Cybersecurity – The SA Cybercrimes Bill

The Bill is due to be adopted by Parliament within the next month. Government will then prepare regulations on the application of the Act. EFSA is concerned that, as drafted, the Bill would impose heavy obligations on SMEs, including making companies that inadvertently pass on malware responsible (with penalties of fines and even criminal charges in some cases). The Bill also includes the long criticized provision forbidding the ownership of hacking software. ICT experts point out that the use of hacking techniques is the best way to test websites for security flaws. It is not the possession of hacking software but the misuse of that software which is the problem! EFSA is working with industry leaders to prepare a briefing on the legislation. We will be keeping readers informed.