SSA Enhances Cybersecurity Measures, Announces Legislative and Strategic Initiatives

To bolster cyber security, the SSA is focused on building and strengthening its capabilities to proactively combat emerging threats.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has announced that the State Security Agency (SSA) is intensifying its efforts to counter cyber security threats in South Africa. The Minister presented the Budget Vote of the agency in Parliament on Monday.

Ntshavheni emphasized the evolving nature of cyber threats, noting that criminals are increasingly using sophisticated technologies and strategies that demand agility and proactive responses. “This requires specialized skills and coordination with various parties in and out of government. Honourable members are surely aware and concerned about the exponential increase in attacks on state ICT infrastructure, which pose a threat not only to individual targets but to the economic value chain in the services these entities provide,” she stated.

To bolster cyber security, the SSA is focused on building and strengthening its capabilities to proactively combat emerging threats. Ntshavheni highlighted the acceleration of the National Cyber Security Framework, which includes the development of a cyber security legislative framework and the establishment of integrated cyber capabilities and capacities.

With the recent passing of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill and necessary organizational restructuring, the Minister announced plans to recalibrate and enhance the National Communications Centre to be more responsive to cyber security threats. “Before the end of this financial year, we will commence with the legislative process to take the Cyber Security Bill for consideration by Parliament,” she added.

The government is also forming partnerships, both internationally and domestically, to enhance skills within the intelligence community. The Intelligence Academy is revising its curricula to focus on relevant contemporary skills and aims to achieve SAQA accreditation for skill portability. Partnerships with reputable academic institutions are being pursued to achieve this goal.

Furthermore, the Intelligence Academy is exploring the possibility of establishing itself as a data institute to serve both the intelligence sector and broader society. “Data is not only the new gold but an essential part of driving development and decision-making,” Ntshavheni remarked. Investments in collaborations for technology and data sharing with global and local institutions are seen as a transformative opportunity to leverage global expertise and address local challenges.

The SSA's comprehensive approach aims to enhance national security and resilience against cyber threats, ensuring the protection of critical state infrastructure and the broader economic value chain.