'Cybercrime ranks as No 1 risk in SA, overtaking long-standing issues': expert
Cybercrime now ranks as the No 1 risk in South Africa, overtaking long-standing issues including load-shedding and political instability.
According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, cyber-incidents — including ransomware attacks, data breaches and IT outages — are now the top global business risk, marking their fourth year at the top.
A decade ago, only 12% of global respondents cited cybercrime as a major concern. In 2025, that surged to 38%.
'Cyber is the top risk across North and South America, Europe and Africa, dominating industry concerns from aviation to legal services,' said Allianz.
Cell C suffered a major ransomware attack in December 2024, exposing sensitive customer data such as ID numbers, bank and medical details, and passports, which were later leaked on the dark web. Similarly, the SABS faced a ransomware attack in November 2024. By February 2025, its core systems were still encrypted — marking the third cyberattack on the organisation in five years.
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IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
City loses court case against Cell C over stadium damage
Cape Town stadium. Image: City of Cape Town THE City has lost its court bid to claim damages against Cell C over damage to the Cape Town stadium. The Western Cape High Court ruled that the debt had prescribed, and the claim was dismissed with costs. According to court papers, the issue dates back to 2015 when the City gave Cell C permission to access the stadium to install infrastructure for its customers. Cell C had contracted Huawei to do the installation work. 'On November 18, 2015, the (City) discovered extensive damage to the external façade of the stadium which was caused by a metal panel which had dislodged from gridline 50 on level 6 of the stadium and which fell on or through the façade, damaging the same. "At all material times it was (Cell C's) duty to ensure that the installation was done without any harm or damage to the stadium and inasmuch as the damage was caused by (Huawei), alternatively, the third, alternatively the fourth defendant's action, it remained the duty of (Cell C) to ensure that no damage was done to the stadium and it could not rid itself of this duty by appointing a contractor,' court papers read. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The City's main claim was against Cell C with an alternative claim against Huawei and the other sub-contractors separately, in the event that the court found that they were independent contractors and that Cell C could not be held liable for any of their actions. However, both Cell C and Huawei invoked a special plea of prescription. They argued that the cause of action arose on November 18, 2015 and that the summons instituting the proceedings was served on them after the three year prescription period. 'The (City's) claim would prescribe within a period of three years as it falls within the ambit of section 11(d) of the Prescription Act. In his opening statement counsel for (Cell C) submitted that the (City) sought to impose strict liability on it in terms of its pleaded case. This rendered the actual identity of the defendant / entity who caused the damage irrelevant. Furthermore, Cell C submitted that as the (City) discovered the loss on November 18, 2015 and served its summons on November 21, 2018, (the City's) claim against it had prescribed.' Lawyers for Huawei argued that there were no grounds on which the City could succeed. An ICS service engineer for Huawei testified and that he was responsible for the network provision. The engineer compiled a report on the day of the incident at the stadium. It was recorded that on November 18, 2015 the stadium management stated that the damage was caused by Huawei's contractors as they worked on location. The report contained Huawei's denial that they were responsible for the damage and concluded that there was no conclusive proof in respect of who was responsible for the damage. A City employee testified that while he was aware of a theory that a cherrypicker from another company could have caused the damage, 'no one placed any credibility in the theory'. He said that there was one of four entities (Cell C, Huawei and the other subcontractors) which could be liable for the damage and that he held a meeting with representatives of all four entities on November 18, 2015. However, according to court papers, the employee never asked which contractor replaced the panel and who was responsible for supervising the work on level 6.
