Aligning data privacy regulations with cybersecurity resilience in South Africa

Abstract

Cybersecurity threats pose a growing challenge for organizations in digitally dependent economies, with South African organizations facing increasing incidents of data breaches and ransomware, among other threats. This study investigates how organizations can enhance cybersecurity resilience by aligning data privacy regulations with business resilience strategies. A quantitative survey of 201 professionals across multiple industries in South Africa was conducted, guided by Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT), and Resilience Theory. Analysis revealed that while organizations perceive the severity of cyber threats, internal threat perception alone does not drive innovation. Instead, external regulatory and institutional pressures emerged strong driver of cybersecurity innovation, which in turn strengthens cybersecurity resilience. Based on these insights, a Cybersecurity Resilience Model was developed as a defence mechanism against cybersecurity threats and attacks.