Cybercrime in Africa, particularly in South Africa, is becoming a serious issue for businesses. Phishing attacks remain the most common cyber threat, but the risks go far beyond stolen data.

Industrial sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and energy are now prime targets. Hackers are no longer just attacking financial institutions; they are targeting critical industries where a cyber breach can cause production shutdowns, supply chain disruptions, and financial losses. Many South African companies still lack proper security measures, leaving them vulnerable to attacks that could cripple operations.

In response to growing threats, the European Union has implemented the NIS2 Directive, a stricter set of cybersecurity regulations that came into effect in October 2024. While this is an EU regulation, it has global implications. South African businesses that trade with European partners will need to comply with NIS2 security standards to maintain those relationships.

South Africa does not have an exact equivalent to NIS2, but the Cybercrimes Act and Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) are key laws addressing cybersecurity. The Cybercrimes Act enforced in July 2021, criminalises cyber offenses like data breaches and hacking, while POPIA regulates the security of personal information. However, these laws focus more on cybercrime prevention and data protection rather than industrial cybersecurity. This means that businesses in South Africa, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure, need to take additional steps to strengthen their cybersecurity beyond legal requirements.

At the same time, manufacturers are turning to On-Machine solutions as a way to improve both efficiency and security. Unlike traditional centralised control systems, these decentralised automation setups provide stronger security by reducing the risk of widespread cyberattacks.

Why Cybersecurity is No Longer Optional

Cyberattacks in industrial environments do not just steal information, they can shut down production, damage equipment, and cause massive financial losses.

NIS2 aims to enforce stronger security measures and reduce these risks. Companies will be required to assess vulnerabilities, strengthen access controls, and ensure that third-party vendors also follow strict security standards. Businesses that fail to meet these requirements face significant consequences. Fines under NIS2 can reach up to 2% of global revenue, and operational disruptions caused by cyberattacks can have far greater financial and reputational damage.

South African companies may not be legally bound by NIS2 unless they do business with EU partners, but the growing number of cyber threats means that stronger security is becoming a business necessity rather than just a legal requirement.

How On-Machine Solutions Improve Industrial Security

One of the biggest weaknesses in industrial cybersecurity is the reliance on centralised control systems. It’s like putting all your valuables in one safe, if someone cracks the code, they can take everything. In a cyberattack, hackers who gain access to one system can spread malware, manipulate processes, and even shut down entire production lines.

On-Machine solutions provide a more secure alternative by decentralising control. Instead of one centralised system managing operations, automation components are placed directly on individual machines. This reduces the impact of an attack by preventing it from spreading across an entire facility. These solutions also improve security by integrating multi-factor authentication and real-time monitoring. Any suspicious activity can be detected early, giving businesses the chance to act before an attack escalates.

In South Africa, where cybersecurity investment is as rare as finding a road without potholes, On-Machine solutions provide an effective way to strengthen defences against modern cyber risks. Companies like Rockwell Automation are actively developing automation security solutions to help manufacturers keep pace with evolving cybersecurity challenges.

The Future of Industrial Cybersecurity

Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and industrial businesses cannot afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. South Africa’s cybersecurity laws, including the Cybercrimes Act and POPIA, provide a legal foundation, but they do not go far enough to protect industries from sophisticated cyberattacks. Regulations like NIS2 are raising the bar, and South African businesses will need to step up if they want to remain competitive, especially in international trade.

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