05/09/2026
MORE THAN 8,000 DATA BREACHES RECORDED IN 5 MONTHS IN SA
The Information Regulator says the real number is likely much higher because many breaches are never reported.
In only 5 months from April 2026, the Regulator received 1,220 data breach notifications. Millions of South Africans’ personal information have been exposed through security compromises.
For businesses, this is an important reminder: POPIA compliance DOES NOT start after a data breach.
Businesses handling customer, employee, supplier or other personal information should already have appropriate safeguards, policies and procedures in place; including knowing who does what when a security compromise occurs.
The Information Regulator specifically advises organisations to identify and mitigate a compromise, notify the appropriate Information Officer/Deputy Information Officer, notify affected data subjects in writing and report the compromise to the Regulator through its eServices portal.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BUSINESS SUFFERS A DATA BREACH TODAY?
HBCCS can assist with POPIA compliance reviews, policies, Information Officer requirements, breach-response procedures, operator agreements, staff awareness and compliance support.
We can assist with all your POPIA requirements.
HAYLEY BILJON | HBCCS | PRACTICAL LEGAL & COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS
Email: [email protected] or call 0614905689
