JOHANNESBURG - Cybercrime is a growing endemic globally. It is a crime in which the perpetrators are shrouded with a significant veil of anonymity and which affects both individuals and corporations in both the public and private sectors, respectively.
“As a result of increased internet connectivity, as well as deficient cybersecurity controls, South Africans using digital banking platforms are an obvious target for savvy cybercriminals.” “In particular, section 86 of ECTA provides that ‘a person who utilises any device or computer program mentioned in subsection in order to unlawfully overcome security measures designed to protect such data or access thereto, is guilty of an offence’.”
Simone Dickson, Director in CDH’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice, says the ECTA goes some way towards establishing rights and remedies for the offences established under it, but the legislation was passed some time ago and does not provide for a comprehensive, all-encompassing cybercrime regime. “Efforts are currently being made in South Africa for the promulgation of additional legislative measures specific to cybercrime and the protection of data.