Laws & RegulationsSouth Africa Cybercrimes Act
In Forcecross-sectorAct No. 19 of 2020
Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020
Also known as: South Africa Cybercrimes Act
South Africa's Cybercrimes Act criminalizes cybercrimes and requires electronic communications service providers and financial institutions to report cybercrimes to SAPS within 72 hours. It also establishes obligations for evidence preservation and cooperation with investigations.
Jurisdiction
South Africa
Regulator
Information Regulator of South Africa
Effective
12/1/2021
Sector
cross-sector
Full Text / Summary
The Cybercrimes Act creates offenses for: (1) unlawful access to computer systems; (2) interception of data; (3) interference with data or computer programs; (4) ransomware; (5) cyber fraud; (6) cyber forgery; (7) malicious communications. Key obligations for organizations include: reporting cybercrimes within 72 hours; preserving evidence; cooperating with SAPS. The Act works in conjunction with POPIA's security obligations.