Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and trust must be built through collaboration

Cybersecurity is no longer confined to the IT department; it is a strategic imperative that touches every sector, every organisation, and every citizen. As digital infrastructure becomes more complex and interconnected, the need for trust, transparency, and collaboration across public and private domains has never been more urgent. 

Alarmingly, cyber threats continue to grow rapidly in scale and sophistication. From phishing and ransomware to insider threats and post-quantum vulnerabilities, the attack surface is expanding rapidly, and no single entity can manage these risks in isolation. The solution lies in treating cybersecurity as a shared responsibility that demands coordinated action across government, industry, and technology providers. Public-private partnerships are not just beneficial, but essential.

Connectivity without security is fragile. But when security is embedded into the fabric of digital infrastructure, it becomes a source of empowerment. This shift requires a collective mindset that prioritises resilience, information sharing, and mutual accountability.

Cybersecurity is ultimately a human issue before it is a technical one. A compromised identity can spiral into financial loss, reputational damage, and long-term psychological distress for an individual. A breach in a hospital or public service platform can disrupt lives, not just systems. As South Africa accelerates its digital public services, building citizen trust becomes as important as technical capability. People need to feel safe engaging with digital platforms, and that trust is earned only through consistent, transparent, and ethical security practices.

Government departments often face unique challenges, including legacy systems, budget constraints, and fragmented compliance frameworks. Meanwhile, the private sector leads in innovation but requires regulatory clarity and alignment. Bridging this critical gap calls for meaningful partnerships.

True public-people partnerships go beyond procurement contracts. They require co-creation, shared governance, and a long-term view of national resilience. Successful collaborations in other regions have shown that when governments provide clarity on regulatory direction, and private players contribute innovation and speed, the outcomes are transformative. South Africa can benefit from a similar model, one that aligns national priorities with industry expertise to build an adaptable security ecosystem capable of keeping pace with evolving threats.

The role of tech providers

Technology providers play a critical role in this ecosystem. By co-designing scalable, cost-effective solutions that align with public sector realities, they help modernise infrastructure and reduce vulnerabilities. These collaborations foster a more inclusive and secure digital environment, especially when tailored to the needs of underserved regions and institutions.

Compliance frameworks such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) are not just legal obligations but also trust-building mechanisms. They signal a commitment to protecting personal data, respecting user consent, and maintaining transparency.

Yet compliance gaps persist. Many organisations still fail to obtain proper consent for data collection or neglect to inform users about surveillance practices. Even home CCTV systems can pose legal risks if they lack signage and consent protocols. Harmonising compliance across sectors requires simplified frameworks, localised standards, and privacy-by-design principles.

For compliance to be meaningful, it must evolve from a tick-box exercise into a culture of responsibility. This culture begins with leadership and flows across departments, suppliers, and partners. Privacy-by-design must become embedded in procurement, product development, infrastructure upgrades, and employee training. When organisations reward secure behaviour, enforce precise accountability mechanisms, and continually educate teams, compliance becomes a competitive advantage rather than a burden.

Reshaping responses

We have already seen how advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and zero trust are reshaping organisations’ threat detection and response strategies. AI helps security teams cut through alert fatigue by identifying patterns and predicting attacks before they happen. Zero trust shifts the focus from perimeter defence to continuous verification, creating an environment where “trust nothing, verify everything” is the norm.

However, technology alone is not enough. Successful implementation depends on cultural change, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of business processes. Integrated platforms that allow endpoint, cloud, and network systems to communicate and share intelligence are essential for real-time threat response.

Many public sector organisations still rely on legacy systems that are difficult to secure and integrate, and budget limitations often prevent large-scale upgrades. A phased, strategic approach, starting with critical components and expanding over time, can help close this gap. As such, solutions should be scalable, cost-effective, and tailored to each institution’s specific pain points.

Beyond systems

It is fair to say that cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting systems; it is now also about protecting people, institutions, and the trust that binds them. As digital transformation accelerates, the stakes will only grow. From smart cities and digital banking to AI-powered healthcare and education, every innovation must be underpinned by robust, inclusive, and ethical security practices.

Looking ahead, South Africa has a unique opportunity to define what secure digital progress should look like for emerging economies. With its diverse infrastructure, rapidly modernising public sector, and expanding fintech ecosystem, the country can shape frameworks that balance innovation, privacy, and accessibility. This means investing not just in tools and platforms, but in skills, public awareness, and cross-industry cyber readiness. The next leap forward will depend on our ability to create security models that are inclusive, scalable, and built for the realities of the African continent.

Building trust through collaboration is not optional; it is essential. By fostering partnerships, aligning compliance, and embracing shared responsibility, South Africa can secure its digital future and empower every citizen to thrive in a connected world.

C. G. Selva Ganesh as Vice President and CEO for Southern Africa at In2IT Technologies.

BUSINESS REPORT