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Header Text - Top Cyber Threats in South Africa
23Oct
8

7 Top Cyber Threats In South Africa & How To Defend Your SME

Cyber threats in South Africa are a growing concern, and needs the undivided attention of every SME across all touchpoints – from the employees you hire and the networks you use to the web hosting you trust.

According to September’s Check Point report, the most targeted region in the world is Africa, suffering 2902 cyber-attacks per organisation, per week.

And for the fourth year in a row, the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025 ranks cyber threats as the most important risk factor for businesses globally. South Africa is among the 20 countries for which this is the highest concern.

Cybercrime doesn’t just happen to other businesses. It is a major risk for businesses everywhere. In recognition of Cybersecurity awareness month, we share the top cyber threats facing companies in South Africa and how to defend your SME against them.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Cyber threats are the top business risk factor and local SMEs must take cybersecurity seriously across all areas of their businesses.
  • Phishing still remains the most common gateway for cyber-attacks because cybercriminals rely on human error.
  • Ransomware is on the rise, crippling operations and reputations.
  • Regular data backups, access control, and multi-factor authentication are key defences.
  • Your vendors and partners can unintentionally open the door to hackers too.
  • Register your domain name with a trusted registrar and lock it against unauthorised transfers.
  • A secure hosting provider offering built-in DDoS protection can help maintain uptime and trust.

About SME Cybersecurity and Cyber Threats

SME Cybersecurity is the act of protecting company infrastructure, data and digital assets from cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s certainly not a once-off. It involves implementing on-going, agile security measures, policies and technologies to protect every aspect of the business from malicious actors.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures the total cost of cybercrime in the world is set to reach $10.5-trillion (USD) this year, with Statista estimating this number to grow to $15.6-trillion (USD) by 2029. The sharp rise is said to be due to the growing use of generative AI, like Deepfake technology, in addition to sophisticated AI social engineering tactics.

These statistics are extremely alarming, especially when considering that the cybersecurity industry in comparison, is estimated at $218.98-billion (USD), and projected to grow to $562.77-billion (USD) by 2032.

Strip Banner Text - To bypass spam filters, hackers use smarter phishing tactics via social media, QR codes, Wi-Fi etc

7 Top Cyber Threats In South Africa

Businesses across the country should be on high alert for the following cyber threats:

1. Phishing

What is phishing?

Phishing is a deceptive measure that impersonates a company or service. The goal: to trick people into clicking on malicious links or connections or disclosing sensitive data like logins or credit card details. While email phishing is perhaps the best-known type, the rise in spam filters has forced hackers to get more targeted in their approach and resort to using AI for precision targetting and this includes other channels as well.

Be aware of:
  • Spearphishing: Highly targeted phishing attempts aimed at specific individuals.
  • Whaling: Sophisticated social engineering tactics to trick executive or senior management with higher access clearance.
  • Smishing: Phishing attempts sent via SMS.
  • Quishing: Fake QR codes on posters, invoices, business cards etc.
  • Vphishing: Fake callers masquerading as IT support, bank representatives or company executives.
  • Angler Phishing: Fake social media accounts impersonating businesses.
  • Evil Twin Phishing: Fake Wi-Fi hotspots that mimic the original closely in spelling.
Why is it such a threat to business?

While phishing attacks prey on human-error, the effects of a single click may give a hacker access to an entire network and ripple through an entire organization leading to data loss, financial theft and reputational harm.

How can SMEs protect themselves against it?
  • Provide regular phishing awareness training to staff.
  • Set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for remote employees.
  • Use email authentication and spam tools.

2. Malware particularly Ransomware

What is malware?

Malware is malicious software that can infiltrate and compromise networks. They are usually deployed after a successful phishing attempt. Malware includes trojans, viruses, worms, spyware and ransomware, each designed to gain unauthorised access to networks in different ways and to steal important data and cause harm.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is the most prevalent form of malware in the country, in that it gains unauthorised access to computers, networks or websites to block access and extort money from victims should they wish to regain control of their business’ data.

Why is it such a threat to business?

A ransomware attack can halt operations, destroy trust, and lead to devastating financial loss. Even if ransoms are paid, there are never any guarantees that the stolen data will be returned, even partially. Prolonged downtime or damage to a reputation can lead to permanent closure of a business.

How can SMEs protect themselves against it?
  • Backup data daily.
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Limit employee access to information based on their role.
  • Train staff to detect phishing scams.
  • Host with a provider that offers malware scanning and daily backups.

3. Insider threats

What are insider threats?

Insider threats are cybercrimes that originate from within a company, usually via a person, staff member or 3rd party supplier, misusing their authorised access to the infrastructure. This can either be intentional in nature; as an employee who steals or leaks data with the intent to do so, or through negligence, when an insider falls for a phishing scam or when an insider’s device or logins are compromised.

Why is it such a threat to business?

An insider threat is harder to detect because it stems from “authorised” access, which means by the time it is detected a lot of harm any already have been executed.

How can SMEs protect themselves against it?
  • Conduct regular security audits and training.
  • Encourage a positive, secure work environment.
  • Implement strict offboarding protocols when employees resign.
  • Use monitoring tools to track unusual login behaviour.

