Cyberattacks are no longer a “big corporate” problem they are an everyday survival issue for African entrepreneurs. South Africa experienced over 2,000 reported incidents last year, but experts warn the true number is closer to 2,000 attacks every week. Globally, the skills shortage has reached four million unfilled cybersecurity roles, leaving small businesses dangerously exposed.
To help founders close this gap, the hacker-built Subverted Academy offers affordable, practical training designed for non-experts, SMEs, and startups. Here is a 6-step guide entrepreneurs can use to defend themselves today.
1. Understand Your Real Risk (Start with Fundamentals)
More than 43% of global cyberattacks target small businesses not corporates.
Startups store customer data digitally, use cloud tools, and often lack security staff.
Action: Complete Subverted Academy’s General IT Fundamentals courses (3 are free). You’ll learn how networks, passwords, and systems really work the foundation of good security.
2. Secure Your Passwords and Accounts
Over 80% of breaches begin with weak or reused passwords.
Action Steps:
Use a password manager
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere
- Train your team: one weak password can compromise your entire business
- Subverted’s Defensive Security course teaches how attackers actually crack passwords which helps you build better defences.
3. Learn How Hackers Break In
Entrepreneurs can’t defend what they don’t understand. Swart and Spencer both seasoned penetration testers created 28 hands-on courses that simulate real attacks.
Action: Try their beginner attack labs to learn:
How phishing works
How websites get hacked
How ransomware spreads
This knowledge alone can prevent up to 70% of common SMB attacks.
4. Protect Customer Data (It’s the Law)
South African entrepreneurs must comply with POPIA, yet over 60% of SMEs admit they don’t fully understand the requirements.
Action Steps:
Encrypt sensitive data
Limit who has access to what
Store backups offline
Use secure cloud services
Then take Subverted’s Strategic Security course to learn how compliance and security work together.
5. Build Internal Skills Instead of Hiring Expensively
Cybersecurity professionals are costly, often earning over R600,000 per year, pricing SMEs out. With Subverted Academy offering full access from $8 (±R150) per month, entrepreneurs can upskill existing staff instead.
This creates long-term resilience without hiring new specialists.
6. Get Certified to Win Clients & Investors
Security is now a requirement in procurement, partnerships, and funding. Subverted Academy offers recognised certification that proves your business takes cybersecurity seriously.
This credibility can increase client trust and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Entrepreneurs don’t need big budgets to defend themselves they need practical, hacker-built knowledge. Subverted Academy gives African founders the tools, skills, and confidence to protect their businesses in a world where cyberattacks are multiplying every week.
