With the current crisis of cyber-attacks and data breaches or leaks, we are faced with low rates of cyber security vigilance and high cybercrimes. Every enterprise is challenged to constantly back up their cyber security system to protect their database and information systems to avoid these data leaks and cyberattacks.

Menny Barzilay, Head of IT Audit of Bank Hapoalim described Cyber Security as “the sum of efforts invested in addressing cyber risk, much of which was, until recently, considered so improbable that it hardly required our attention,” in an article on ISACA’s Knowledge Centre. When we further define cyber risks, which is the loss or harm of information due to a cyberattack or data breach, we then see the need of efficiently protected information systems.

Data or Personal information is an extremely valuable commodity because when in the wrong hands, it is used for financial benefits by cyber criminals who participate or gain information from data breaches. The cyber criminals take the data and sell it and in return make a lot of money out of the whole data breach.

In a radio interview Mr Sizwe Snail ka Mtuze, Director of Snail Attorneys and Lex-Informatica, said “Your ID number is so Important because it identifies you, your birth date, your race, your citizenship and whole lot of other things which could be used for an unlawful purpose”, when asked why information like a person’s ID number is so important to these cyber criminals. Anyone or any organisation with confidential information in their possession is a target. How would an organisation know whether they are ready? Whether they have the enough information security? the reality is that these cyber criminals are getting smarter and more advanced in the techniques they use.

According to an article on Fin24.com, “Without a fully functional Information Regulator, these breaches will continue to occur without sanctions provided for in the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)”, said Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the information Regulator of South Africa . Which is why organisations and individuals need to be in the business of effectively educating themselves on cyber security vigilance, cybercrime trends, data breaches and cyber law.

What are we doing as organisations to protect ourselves? What measures are we taking? What legal implications are there regarding such incidents? The assumption that cyber vigilance is the primary function of only IT, Legal, Compliance, Risk or Information Management in organisations is where the loophole in our information security is found.

Lex-Informatica SA Cyber Law and ICT workshop is focused on equipping people with necessary skills and education to guard against threats in their workplaces, homes and IoT devices.
Date: 13th and 14th September 2018
Venue: Durban Country Club
Theme: "The advancements of Information and Communication Technology Law - Cyber Law: Techniques, Risks, Legal implications and Emerging trends"
Book your seat here to be enlightened on the reality, cost and possible threats of cyberattacks to your business, personal data and other interconnected devices.

For more info please contact Ms Paballo Mokake on:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Telephone: 0127702312

Event organiser Kinetic has confirmed that industry-giant Performanta has signed on as platinum sponsors for this year’s anticipated 6th edition of their successful flagship event; the IT Leaders Africa Summit.

The event, taking place from 18 - 19 March 2015 at The Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg, is set to go beyond your usual routine business conference, evolving to deliver on a more exciting, topical, trendy and current platform, utilising both the latest technologies coupled with the latest in conference trends internationally.

Together with Performanta, the event aims to deliver an expert-lead agenda that features an educational conference program backed by the latest in technology workshops and demonstrations. 

Performanta’s workshop; Safeguard your organisation now, your wallet will thank you later; focuses on measuring your organisation against the industry on 10 information security and privacy measures, derived from real-world assessments.

Performanta Consulting was established by Anthony Olivier 4 years ago, aligning information security consulting services to the Performanta Technology & Services stable. Performanta Consulting has provided services to primary South African banks, insurance companies, brokers, mining companies, service and retail organisations. Their key differentiator: senior, qualified, experienced consultants, integrated frameworks and fair pricing. Furthermore, the team has assisted in addressing security problems in seventeen African countries and has a thorough understanding of the continental landscape.

As thought-leaders in the industry, they are amongst the most active South African participants in industry conferences, blogs and podcasts.An expert-led advisory panel will lead the summit with industry giants Robert Sussman, co-founder and joint-CEO of Integr8; Hugo Timmerman, Head of IT Southern Africa at British American Tobacco; and Tunde Coker, MD of Rack Centre (A Jagal Group Company).

The event also features over 35 speakers, keynotes, panel discussions and numerous educational workshop sessions hosted by key industry providers, all sessions led by some of today’s most notable individuals who are shaping the IT landscape in South Africa and beyond.

Speakers, just to name a few, include; David Visser, CIO of Coca-Cola Southern Africa; Anthony Hlungwane, Group IT Director of Mr Price Group; Sal Laher, CIO Eskom; Rocky Gwewera, Global Head of Infrastructure Architecture at Sasol; Stephan Ekbergh, CEO and founder of Travelstart; and Sunil Joshi, MD and CEO of Neotel.

Some sponsors and partners include; Telkom Business, HP, Performanta and Blue Coat Systems, SITA, Airwatch, Kofax, Dimension Data, Neotel, Meso Systems, Sage Pastel Accounting and ERP Africa, and Blackberry.

For more information on the event to register to attend or to sponsor, visit www.itleaders.co.za or contact the event organisers Kinetic on +27 21 180 4700.Follow the event and stay up to date on Twitter. @ITLeadersAfrica and join in on the conversation using #ITLAfrica.

{pp}Two weeks ago our minister of Education, Naledi Pandor, suggested that three year degree and Diploma programmes be stretched to four years, instead of three.

There are many reasons to disagree with this thinking.