Question NW2075 to the Minister in the Presidency
24 June 2022 - NW2075
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister in the Presidency
Whether he has been informed that cybercrime has recently become increasingly popular in the Republic, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what preventative measures have been put in place by the State Security Agency to curb cybercrime?
Reply:
Yes. The threat landscape of cybercriume is evolving rapidly and is increasingly becoming a national security concern. Cyberthreats have grown at an alarming rate over the past two years. This is partly due to an increase in remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, it is imperative to ensure the protection of state information and improve the cybersecurity posture.
The State Security Agency (SSA) is therefore currently putting measures in place to enhance cybersecurity, whilst striving to ensure territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitutional order. Furthermore, the SSA is strengthening the provisioning of ICT Security Solutions and Services capabilities to organs of state for protection and securing National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) and related systems.
Implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework (NCPF) strategic objectives is underway, which amongst others include the following:
- building capability and capacity to address cybercrime and to promote cybersecurity;
- building the integrated cyber capacity and capability;
- finalising the Cybersecurity Bill and draft regulations with relevant provisions on NCII;
- finalising the National Cybersecurity Strategy;
- developing and implementing cybersecurity awareness programmes; and
- collaborating and cooperating with regional and international strategic partners to respond to cybercrime and cybersecurity incidents.