Cyber Risk Self-Assessment: A 10-Point Checklist for SA Execs

South African executives face a complex cyber threat environment. It is no longer enough to delegate cyber risk to the IT department. The board needs to understand and manage this risk directly.

This 10-point checklist provides a framework for South African executives. Use it to start the right conversations.

1. Do you know your critical assets?

What data, systems, and processes are essential for your business to function? If these were compromised, what would the financial and reputational impact be? Start by identifying your crown jewels.

2. Are you compliant with POPIA and the Cybercrimes Act?

South African legislation carries serious consequences for non-compliance. Have you taken the necessary steps to protect personal information? Are your incident response plans in line with legal requirements?

3. Do you understand your threat landscape?

Not all threats are equal. Are you more susceptible to phishing, ransomware, or insider threats? A clear understanding of who might attack you and why is crucial.

4. Is cyber risk part of your board agenda?

Cybersecurity should be a standing item at board and executive meetings. The conversation needs to move beyond technical reports. It should focus on business risk and strategic resilience.

5. Have you assessed your third-party risks?

Your suppliers and partners are an extension of your business. A breach in their systems can become your breach. Have you vetted their security controls? Do your contracts address cybersecurity liability?

6. Do you have an up-to-date incident response plan?

A plan is useless if it is outdated and untested. Your team needs to know exactly what to do when a breach occurs. This includes communication protocols and legal notifications.

7. Do your employees receive regular training?

Your people are your first and best line of defence. Do they know how to spot a phishing email? Do they understand your policies on data handling and password hygiene?

8. How mature are your technical controls?

This is the IT team’s domain, but executives should understand the basics. Are your systems patched and updated? Is your data backed up and secure? Do you use multi-factor authentication for critical systems?

9. Have you tested your defences?

Penetration tests and vulnerability scans are essential. These exercises provide a real-world view of your security posture. They highlight weaknesses before attackers find them.

10. Do you have cyber insurance?

Cyber insurance is not a substitute for good security. It is a financial safety net. A policy can help mitigate the costs of a breach.

Answering these questions gives you a baseline. It shows you where your business is vulnerable. It is the first step toward building a mature and resilient cybersecurity posture.

Reach out or book a consultation. Visit: www.m-konsult.com/contact or connect with me on LinkedIn

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