Virtual Discussion: The future of data privacy and cybersecurity

Solving complex security problems in the cybersecurity space

The University of Johannesburg held a virtual discussion on the future of data privacy and cybersecurity earlier this month. The event kicked off with a welcome address from the Head of the Department of Applied Information Systems at UJ,  Dr. Stella Bvuma, and an address by the President of the UJ Alumni Convocation, Prof. Boitumelo Diale.

“We all know cybersecurity and data privacy is something that is a thorn in the flesh for many organisations and us as individuals who participate in the digital space,” said Prof. Bvuma.

Prof. Boitumelo Diale said the alumni of the university are important because it is through them and their voice that the University of Johannesburg is on both the national and global map as a university of choice.

She said they as the UJ Convocation are looking forward to opening their first ever Alumni House at the university.

“We are excited that this is going to be a space where we all can come together and share ideas on how to take the generation that comes after us forward,” she said.

Director of the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Prof. Mercy Mpingangira came in with her address and said with the permission of technology, every aspect of life and every discipline of study, privacy and cybersecurity are matters of universal interest and concern.

She said in her recent research on shopping applications, she was alarmed to learn of real life takes of shopping apps that show that 80% of the shopping apps that people use fail to receive a passing privacy and security grade because they do not properly secure the communication that goes on there, especially the communication of the safety of data.

“This is likely to be the case when you analyse any app, be it in health, teaching, and learning. When you look at developments in the modern age powered by Artificial Intelligence, the future capabilities of the devices that we have make part of our everyday lives are an imagination away. Issues of cybersecurity and privacy are evolving issues as they are matters of survival and success in the modern age,” she said.

Natalie Naidoo, a consultant in the Information Security team at the largest credit bureau in South Africa, Transunion Africa, also gave a presentation and said women often feel intimidated to join field but with the right mentorship, success can be achieved.

The keynote address was given by Advocate Lufuno Khorommbi, a Data Privacy and Legal Professional, who noted that more work needs to be done in terms of the protection of data cybersecurity.