FEATURE: EDUCATION CYBERSECURITY
“ This can’ t be a top-down imposition,” he added.“ People need to understand why security matters and how it protects what they value.”
Embedding cybersecurity into Digital Transformation
Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought in Digital Transformation efforts at Wits – it’ s a foundational pillar. Mogotsi is involved from the outset of any new project led by the CIO or other departments, ensuring risks are assessed early and mitigated before systems are deployed.
“ If you involve security at the end, we become the bottleneck. That’ s not the reputation we want,” he said.“ I’ ve raised my hand and said: bring us in from the beginning.”
This approach extends across departments and faculties. As teaching and learning increasingly move onto digital platforms, Mogotsi ensures alignment between academic innovation and institutional security policies. Cross-functional working groups help identify gaps and set shared priorities. The cybersecurity budget is discussed openly with other stakeholders, tying investment decisions to broader institutional goals.
The talent tug-of-war
One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of cybersecurity talent across the public sector.“ We’ re a public university,” Mogotsi said candidly.“ We can’ t match the salaries that banks or big tech firms offer. When our staff are poached, we can’ t compete financially.”
To adapt, his team focuses on upskilling internal talent, especially in areas like AI and threat detection. Managed SOC services fill some of the remaining gaps. But Mogotsi is also thinking long-term.
He’ s begun advocating for a collaborative national approach that draws from the student pipeline.“ Why
WE DON’ T WANT SECURITY TO BECOME A BARRIER TO LEARNING.
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