Cyber security experts are warning students and management of Universities in South Africa to be more cautious as cyber-attacks are becoming more prevalent within such institutions.

Cyber security company “KnowBe4 Africa” says the open nature of university networks, creates weaknesses, especially in email systems.

A report by tech giant Microsoft points to education as the third most targeted sector globally, with Africa showing a great vulnerability.

KnowBe4 Africa’s Anna Collard explains some mitigation factors that could be implemented to curb attacks.

“The educational institutions, both the higher education and universities as well as schools are being increasingly targeted and attacked by cyber criminals and there are a couple of reasons for that and one you already mentioned that the increase in digitization and access to AI. All other great emerging technologies which on the one hand is important and is great and on the other hand comes with attacks and vulnerabilities.”

Cybersecurity breaches pose a significant challenge for universities, with African higher education institutions increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals.@AnnaCollard3, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist @KnowBe4 Africa, unpacks with @Lulu_Gaboo#AfricaUpdate pic.twitter.com/rQc5TWDb5Q

— Channel Africa (@channelafrica1) May 6, 2025