JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA:  KnowBe4 (www.knowbe4.com), the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform has just released its highly anticipated 2024 Security Culture Report (https://apo-opa.co/3Wr5p7a) for Africa, providing a detailed analysis of the intricate relationship between security practices and employee behaviors within organizations. Drawing insights from surveys conducted across thousands of organizations worldwide, the full report (https://apo-opa.co/3Wx9hng) offers a comprehensive five-year comparative view, highlighting significant trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape.

“In its section on Africa, the report reveals that organizations evaluated across 20 African countries exhibit an average security culture score of 72, consistent with the previous year,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa. “This shows a moderate level of readiness in security culture.”

There are noteworthy variations among sectors and countries, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity resilience. “The banking sector in Kenya is a standout performer, boasting an impressive average score of 83, attributed to its steadfast commitment to maintaining mature security cultures supported by robust security operations,” explains Collard. “However, industries such as public services, construction, education, and hospitality show lower security culture scores. This shows the importance of developing specific approaches to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices in these sectors.”

Africa, with its diverse cultural fabric and youthful population projected to dominate the global workforce by 2100, faces escalating cyber risks amidst rapid technological advancements. Challenges, including limited resources, inadequate cyber awareness, and economic constraints, marked the continent’s cybersecurity landscape in 2023. “This shows the need to strengthen cybersecurity readiness given the critical development requirements.”

Kenya (76), Nigeria (75), and Ghana (74) lead the charge in cybersecurity readiness, showcasing robust strategies backed by local governments. Ghana’s significant progress in cybersecurity, evidenced by its climb in the Global Cybersecurity Index, reflects the region’s commitment to cybersecurity excellence.

“With a security culture score of 72, it’s important to address the findings from a separate survey (https://apo-opa.co/44upwDi) on generative AI (GenAI) adoption by organizations in South Africa,” adds Collard. “That survey identified regulatory gaps and a lack of training in countering AI-generated misinformation, highlighting the need for regulations, training programs, and partnerships to tackle cyber threats such as deepfakes, especially during the upcoming crucial governmental elections.”

The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) expects an increase in cyber attacks targeting important infrastructure and government bodies in the coming weeks until South Africans go to the polls. “This highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect both public and private sectors, communities, and national economies,” says Collard. “As organizations adapt to the changing cybersecurity environment, promoting a culture of awareness, education, and proactive risk management will be vital in enhancing cyber resilience throughout Africa.”

The security culture score is a global measure used to evaluate organizations based on their approach to security, explains Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4. “This score reflects how much importance different entities worldwide place on cybersecurity within their organizational culture. In today’s interconnected world, where a mobile device in a remote area can access sensitive accounts, working in isolation on security is no longer effective,” adds Malik. “Collaboration between governments and regulators is essential not just for creating laws but also for demonstrating practical ways to strengthen security culture. Organizations need to prioritize the human element of cybersecurity by focusing on continuous awareness and training efforts rather than relying solely on technological solutions,”.

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Following the success of previous sessions held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and Dehradun, Uttarakhand, where hundreds of NGOs were trained, this workshop aims to delve into the crucial areas of cybersecurity. Participants will gain valuable insights into personal and organizational security, the promotion of good cyber hygiene practices, and the protection of children from cyber harm—a vulnerable segment of our society.

In collaboration with Cochin Shipyard Limited and ISDC, two esteemed organizations committed to enhancing cybersecurity awareness and resilience, a series of comprehensive sessions have been planned across India to empower civil society members and address the evolving challenges of cyber threats. The workshop offers a unique opportunity for participants to proactively safeguard their personal and professional data, prevent cyber-attacks, and respond effectively to security incidents. The program on Technology Advancement and Capacity-building training initiatives or TACTICS aims at empowering citizens and civil society organizations with useful tips and strategies to combat common and critical cyber threats. Hands-on activities and interactive sessions embed these concepts. A platform for continuous learning and certification is also offered as part of the TACTICS program. 

These workshops have been meticulously curated by the C20 working group on Technology, Security, and Transparency (TST), under the esteemed guidance of Sri Mata Amritanandanmayi Devi, Vice-Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Chair of the Civil 20 engagement groups (C20). The working group has focused its policy recommendations on four thematic areas: Technology for Empowerment, AI & Data for Society, Security, Safety, and Resilience, and Transparency, Trust, and Disinformation.

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