{
  "id": 17909643,
  "title": "Hackers target South Africans as ransomware threat surges across the country",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/hackers-target-south-africans-as-ransomware-threat-surges-across-the",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-03T04:24:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/technology/hackers-target-south-africans-ransomware-threat-surges-across-country/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africans are being warned to remain vigilant online as cybercriminals exploit an array of tactics, from phishing scams and identity theft to deepfake technology, even after Cybersecurity Awareness Month has concluded. According to Interpol’s 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report, South Africa accounts for an alarming 92% of ransomware detections on the African continent. Cybersecurity experts attribute this surge to hackers gaining access through various means, such as stolen passwords, malware, or unpatched devices like routers and VPNs. Fortinet, a leading cybersecurity firm, has reported a sharp rise in infostealer malware, which covertly harvests sensitive information from infected devices.\n\nThe Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and the Film and Publication Board (FPB) have issued a strong warning about the growing threat of cybercrime, emphasizing that online safety cannot be limited to a single month-long campaign. They stress that online threats like phishing, identity theft, fraudulent links, deepfake incidents, and unauthorized access to personal information are ongoing concerns that demand continuous digital vigilance. The DCDT and FPB underscore that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, urging every individual who accesses and uses digital platforms to actively participate in safeguarding their information.\n\nTo mitigate risk, South Africans are advised to adopt simple yet effective measures, such as using complex passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, verifying messages before responding, and ensuring devices and software are regularly updated. Cybercriminals frequently exploit human error rather than technical vulnerabilities, making awareness one of the most potent forms of protection. The department advises individuals and businesses to enable multi-factor authentication, refrain from saving work credentials on shared devices, and prioritize software updates to minimize the risk of cyberattacks.\n\nThe DCDT emphasizes that building a secure digital environment requires the collective effort of individuals, families, businesses, schools, and institutions. They urge South Africans to understand that their actions, like not sharing OTPs, using strong passwords, and verifying information before transferring funds, can significantly deter cybercriminals. As South Africa advances its digital transformation agenda, the DCDT stresses that continued public education and responsible online behavior will remain crucial in protecting personal information and enhancing the nation's cybersecurity resilience. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, the message is clear: cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, every day. Let us transform awareness into action and collaborate towards a safer, more secure digital South Africa.",
  "summary": "Experts say ransomware attacks often begin long before ransom demands are issued.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}