Implementation of a Cyber Security Policy in South Africa: Reflection on Progress and the Way Forward

Cyber security is an important aspect of National Security and the safekeeping of a Nation's constituency and resources. In South Africa, the focus on cyber security is especially prominent since many geographical regions are incorporated into the global village in an attempt to bridge the digital divide. This article reflects on current research and implementation done in South Africa with regard to a cyber security policy, and proposes future research and development of methodologies and frameworks that will enable the implementation of such a policy. The focus of this article is the use of an ontology-based methodology to identify and propose a formal, encoded description of the cyber security strategic environment. The aim of the ontology is to identify and represent the multi-layered role players and their associated roles and responsibilities within the cyber security environment. This will contribute largely to the development, implementation and roll-out of a national cyber security policy in South Africa.