AfriForum releases cyber safety guide to protect South Africans from growing cybercrime
AfriForum today launched a practical and comprehensive cyber safety guide aimed at equipping the public with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves from the growing threat of cybercrime.
The guide comes amid a sharp increase in cybercrime in South Africa, where billions of rands are lost annually to fraud and online crime. According to the guide, phishing continues to pose the greatest threat. This type of cybercrime is responsible for most of the online banking fraud, while new technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) is now making it even easier for criminals to deceive victims.
AfriForum’s cyber safety guide focuses on the most common forms of cybercrime affecting South Africans, including phishing, SIM swap fraud, banking and cellphone app fraud, investment fraud and deepfake fraud. The guide also provides practical tips for identifying and avoiding these threats.
According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, the aim of the guide is to make people resilient in a digital environment where crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
“Cybercrime affects almost every person in the country today – whether it’s through a fraudulent message, a phone call or a fake investment opportunity. What this guide tries to do is to equip people with simple, practical steps they can take immediately to protect themselves,” says Broodryk.
He further warns that cybercriminals are increasingly relying on manipulation and urgency to deceive victims.
“The reality is that most cybercrime is not committed through technical hacking but by persuading people to hand over their information or money themselves. Therefore, awareness and vigilance are your first and most important lines of defence.”
The guide highlights key habits that can make a big difference, such as never sharing passwords or one-time PINs, approaching links and QR codes with suspicion, and always verifying financial details through a second channel before making payments.
AfriForum also encourages the public to act quickly if they suspect they have become victims of cybercrime, which includes contacting their bank immediately, changing their passwords and reporting the crime to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
AfriForum will continue to raise awareness about cybercrime and empower the public with information and tools to protect themselves.
“In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, people also need to adapt their safety habits. This guide is a practical tool to make that possible,” Broodryk concludes.
