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South African Universities on High Alert as Cyber-Attacks Rise, Warn Experts

Published

4 months ago

May 7, 2025

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Cybersecurity experts are raising the alarm over a growing wave of cyber-attacks targeting universities in South Africa, urging both students and academic staff to tighten their digital defenses.

According to KnowBe4 Africa, the open and interconnected nature of university networks—especially their email systems—makes them easy targets for cybercriminals. Anna Collard, the company’s senior vice president of content strategy and evangelist, warned that institutions of higher learning are becoming increasingly vulnerable as they digitize operations and adopt emerging technologies.

“The educational institutions, both higher education and schools, are being increasingly targeted and attacked by cybercriminals,” said Collard. “One major reason is the rapid adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence, which, while valuable, also introduces significant vulnerabilities.”

Education Among Top Global Targets

A recent report from Microsoft supports this concern, naming education as the third most targeted sector for cyber-attacks globally. In Africa, where digital infrastructure is often underfunded or inconsistently managed, universities are particularly exposed.

Cybercriminals frequently exploit weak authentication systems, outdated software, and human error—often via phishing emails or ransomware attacks. With thousands of students and staff connected to university networks daily, a single lapse in cybersecurity can have far-reaching consequences.

Why Universities Are Attractive Targets

Universities hold a wealth of sensitive data—from student records and personal information to research and intellectual property. Additionally, their decentralized IT environments and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) culture can open multiple points of vulnerability.

According to Collard, many of these institutions have not updated their cybersecurity protocols to match the sophistication of modern threats. “Attackers are getting smarter, and educational institutions need to keep pace. This includes investing in security training, using strong authentication systems, and staying updated on software patches.”

What Can Be Done?

Experts recommend several key strategies to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks on university campuses:

Cybersecurity awareness training for students and staff
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all logins
Regular system updates and patches
Strong spam filters and email verification tools
Incident response plans to manage potential breaches quickly

While digital transformation has brought efficiency and innovation to higher education, it has also made universities an attractive hunting ground for cybercriminals.

As the academic year progresses, cybersecurity experts are urging institutions to act proactively—before the next attack locks down systems or leaks sensitive information.

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