ITWeb TV: The young, the bad and the funny side of cyber

At the 2026 ITWeb Security Summit, ITWeb TV interviewed a diverse group of cyber security experts to uncover various issues facing Africa's cyber security landscape. Among them was Joe Tidy, a cyber correspondent for the BBC, who spoke about the rise of teenage cyber criminals. Tidy explained that many young hackers initially start in gaming and through cheat codes, eventually discovering hacking communities on platforms like Discord and Telegram.

He noted that some of these teenagers develop a fascination with hacking, driven by profit and the thrill of chaos. Tidy also highlighted an addiction factor, as some individuals become addicted to the process of infiltrating companies and stealing data.

Another expert, Allie Mellen, a principal analyst at Forrester, discussed the impact of geopolitical uncertainty and nation-state threats on cyber security. She emphasized the lack of regulation and standards from global bodies like the UN, particularly in the face of nation-state attacks used for geopolitical leverage. Mellen pointed out that setting standards is crucial for defining escalation points, but such efforts are often blocked by certain nations.

Tobias Schroedel, an IT security expert who calls himself a "comedy hacker," spoke about the importance of humor in cyber education and awareness. He believed that integrating humor into his interactions helped engage people who lack an IT background, making technical conversations more relatable and memorable. Schroedel stressed that his method involved creating amusing anecdotes to convey critical points rather than relying on stand-up comedy routines.

Marilise de Villiers, CEO of Roar Consulting & Coaching, addressed the mental health challenges within the cyber security field. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and creating healthier cyber security cultures to combat burnout, foster psychological safety, and empower employees. De Villiers stressed that business leaders must lead by example and foster an open reporting culture where individuals feel safe to report cyber incidents without fear of retribution.

Lastly, Zethu Lubisi, an IT strategy professional and researcher, pointed out the often-overlooked need to equip frontline workers with adequate cyber security awareness and training. She highlighted that such workers, including cleaners, security guards, and shop floor staff, are typically excluded from cyber security regulations and policies, creating a gap in the overall perimeter.

Lubisi stressed that communication strategies must be tailored to different employee tiers, ensuring that all personnel understand and follow security protocols.