As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, we must confront a pressing issue that increasingly threatens the nation’s younger generation: cybercrime.
While today’s youth are digital natives, their fluency in technology often breeds a dangerous complacency, exposing them to a spectrum of online threats, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Each day, cybercriminals refine their tactics, cunningly exploiting the habits and behaviours of young South Africans to pilfer money, data, and opportunities. Thus, equipping the next generation with the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard themselves has never been more critical.
Why young South Africans are at risk
The lifestyle of many young people in South Africa can be summarised by three terms: mobile-first, hustle-driven, and social-attached. With a reliance on smartphones for vital activities be it studying, banking, or job-hunting the digital landscape has become both an enabler of opportunity and a playground for fraudsters.
Doros Hadjizenonos, Regional Director – Southern Africa at Fortinet, explains that while youth may be exceptionally tech-savvy, they are often unprepared to deal with the consequences of their online behaviours. He warns that the convenience of mobile technology leads to a more relaxed approach to online security, a potential boon for cybercriminals.
Common cyber threats targeting the youth
- Scam giveaways and fake scholarships: Popular platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok are rife with scams luring users into ‘winning’ prizes by sharing sensitive information or ‘applying’ for fake scholarships.
- Job recruitment fraud: Unscrupulous fraudsters deceive hopeful graduates with fake interviews and request upfront ‘admin fees’ or identity documents for further exploitation.
- Mobile wallet fraud: Tactics such as SIM swap attacks and counterfeit payment confirmations can lead to immediate and unrecoverable financial losses.
What can we do to protect South Africa’s digital generation?
For youths themselves: Build your digital defences
- Create unique passwords for every app and utilise two-factor authentication. While it may feel tedious, it is vital for safeguarding personal information.
- Download apps only from official stores and scrutinise reviews beforehand.
- Enhance privacy settings on social media to limit oversharing. Always verify connections and be wary of unknown profiles.
For parents: Don’t just monitor, guide
- Initiate open dialogues about online safety, allowing children to approach you without fear of judgement.
- Set up parental controls transparently, explaining their purpose and necessity.
- Teach critical thinking—emphasise that not every direct message or link is legitimate.
For employers: Secure your youngest hires
- Assume the risks posed by Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies are significant, and implement tailored protections accordingly.
- Integrate cybersecurity training into onboarding processes for interns and junior staff, ensuring they understand secure practices rather than simply enforcing them.
- Recognise that young employees may be more susceptible to social engineering than their senior counterparts.
Collective responsibility, shared resilience
As Hadjizenonos aptly puts it, ‘We cannot expect our young people to fend off cybercriminals alone.’
Building a future-ready workforce requires embedding cybersecurity awareness in homes, schools, and entry-level positions. By empowering South African youth to defend themselves online, we protect not only individuals but families, communities, and the very fabric of our economy.
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Picture: Supplied
