AI and cyber security: South Africa’s next battleground
June 2025
IT in Manufacturing
By Boland Lithebe, security lead for Accenture, Africa.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity. In South Africa, where cybercrime is on the rise, AI presents both an opportunity and a threat.
From sophisticated cyberattacks to AI-driven defence mechanisms, the landscape is shifting faster than our regulatory frameworks and corporate security policies can keep up. South Africa is one of the most targeted countries in Africa for cybercrime. Banks, government entities and businesses are prime targets for ransomware, phishing and data breaches.
AI is fuelling these attacks in unprecedented ways. Cyber criminals are now leveraging machine learning to automate attacks, crack passwords faster and create even more convincing phishing emails. AI-powered malware can evade traditional security measures, making it harder for companies to detect breaches before it’s too late.
Boland Lithebe, security lead for Accenture, Africa.
But just as AI enables cyber criminals, it can also strengthen defences. AI-driven threat detection systems can analyse patterns, flag anomalies and predict attacks before they happen. In a country like South Africa, where cybersecurity skills are in short supply, AI could play a crucial role in bridging the gap. Financial institutions, for instance, have started using AI to detect fraudulent transactions in real-time. AI-powered threat intelligence platforms are helping businesses automate their response to cyber incidents, reducing reaction time and limiting damage.
Despite its promise, AI-driven cybersecurity is not without its challenges. For one, South Africa lacks a comprehensive AI regulatory framework. Without clear guidelines, businesses may struggle to implement AI security measures ethically and effectively. Additionally, AI is only as good as the data it is trained on. If local businesses do not invest in high-quality cybersecurity data, AI tools may be less effective in identifying unique threats relevant to South Africa’s digital ecosystem.
For AI to truly bolster cybersecurity in South Africa, the government and private sector must take urgent steps. There is a critical need to build local expertise in AI and cyber security. Universities and companies should collaborate on AI-security programmes to equip professionals with the necessary skills.
Regulators must create policies that guide AI use in cybersecurity while ensuring ethical considerations are met. Businesses, government and cybersecurity firms must work together to share AI-driven threat intelligence and build robust defense mechanisms. South African businesses need to move beyond traditional security measures and invest in AI-driven cybersecurity tools to stay ahead of threats. AI is reshaping the cybersecurity battlefield.
If South Africa does not act swiftly, it risks falling behind in the fight against cybercrime. Now is the time to harness AI’s potential to build a more secure digital future.
For more information contact Jonathan Mahapa, Accenture South Africa, + 27 11 208 3947, [email protected], www.accenture.com
Further reading:
Schneider Electric’s Five-Pillar Strategy takes the guesswork out of equip
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Field Service Cycle, otherwise known as the Five-Pillar Strategy, is a structured approach to managing the lifecycle of equipment to prolong asset lifespan while reducing the total cost of ownership for customers.
Read more...
Enhancing operational safety and efficiency through advanced risk-based modelling
IT in Manufacturing
Now, more than ever, capital and operational cost can be reduced while enhancing operational safety and increasing production uptime by applying transformative methods such as Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling.
Read more...
Laying the groundwork in IT/OT
IT in Manufacturing
In the realm of manufacturing, the core mandate is to deliver value to stakeholders. For many in the industry, this is best achieved through a risk-averse approach. Only upon establishing a robust foundation should a business consider venturing into advanced optimisation or cutting-edge technological innovations such as industrial AI.
Read more...
Looking into the future of machine vision
Omron Electronics
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.
Read more...
Driving digital transformation in the truck industry
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.
Read more...
Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.
Read more...
Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.
Read more...
Siemens democratises AI-driven PCB design for small and medium electronics teams
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses with PADS Pro Essentials software and Xpedition Standard software.
Read more...
Predicting and preventing cyber-attacks with AI and generative AI
IT in Manufacturing
The speed at which cyber threats are evolving is unprecedented. As a result, companies need to implement state-of-the-art technology to protect their data and systems.
Read more...
Real-world lessons in digital transformation
IT in Manufacturing
Synthesis has helped businesses across multiple industries with their digital transformation by solving their unique integration challenges.
Read more...
printer friendly version