The CSIR has developed technology to provide small, medium, and large enterprises with software that detects network invasion at an early stage, to avoid disclosure of sensitive information and eventual loss of revenue.

Global trends have shown that cybercriminals typically attack government and private institutions with the goal of acquiring data, primarily targeting personal data and intellectual property. Experts say preventing such leaks has become the priority for institutions locally and internationally.

“The CSIR-developed Cybersecurity Early Warning System grants responsible managers a window period which allows them to take the necessary actions before the cyber-attacks reach a terminal stage. The software consists of subsystems, such as the port scan detector and the sweep scan detector that underpin the technology and enable it to function at an operational level. These subsystems give the technology a competitive advantage over similar technologies in the market,” says CSIR senior researcher Andre McDonald.

The technology is inexpensive and reliable, which makes it stand out against its market competitors. The CSIR is offering the Cyber Early Warning System to smaller businesses and industry players at a reasonable cost. One of the ways to achieve this is through careful consideration of aspects such as the use of a total cost of ownership of technology approach, which is easy to manage and maintain. The total cost of ownership refers to the initial cost of technology, the installation manpower, and the maintenance and monitoring of the software.

The technology enables the CSIR to address challenges that South African companies face and which international technologies cannot address. The system can be used in various sectors such as banking, information technology, communication, security and any organisation that handles large volumes of personal data.