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- The Citizen
MTN and Cell C defend high data prices
Poor users pay 80 times more than the rich, and cellular companies' explanations are not really convincing … Some are paying around R136 per gigabyte, while others pay around R1.65. Picture: iStock An analysis of cellular companies' data prices shows that prepaid users buying small mobile data bundles pay around R136 per gigabyte (GB), but those who can afford monthly subscription contracts for huge bundles pay as little as R1.65 per GB. It is reasonable to assume that richer consumers are signing monthly contracts and poorer consumers are purchasing the small prepaid bundles – and paying in excess of 8 000% more than the rich. We asked Vodacom, MTN and Cell C if it costs more to 'produce' a small data bundle than a large bundle, even though we knew what the answer would be. The difference in prices charged for small bundles versus large contracts is huge. In the case of MTN, a prepaid customer will have to pay R30 for 220MB worth of data, equal to R136 per GB. A contract customer who can afford R329 per month will get 100GB worth of data, paying R3.29 per GB. ALSO READ: Fibre, cheaper data and weaver birds: Ramaphosa promises innovation Different factors MTN says it is committed to digital inclusion and continues to take active steps to make data more affordable and accessible for all South Africans. 'Our pricing structure reflects a combination of factors, including usage patterns, volume, duration of access, and commercial sustainability,' it says. 'MTN offers a wide range of products tailored to different customer segments, including both prepaid and contract options. Prepaid pricing is often influenced by the short-term nature and smaller volumes of purchases, whereas contract customers commit to higher volumes over longer periods, allowing for discounted rates through economies of scale.' A spokesperson for Cell C offered the same explanation: 'Larger bundles – whether prepaid or postpaid – benefit from economies of scale and lower per-GB costs due to predictable usage and network planning efficiencies. Prepaid products offer flexibility for users with varying needs, but smaller volumes do come with higher proportional costs and fixed costs (per bundle, per customer) increase price points on lower data bundle allocations.' But it's difficult to agree to their argument of economies of scale, because the major, if not only, production cost is the fixed cost of large computers and network equipment. ALSO READ: Data prices likely to remain high, says EFF after spectrum auction ends Is there really a difference in what economists term the marginal cost to produce another GB, whether for a small prepaid user or a wealthier client who signs a 24-month contract? MTN says it has made substantial reductions in prepaid data pricing over recent years and continues to introduce affordable bundles to meet the needs of all consumers. 'Prepaid pricing reflects the flexibility and convenience it offers to customers who need to stay in control of their spending. While prepaid users may be more price-sensitive, they also display a 'need-now' purchase pattern. This pattern caters for convenience offers such as hourly, daily, three days and weekly data bundle to match their immediate needs. Prepaid [has] a variety of offers that are personalised based on customer spend pattern and location.' It says the cost to produce 1GB of data is not a fixed figure. 'It depends on several dynamic factors, including network investments, spectrum availability, infrastructure maintenance and customer usage trends/utilisation. 'Importantly, MTN continues to invest heavily in expanding and upgrading its network to deliver high-quality and affordable connectivity to all customers. 'On the cost differences between prepaid and contract data distribution, the fundamental infrastructure used to deliver data remains the same, but serving smaller, short-term prepaid bundles versus larger contract packages presents different cost and operational dynamics. 'Larger-volume, long-term packages benefit from scale and predictable usage, which often enables more favourable pricing.' ALSO READ: Malatsi takes action to lower smart devices and phone costs in SA Cell C data is cheaper It is noticeable that Cell C's data packages are cheaper than those of MTN and Vodacom, and it admits that there are big differences in prices for small and large users. 'We recognise concerns about pricing differences between prepaid and contract data. While this reflects common industry pricing models globally, we understand the broader social implications in the South African context. 'We continue to explore ways to narrow this gap through targeted promotions, value bundles, and contextual offers to increase affordability without compromising network overhead. Through My Connecta Deals, we provide some of the most competitive, best-value offers on the market, open to all customers, including prepaid customers. 'We have a significant base of prepaid users with exceptionally high average revenue per user [ARPU]. In many cases, this is even higher than our postpaid customers,' says Cell C. 'Prepaid is not only a product for the poor; it's a preference for a payment method by the informed and empowered, offering flexibility, control and value without long-term commitments. 'Customers across income brackets increasingly choose prepaid for its convenience, transparency, and the ability to match spend with lifestyle and usage needs.' Cell C says the cost of delivering 1GB varies and is a function of network utilisation by region, network conditions and input costs like spectrum, site maintenance and international bandwidth. ALSO READ: Capitec aims to disrupt mobile market with data that doesn't expire 'While commercially sensitive, we can assure you that we operate in a highly competitive environment and our pricing reflects a balance between affordability and the substantial investment required by our partners to expand and maintain infrastructure. 'This is particularly in under-served and rural areas where the cost to serve is significantly higher,' it adds. 