Galeboe Mogotsi, CISO, Wits ICT

ICT is the backbone of modern, higher education, serving students, faculties, and the spectrum of professionals working at a university.

According to the University of the Witwatersrand’s (Wits) CISO, Galeboe Mogotsi, AI has transformed the way universities operate, saying: “While AI has been around for years, the rise of GenAI has amplified its impact. It offers tremendous value —enhancing research, personalising learning, and streamlining workflows. However, it also introduces new risks.

“My role is strategic and centred around keeping the ICT backbone safe, through cybersecurity, risk management and business enablement. “As universities adopt emerging technologies, they must also reinforce cybersecurity measures to protect data and maintain compliance. At Wits, focus is on building resilience, strengthening both on-prem and multi-cloud infrastructure security, including legacy systems, and ensuring alignment with regulations like PoPIA.”

Mogotsi says universities are lucrative targets for threat actors saying from the time a student applies for admission, they are at risk. “We have some 40 000 students and around 5 000 staff members and we need to instil a cybersecurity culture across the spectrum of those interacting with the university. The internal threats such as social engineering attacks, vishing and phishing scams — whether through compromised accounts, devices or social media, are constant challenges. We have to build a human firewall, making cyber-consciousness fashionable.

“It’s a balancing act. As a public university, Wits faces financial limitations. Cybersecurity is crucial, but we must be smart about spending. We take a cost-optimisation approach, towards ensuring we meet cybersecurity needs within budget.” Other challenges include evolving regulatory requirements, political uncertainties, and the ongoing struggle to attract and retain cybersecurity talent. Yet, Mogotsi sees challenges as opportunities, saying: “With the right investments and knowledge, we can mitigate risks and build a more secure digital environment.

“Digital transformation is reshaping education, and effective technology leadership is key to navigating this shift. Beyond IT, cybersecurity is a business enabler. Universities must integrate security into every aspect of their ICT operations.”

Mogotsi believes digital transformation has the power to improve service delivery for companies and countries. “Technology can drive efficiency and innovation, but we need leaders who understand its potential and champion its adoption.” Collaboration is also crucial.

Mogotsi highlights the role of industry partners, such as MTN, which helps provide data access to students and supports initiatives to zero-rate educational platforms.

“We need more partnerships like these to ensure students can access education securely and affordably.”

For students and young professionals interested in cybersecurity, Mogotsi’s advice is simple: “Be intentional and take action.

“Engage with industry leaders, join mentorship programmes, and take advantage of free online courses,” he says. “If you can, invest in certifications, contribute to open-source projects, and develop both technical and business skills.

“Networking is as important as technical expertise. Build relationships in the industry, refine your personal brand, and stay adaptable. Leadership in this space requires data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

“What motivates me is the desire to close cybersecurity gaps, mentor the next generation, and create a safer digital environment for all. At Wits, the goal is to foster a culture where cybersecurity is second nature.”

By embedding security into the university experience, Mogotsi and his team are setting a precedent for institutions across the world. “In the digital age, the safest universities will be those that don’t just teach cybersecurity but live it.”

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