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4 crucial steps for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to bolster their cybersecurity defences

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cybersecurity

As cyber threats escalate, small businesses must act now to protect their digital assets

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 18, 2024/APO Group/ — 

A recent survey (https://apo-opa.co/3UYxSQ5) by cybersecurity firm KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com) has uncovered a concerning gap in security practices between small and large businesses. The study, which polled 2,600 IT professionals, found that 62% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not use multi-factor authentication (MFA), compared to only 38% of large corporations.

This disparity in cybersecurity measures comes as cyber threats are more prevalent than ever. With SMEs increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals, the need for robust security practices has never been more critical.

“The cost of not implementing cybersecurity measures can be far greater than the cost of implementing it,” warns Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA. She emphasises a cyberattack can lead to financial losses, legal fees, loss of customers, and even business closure. “Investing in basic cybersecurity is like investing in insurance—it’s essential to protect your organisation’s future.”

Easy targets

SMEs are increasingly falling victim to cyberattacks because of their perceived vulnerability. “Small companies often have weaker security measures in place compared to larger corporations,” Collard explains. “They might not have dedicated IT staff or the resources to implement robust cybersecurity defences.”

She adds cybercriminals are opportunistic and prefer to go after easy opportunities. “Small businesses might not prioritise cybersecurity, which makes them even more vulnerable. Even non-profit organisations, such as schools and universities, are being targeted.”

Collard cites an example of a small legal firm hit by a ransomware attack. “They had no back-ups of their critical files and their data was held hostage,” she says. “The firm ended up paying a ransom to recover their files, which was extremely costly.”

The damage extends beyond immediate financial losses. “This kind of disruption can harm customer relationships and your reputation,” Collard notes. According to estimates, ransomware attacks can lead to recovery costs that are 10 times higher (https://apo-opa.co/3Zcp0ZG) than the amount demanded by cybercriminals.

To strengthen their defence against cyber threats, SMEs should focus on these four essential strategies:

1. Know your assets and protect them

Investing in basic cybersecurity is like investing in insurance—it’s essential to protect your organisation’s future

“The first thing to do is to create an asset inventory for your organisation,” Collard advises. “You need to understand what information assets are critical to your ongoing operations and how they could be at risk. Understanding the level of risk impacts how to protect them with relevant security software and processes.”

Even though some businesses may baulk at the cost of cybersecurity, she says many measures are low cost or even free. “There is a great privacy and data security toolkit (https://apo-opa.co/4fJ1s4k) targeted at South African SMEs released by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the British High Commission, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) (https://apo-opa.co/3YLW6OI).” This tool helps with the right approach and provides access to important and cost-effective resources such as anti-malware, patch management and other critical security software solutions for SMEs.

2. Implement MFA

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) strengthens security by requiring multiple verification methods. “This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain access to systems and sensitive data,” Collard explains.

Beyond a password, MFA may involve a code from an app, a personal question, or biometric checks like fingerprints. “MFA reduces the risk of account takeovers and data breaches,” she says. “For optimal effectiveness, it should remain user-friendly, while being resistant to phishing attempts.”

3. Do regular back-ups

Another effective cybersecurity strategy is to perform back-ups of your organisation’s files frequently. “All critical data and systems should be backed up regularly and stored securely, preferably off-site or in the cloud,” Collard asserts.

This is essential to ensure your business can continue operating in the case of a cyber-attack. “It was because the legal firm didn’t back up their data that they had to pay the ransom the cybercriminals demanded.”

As well as backing up files, your organisation should regularly update software to ensure vulnerabilities are patched. “It’s also vital to have reliable antivirus software to protect your company from malware and other threats,” she adds.

4. Train your employees

Having staff who are familiar with cybersecurity best practices and use strong passwords is essential, especially given that many companies use remote workers. “Educating employees is a powerful weapon against cybercrime,” states Collard. “It means they are more likely to recognise phishing or other social engineering attempts quickly.”

She gives the example of a small e-commerce business that invested in regular employee training and implemented MFA across all its systems. “When they were targeted in a phishing attack, the employees recognised the threat and reported it, preventing any breach,” she comments. “Their proactive approach to cybersecurity saved them from huge losses.”

By implementing these four strategies, SMEs can significantly improve their cybersecurity posture and protect themselves against the growing threat of cyberattacks. “As the KnowBe4 survey highlights, there’s still much work to be done in bridging the security gap between small and large businesses,” Collard concludes. “However, with the right approach and resources, SMEs can enhance their defences.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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