The Cybersecurity Law was signed into law in December 2022, and the Protection of Personal Information Act was signed into law and implemented on April 11, 2014. These laws are now being enforced, and regulators have been established to monitor compliance.
The Cybersecurity Law establishes a framework for protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyberattacks. The Protection of Personal Information Act regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. Both laws are important for protecting the privacy and security of individuals and businesses.
Every business needs a cybersecurity policy, not only to comply with the law but also to protect itself from data breaches and hacking. A cybersecurity policy is a set of rules and procedures that outline how a business will protect its data and systems from cyberattacks. It should include everything from password management to incident response procedures.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and no business is immune. By having a cybersecurity policy in place, businesses can reduce their risk of falling victim to a cyberattack and protect their data and systems.
South Africa experiences an average of 97 cyber-attacks per hour, or 2,409 cyber-attacks per day.
Most important policies to have in place.
Acceptable use policy: This policy defines what employees are allowed to do with the company's computer systems and networks. It should cover topics such as personal use, downloading and installing software, and sharing files.
Password policy: This policy specifies the requirements for passwords, such as length, complexity, and frequency of changes.
Multi-factor authentication policy: This policy requires users to provide two or more pieces of identification, such as a password and a code sent to their phone, to log in to sensitive systems.
Data breach response policy: This policy outlines the steps that the company will take in the event of a data breach. It should include steps such as notifying affected individuals, reporting the breach to law enforcement, and taking steps to mitigate the damage.
Malware prevention policy: This policy outlines the steps that the company will take to prevent malware from infecting its systems. It should include steps such as keeping software up to date, using antivirus and anti-malware software, and educating employees about malware.
Remote access policy: This policy specifies the conditions under which employees are allowed to access the company's systems remotely. It should cover topics such as the use of personal devices, the encryption of data, and the security of passwords.
Physical security policy: This policy specifies the measures that the company will take to protect its physical assets, such as computers, servers, and data centres. It should cover topics such as access control, security cameras, and visitor logs.
Incident response policy: This policy outlines the steps that the company will take to respond to a security incident. It should include steps such as identifying the incident, containing the damage, and recovering from the incident.
These are the most important cyber security policies that businesses should have in place. By having these policies in place, businesses can help protect themselves from cyber-attacks and the damage they can cause.
Download our PDF document here and get in touch if you need any support
