Staff Writer
With no specific laws regulating social media use in the workplace, many Namibian businesses face growing risks of data breaches and cyberattacks. From sharing client information on WhatsApp to clicking malicious links on Instagram, unregulated activity on these platforms exposes corporate networks to cybercriminals.
The 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach report estimates the average global cost of a cybersecurity breach at US$4.9 million, showing the scale of damage cyber incidents can cause.
Criminals increasingly use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp to deploy malware, steal credentials, and access sensitive data.
Weak IT oversight and unrestricted social media use are making companies more vulnerable.
“Consumer platforms built for everyday use weren’t designed to meet the security needs of businesses,” said Allan Juma, cyber security engineer at ESET East Africa.
“Unlike purpose-built enterprise systems with strict protocols and layered defences, these tools lack the safeguards needed to protect sensitive data. The problem is compounded by a regulatory vacuum. With no specific laws governing workplace social media use, many businesses operate without cybersecurity policies for online platforms, creating gaps where risky cyber activity can easily slip past defences undetected.”
Interpol has reported a rise in both the number of attacks and their financial impact across Africa.
“Much of that cost comes down to human error,” Juma said. “AI-powered social engineering has raised the bar, making attacks so convincing that identifying them becomes more challenging every day. Employees find themselves in a constant struggle to decode what’s authentic versus what’s a trap, especially when their organisations haven’t equipped them with strong defences or taught them which warning signs to look out for.”
Rising concerns have pushed major platforms to act. Earlier this year, Meta removed over six million scam-linked WhatsApp accounts worldwide. But attackers continue to exploit weaknesses, including a recent glitch that allowed hackers to infiltrate phones and steal data.
WhatsApp remains the most used workplace communication tool in Africa, with more than 90% of employees relying on it daily, more than email or Microsoft Teams.
“Cybercriminals closely analyse what employees share on social media, client names, organisational structures, ongoing projects, and use that information to craft highly targeted phishing schemes,” Juma said.
“The ripple effect of one careless action can expose every corner of a company’s digital infrastructure, which is why robust social media governance is critical. Clear policies should guide everyone, from junior staff to executives, in understanding how their digital footprint can be exploited and what precautions to take.”
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Allan Juma