'There are material differences in cost to serve between larger bundle allocation consumers, who are typically contract customers, and smaller bundle allocation purchasers, who may be prepaid consumers. Prepaid data carries additional fixed per-customer-per-bundle overhead related to payment processing, usage cycles, and less predictable network load. 'These contribute to a net higher unit cost in delivering smaller data allocation bundles. Nonetheless, we are actively working with our network partners to reduce disparities through technology and infrastructure innovation and upgrades,' according to Cell C. ALSO READ: Unhappy with your cellphone service provider? Here's the steps you can take The digital inclusion objective Moneyweb specifically asked the cellular companies about the social and economic impact of affordable data packages, given the need for access to information, education, job advertisements and participation in the economy. 'We agree that data access is a gateway to opportunity, education, and economic participation,' said Cell C. 'Our zero-rated access to educational platforms, job portals and key government services is one way we help bridge this gap.' It said it also continues 'to introduce low-cost bundles and community-driven partnerships to support digital inclusion'. 'We remain committed to ongoing pricing reviews to better support vulnerable communities while ensuring long-term viability and quality service offers. Cell's C's localised deal platform offers regionally tailored packages that aim to bridge the affordability gap and connect more South Africans to digital opportunity, showcasing the best deals by geographic location.' ALSO READ: Your data bundles could soon last longer – if Icasa has its way MTN also says that it recognises that data access is essential for education, employment, and economic participation. 'Hence [our] Bonus Bonanza that offers customers double airtime every time they recharge with R5 and more. This value is available to [the] prepaid customer only. 'Additionally, MTN has embarked on location-based offers to give differential pricing based on location. 'A good example is MTN GigZone that gives prepaid customers uncapped prepaid data service at R5 valid for 24 hours for townships and informal settlements to ensure everyone enjoys the benefit of a modern connected life.' It also said that MTN continues to drive digital inclusion through ongoing price reductions, zero-rated platforms for learning and job-seeking and innovative products like MoMo (its Mobile Money fintech offering). 'We remain committed to connecting the unconnected and ensuring that all South Africans have the opportunity to benefit from the digital economy.' Vodacom did not respond to questions. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- The Citizen
How to protect the appliances that power your life
Now that load shedding rears it ugly head again, consumers have to ensure that they protect their appliances against power surges. If you ever wonder how you would get through life without the appliances in your house, you will know how important it is to protect them. The most expensive fridge in South Africa costs a whopping R1 million, while a top-of-the-range TV could set you back even more. However, for most of us, the total value of every single household appliance we own does not even come close to this figure. ALSO READ: Power surges and insurance: How to deal with the other load shedding monsters But this does not mean that we can do without them and should not take every precaution when it comes to protecting them, Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance, says. 'Protecting our fridges, TVs and other appliances from power surges and the effects of wear and tear will help to ensure that they continue to work for years to come.' Van Vuuren warns that power surges can damage sensitive electronic components like circuit boards and processors, causing appliances to stop working altogether. Power surges are sudden spikes in electrical voltage when the power supply to your home is suddenly interrupted or switched back on, or if lightning strikes. Best way to protect your appliances against power surges The best way to help prevent power surge damage is to install a surge protection device on your home's electrical distribution board (DB), he says. 'Using one device to protect everything that has a plug makes much more sense than buying separate adapters for each plug point. Because it covers all the phases and is always on, DB surge protection removes 'user error' from the equation and will likely also work out to be more cost-effective.' Van Vuuren says when choosing power surge protection for your DB, look for a SABS-approved device and have it fitted by a qualified electrician who can provide you with a certificate of compliance. ALSO READ: Load shedding can destroy your appliances – here's how to avoid it If you want to buy a new appliance, it is important to balance quality with affordability, he says. 'Some of the less expensive brands only offer guarantees or warranties for short periods of time and there may be no technical support if some of the parts fail. He points out that there are things you can do to prevent damage from wear and tear and extend the lifespan of the appliances you already have. 'Washing machines and dishwashers will benefit from being serviced regularly and keeping their filters and water connections clean. Why maintenance of your appliances is also important 'Most of the claims for household appliances that King Price sees are for fridges and while these cannot be serviced, keeping them clean, topping up the gas and defrosting them when necessary and dusting behind them regularly will help to keep them working efficiently for longer.' Van Vuuren notes that insurers generally do not cover damage due to wear and tear and therefore regular maintenance is critical. Insurers also do not cover damage that is the result of grid interruption, making protection at the DB board a very wise move. 'Ask your insurer if it has the option of adding cover for power surge damage due to loadshedding. Most home contents policies cover lightning damage. We advise all consumers to check their policy schedules to confirm whether they have this cover and also to check their policy documents to understand the difference between 'grid interruption' and 'loadshedding'.'
