Building capacity is the responsibility of the Gauteng Department of e-Government, which guarantees that Gauteng residents may easily access government services. More e-services have been made available to all Gauteng residents through the shared platform, in keeping with the province’s ICT policy.
The department has acknowledged that as the number of e-services hosted on the common platforms rises, so will the number of people accessing its systems. The Gauteng Provincial Government’s (GPG) ICT infrastructure has undergone several interventions to protect its confidentiality, integrity, availability, and timeliness. These interventions take the shape of technical solutions, business procedures that prioritize security, and human resource development.
Therefore, it is crucial that the department consider the ongoing development of the cybersecurity environment for the GPG. The GPG strategy, as well as the ICT strategic and operational plans for the same time, are in line with this cybersecurity approach. It aims to convey the fundamental guidelines that must be adhered to when safeguarding the GPG ICT environment.
This is where the role of E-Government in cybersecurity comes into play. Safeguarding Critical Data and Infrastructure. Massive volumes of sensitive data are collected, managed, and stored by the Gauteng Provincial Government. The stakes in cybersecurity are considerable, from resident records and financial transactions to infrastructure control systems. To avoid security breaches with far-reaching effects, E-Government efforts must prioritize the protection of sensitive data.
E-Government is critical in developing cutting-edge cybersecurity measures and practices to protect the province’s digital assets. Gauteng may protect its digital infrastructure against cyber threats by implementing strong encryption, intrusion detection systems, and frequent security assessments.
According to Mr. Mzi Khumalo, the MEC for e-Government, Research, and Development in Gauteng, the Gauteng government has created and is maintaining a mechanism to protect itself against changing cyber threats.
“To guarantee that our networks, data, and systems are secured and resilient, and to effectively respond to cyber threat situations. We have put robust, current, comprehensive deterrence, prevention, defense, and mitigation mechanisms in place. We have also improved our cybersecurity. This will guarantee that the government quickens and expands its digital presence among our residents”, said MEC Khumalo
The purpose of the numerous cyberattacks against modern information societies in recent years is unmistakably to compromise the efficiency of the information systems used by both the public and private sectors. As a result, the misuse of cyberspace rises to the top of the list of security dangers.
MEC Khumalo continued by saying that the Gauteng government’s strategy for protecting the GPG’s ICT environment and mitigating the escalating cost of harmful cyber activity is comprehensive and considers all of the institution’s digital and networked systems.
The foundation of GPG’s cybersecurity strategy is the assumption that there is a consistently high probability of various and changing types of cyberattacks. To achieve this, the Gauteng government has implemented technologies that safeguard its systems, deter, avoid, and reduce cybersecurity risks to the infrastructure, data, and provincial e-services/applications.
Acting Head of Department DR Darion Barclay also stated that his organization needs to make sure that the public, private, and business sectors in Gauteng have access to information and training that will prevent them from launching cyberattacks, as well as the ability to respond to such attacks and lessen the harm they cause.
The significance of E-Government in cybersecurity extends beyond its own borders. Collaborative cooperation with other local and national government agencies, as well as corporate sector partners, can increase the collective defense against cyber threats. Information exchange and coordinated responses to new threats can significantly improve Gauteng’s overall cybersecurity posture.
The Acting Head of the Department added that the Gauteng government is building a self-sustaining pipeline of talent to supply and fulfill the demands for cyber security.
“We are building a talent pipeline that will sustain itself and give us access to the expertise we need to satisfy our cybersecurity needs in both the public and commercial sectors. We are dedicated to making investments to develop an innovative digital economy in Gauteng”, added DR Darion.
SOURCED FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITE.
