Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 92 | Page 69

t cht lk to immerse themselves in learning new technologies and acquiring advanced competencies .

t cht lk to immerse themselves in learning new technologies and acquiring advanced competencies .

Through curated data and tailored recommendations , AI empowers professionals with the resources needed to upskill effectively , thus magnifying their expertise across various domains within cybersecurity .
By reducing the burden of repetitive tasks , AI-driven automation mitigates the risk of burnout among cybersecurity professionals .
Third-party relationships offer both risks and rewards for cybersecurity . Careful vetting and ongoing monitoring of vendors can enhance a company ' s security stance . Many third-party providers offer specialised security solutions beyond what ' s internally available , from threat detection tools to vulnerability management programmes .
Integrating these offerings strengthens defences against evolving threats cost-effectively . Additionally , these partnerships foster information exchange and collaboration , enabling companies to stay ahead of cyber risks . Despite requiring diligent oversight , leveraging third-party partnerships fortifies cybersecurity .
By vetting and monitoring third-party vendors , organisations can access specialised expertise and resources , bolstering their ability to detect , respond to , and mitigate cyber threats . This strategic approach enhances overall resilience and preparedness , making third-party relationships a powerful tool in cybersecurity defence .
Outsourcing cyber security function
As quantum computing technology rapidly advances , businesses and governments around the world are facing a looming threat to their cybersecurity . Quantum computers , with their ability to perform calculations exponentially faster than classical computers , will render many of today ' s encryption methods obsolete . This threat is expected to arrive by the end of the decade .
South Africa is no exception to this impending crisis . The country ' s cybersecurity market is projected to grow by 7.06 % between 2024 – 2029 , reaching a market volume of US $ 884.60m in 2029 . However , the threat posed by quantum computing is not yet fully recognised or addressed . computers out of reach for now . However , this does not diminish the need for South Africa to prioritise quantum security and prepare for the inevitable impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity .
Anything that relies on encryption , from e-commerce to online banking , is at risk . In Q3 2023 , phishing attacks detected for corporate users in South Africa surged by 134 % compared to Q2 2023 and by 16 % compared to Q3 2022 , highlighting the growing cybersecurity challenges businesses face .
Outsourcing IT services to a reputable provider can offer several benefits for South African businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity :
Cost savings
Outsourcing allows businesses to access the expertise and resources needed to protect against cyber threats without the high costs of building an in-house IT team .
Increased efficiency
By outsourcing non-core IT tasks , businesses can free up their in-house staff to focus on their core operations and drive growth .
Access to advanced technologies
Outsourcing providers often have access to the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies , such as threat feeds , security information and event management systems , and endpoint detection and response solutions .
Compliance and risk management
Amritesh Anand , Vice President and MD , Technology Services Group , In2IT
While South Africa does not currently have the resources to build full-scale quantum computers , the country is making strides in quantum research and experimentation . Several labs in Africa are working on quantum experimentation , however , they are not building complete quantum computers .
This is largely due to the high costs associated with the technology is estimated at over $ 100 million just for the lab facilities , putting the development of quantum
Outsourcing providers can help businesses navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity regulations and ensure they are compliant with standards like the Protection of Personal Information Act .
As South African businesses look to the future , it is clear that quantum computing will have a significant impact on the country ' s cybersecurity landscape . While the technology may not be fully developed yet , it is crucial for businesses to start preparing now . p
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