat Landscape

Interpol's 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report placed South Africa at the centre of regional ransomware activity, with 92% of detections on the continent. The government's warning builds on those findings by focusing on user-level habits as a frontline defence.

Using unique passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and never sharing one-time passcodes can meaningfully reduce the chance of fraud and financial loss. Keeping routers, VPNs, and devices updated closes the flaws criminals exploit within a day or two of disclosure.

The takeaway

Cybersecurity depends as much on everyday behaviour as on technology, so routine habits such as updating devices and guarding passwords matter in South Africa's fight against ransomware. Staying vigilant after awareness campaigns end is what keeps those habits in place.