South Africa’s economy loses R2.2 billion per annum to cybercrime according to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
In response to this growing threat, Exporters Eastern Cape recently hosted a Cybersecurity Crisis Simulation Workshop in Gqeberha to educate business leaders and staff on how to identify, manage, and respond to cyber threats effectively.
Local cybersecurity experts from KPMG’s Technology Risk Division, Gustav d’Assonville and Manesh Purshotam, shared insights on the evolving nature of cyberattacks and the need for robust defence mechanisms.
D’Assonville said ransomware remained one of the biggest cyber threats organisations faced, regardless of size. And artificial intelligence has accelerated the sophistication of attacks, particularly through AI-driven impersonation tactics that can deceive even experienced professionals.
“Cybercriminals often breach companies to access sensitive data or compromise their supply chains,” said D’Assonville.
“Currently, about 10% of ransomware victims are reported to pay the ransom, although the true number can be much higher. Our goal must be to bring that down to 0%. The only way to achieve this is by being adequately prepared.”
Purshotam facilitated a hands-on crisis simulation, guiding participants through real-world cyberattack scenarios and possible response strategies. The interactive session helped business owners understand how to detect vulnerabilities, assess risks, and implement immediate countermeasures.
Additionally, the presenters shared strategies for developing cybersecurity readiness plans. These included response and recovery protocols, effective communication tools during a breach, and purpose-built defence strategies.
Exporters EC Chairman, Quintin Levey, said it was important for organisations to collaborate and share learnings to combat cybercrime.
“Cybersecurity is not an IT problem – it must be seen as a business risk. Education and awareness are our best defences. Businesses must learn not only how to recover from attacks but also how to prevent them through proactive strategies and information sharing.”
Exporters EC is a networking and knowledge-sharing organisation that brings businesses together to address common challenges and explore growth opportunities. The event was hosted at Wirk, the software division of S4 Integration.