4. DDoS attacks

What are DDos attacks?

A Distributed Denail-of-Dervice (DDos) attack is when malicious actors flood a network with fake traffic to a point where it disrupts the service partly or entirely. The goal with these types of attacks varies from one to the next. In certain cases, hackers aim to distract in order to launch larger breaches, while in other cases the goal is mainly to cause damage to a brand.

Why is it such a threat to business?

Downtime of any service means lost revenue, frustrated customers, and distrust in the brand.

How can SMEs protect themselves against it?
  • Choose a hosting provider that offers DDoS mitigation and traffic filtering.
  • Use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).
Strip Banner Text - Ransomware is spread through deceptive emails, malicious links, and infected downloads to block access and extort

5. Supply chain vulnerabilities

What supply chain vulnerabilities?

When a third-party vendor, software or hardware provider with access to your system is compromised, and a hacker gains access as a result.

Why is it such a threat to business?

Just like insider threats, these attacks are difficult to trace, and it can be a while before they can be detected. Any weak link in your security will have ripple effects that can put your entire network in danger.

How can SMEs protect themselves against it?
  • Limit third-party access to the bare minimum.
  • Create strong passwords.
  • Make use of MFA.

6. Man-In-The-Middle (MitM) attacks

What is a MitM attack?

A MitM attack is when cybercriminals intercept communication between two parties, and either steal confidential information or alter the data that is in transit between the two devices.

Why is it such a threat to business?

It is difficult to detect a MitM attack. In certain cases, a company only becomes aware that an attack took place once fraud or identity theft is brought to their attention.

How can SMEs protect themselves against it?
  • Always use HTTPS and valid SSL Certificates on websites.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for business transactions and communications.
  • Enable end-to-end encryption for communication apps.
  • Use secure hosting services.
  • Confirm all changed banking details telephonically or request written proof from source.

7. Domain hijacking

What is domain hijacking?

Domain hijacking happens when attackers gain unauthorised control of a company’s domain name, often by exploiting weak registrar accounts or stolen credentials.

Why is it such a threat to business?

Losing control of your domain can mean losing your website, emails, and online reputation. Attackers can redirect traffic, harvest customer data, or impersonate your brand.

How can SMEs protect themselves against it?
  • Register domains with a trusted domain name registrar.
  • Enable domain lock to prevent unauthorised transfers.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your domain account.
  • Keep WHOIS and contact details up to date.

RELATED: Domain Transfer Lock: Domains.co.za Becomes First Registrar To Offer Free .co.za Security Feature

Why You Are In Safe Hands With Domain Names & Hosting From Domains.co.za

At Domains.co.za, we understand that cybersecurity isn’t optional – it’s essential. That’s why both our Domain Name Registration and Web Hosting solutions are built to provide trust, reliability, and protection.

We know that your domain name is more than just your website address that’s why Domains.co.za provides:

  • Domain Transfer Lock on all .za TLDs to prevent unauthorised domain transfers.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for secure account access.
  • Domain Renewal Reminders so your name never lapses or gets hijacked.
  • WHOIS Privacy Protection to hide sensitive contact details from public databases.

Our hosting infrastructure is designed to keep your website and data safe around the clock, boasting:

  • Free SSL Certificates on all hosting packages to encrypt data.
  • Daily automated backups to secure your website content.
  • DDoS protection and firewall monitoring to block malicious traffic.
  • Real-time malware scanning and removal tools.
  • Local, expert support ready to assist whenever you need it.

With Domains.co.za, your business is in expert hands — from the domain name that represents your brand, to the hosting that powers it.

RELATED: The Role Of Web Hosting In Data Privacy & Website Security

Strip Banner Text - DDoS attacks flood networks with fake traffic to disrupt services and cause damage. [Secure your hosting]

How to Choose the Perfect Domain Name

VIDEO: How to Choose & Register the PERFECT Domain Name

FAQS

Why are South African SMEs such a big target for cybercriminals?

Hackers know that smaller businesses store valuable customer and payment data but may not have robust defences in place.

How can phishing be detected before it’s too late?

Always check the sender’s email address carefully, avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, and hover over links to preview their true destination.

What should I do if my business is hit by ransomware?

Do not pay the ransom. Instead, disconnect affected devices from the network immediately, contact a cybersecurity specialist, and restore your systems from backups.

How can I protect remote workers from cyber threats?

Provide staff with secure devices, enforce strong password policies, and require the use of a VPN for all work-related connections.

Is website hosting really a factor in cybersecurity?

Yes. A reputable hosting provider adds an essential layer of protection with built-in firewalls, malware scanning, DDoS mitigation, and automatic backups. Your host plays a key role in preventing website-based attacks.

What are some early warning signs that my business has been hacked?

Unexpected password resets, slow system performance, unexplained data loss, suspicious outgoing emails, or your website redirecting visitors are all possible indicators of compromise.

How often should SMEs review their cybersecurity measures?

Ideally, every quarter or after any major system or staff change. Regular audits, security updates, and simulated phishing tests help ensure your defences evolve as threats do.

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