Season 13 Episode 35

Lutfiyyah Ahmed on how cybersecurity readiness will define SA businesses

09 December 2025 · 21:44 min

In this episode of Business Talk, Michael Avery speaks with Lutfiyyah Ahmed, Head of Advisory at Resilient Innovations, to unpack South Africa’s escalating cybersecurity challenges. As the country becomes one of the most targeted regions globally, Lutfiyyah explains why outdated systems, weak… foundational controls, and a lack of practical security culture continue to leave organisations vulnerable. She highlights how many breaches stem from simple oversights like weak passwords and missing multi-factor authentication, and why getting the basics right is more urgent than ever.

The discussion explores the need for a true cultural shift in how businesses approach cybersecurity—moving beyond generic awareness training toward role-based education, meaningful simulation exercises, and executive-level ownership of cyber risk. Lutfiyyah also shares insights on privacy misconceptions, talent gaps, and how AI-driven phishing and deepfake attacks are rapidly changing the threat landscape. This conversation offers essential guidance for leaders aiming to strengthen resilience and protect their organisations in 2025 and beyond. Show more