Cyber security policy framework to be tabled soon

(Image: GCIS)

Leading the cluster, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe said that in the meantime, police have put in place operational measures to deal with cyber-crime management.

He indicated that several cases had been prosecuted by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) while others were under investigation.

"The reduction in cyber-crime is, however, interdependent and multi-faceted. It requires the intervention of parents in monitoring their children's online activities in order to ensure that they do not become victims of human and drug trafficking as well as other abuses."

Faster communications assist criminals

He said that the increased access to cyberspace had resulted in improved networking and instant communication through the use of social networking sites.

"Due to their popularity and instant nature, they have an undesired consequence in that they tools and platforms that accelerate criminal activities," he said.

Radebe said that the need for everyone using a cellphone to register their SIM card with the Regulation of Interception of Communication Act (RICA) was one of the ways meant to combat cyber-crime.

He said that to date, about 37 million SIM cards had been registered in accordance with the new legislation.

"This will reduce the possibility for criminals using cyber technology to plan and execute crime.

"In this way, we seek to increase the chances of their detection and enhance the quality of evidence which we will present before the courts during trial." He said.

The minister indicated that the cluster led by the police, had already begun to intensify cooperation with police services in the region and with Interpol to fight crime syndicates including cyber criminals.

Urgent need to upskill investigators, detectives

He said they were aware of the urgent need to up skill investigators and detectives in order to win the war against crime.

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has begun re-orientating itself towards ensuring an optimal balance between its security imperative and service delivery.

Substantial service delivery improvements, amongst which are increased efficiency levels and the management of key processes, especially in the civic environment (improved turnaround of IDs and passports), have been noted.

In addition, the Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the banking industry, through the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), to roll out the online fingerprint verification system in all participating banks.

"The implementation of this system will enable the banks to verify details of their clients with the Department, through the Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS).

"In this way, it will help protect South Africans against identity theft and fraud as well as the attendant corruption. It will at the same time mitigate the loss suffered by the banks and their clients," said Radebe.