Cybersecurity can also be negatively impacted by load shedding. For instance, if a business relies on backup generators or battery systems to keep the lights on during blackouts, these systems may not be able to keep the lights on for long, leaving computer systems and networks vulnerable to blackouts. This may cause data loss, system crashes, and other complications. In addition, load shedding makes it harder for enterprises to maintain their cybersecurity standards, as IT personnel may be unable to access their systems during outages.

South Africa’s infrastructure, including its power grid, may be more vulnerable to cyberattacks due to load shedding. Load shedding can cause power outages, which can disrupt operations and damage equipment. Additionally, the increased dependence on backup power systems may also create new vulnerabilities, as these systems may not have the same level of security protections as the primary power grid.

The curse of load shedding wreaking havoc on South Africa exposes the general public, particularly remote workers, to cyber security risks. The exposure occurs because power outages force these employees to seek power from a variety of sources. These include malls and coffee shops where people switch between mobile phones, tablets, and laptops across a variety of potentially unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots. This mobility increases the cyber security risks posed by all of these devices, which are frequently insecure. The exposure occurs during the work-from-anywhere (WFA) model, as a result of Eskom’s load shedding.

Here are a few protocols that businesses can put in place to mitigate the effects of load shedding on cybersecurity:

1. Backup power: Businesses should have backup power systems in place, such as generators or battery systems, to maintain power to critical systems during outages.
2. Data backup: Businesses should regularly back up their data to ensure that they can recover it in the event of a power failure or system crash.
3. Remote access: Businesses should have remote access protocols in place so that their IT staff can access and maintain their systems even during power outages.
4. Security monitoring: Businesses should have systems in place to monitor their networks and systems for security breaches, and alert the IT staff in case of any suspicious activity.
5. Cybersecurity training: Businesses should provide cybersecurity training to their employees to ensure that they understand how to protect their systems and data from cyber threats.
6. Incident response plan: Businesses should have incident response plan in place to address any security incidents that may occur during a power outage.
7. Regular testing: Businesses should regularly test their backup power systems, data backup systems and incident response plan to ensure that they are working as expected.

By implementing these protocols, businesses can minimise the risks to their cybersecurity during load shedding and ensure that they are able to maintain the integrity of their systems and data.

CIO’s and their load shedding plan

While preparing their cybersecurity strategy for load shedding, CIOs should identify and prioritise the essential systems and data that require protection, and then implement the required protocols and controls to guarantee that these systems and data are not affected during power outages. CIOs can take the following actions to prepare their cybersecurity strategy for load shedding:

1. Conduct a risk assessment: CIOs should conduct a risk assessment to identify the potential cybersecurity risks associated with load shedding, and then prioritise those risks based on their potential impact on the business.
2. Identify critical systems: CIOs should identify the critical systems and data that need to be protected during load shedding, such as servers, databases, and applications that are critical to the business’s operations.
3. Implement backup power systems: CIOs should ensure that backup power systems, such as generators or battery systems, are in place to maintain power to critical systems during outages.
4. Regularly back up data: CIOs should ensure that data is regularly backed up so that it can be recovered in the event of a power failure or system crash.
5. Implement remote access protocols: CIOs should have remote access protocols in place so that IT staff can access and maintain systems even during power outages.
6. Monitor for security breaches: CIOs should have systems in place to monitor networks and systems for security breaches, and alert the IT staff in case of any suspicious activity.
7. Train employees: CIOs should provide cybersecurity training to employees to ensure that they understand how to protect systems and data from cyber threats.
8. Have incident response plan: CIOs should have incident response plan in place to address any security incidents that may occur during a power outage.

By taking these steps, CIOs can minimise the risks to their cybersecurity during load shedding and ensure that they are able to maintain the integrity of their systems and data.