Communications minister Yunus Carrim inaugurated the National Cyber Security Advisory Council (NCAC) on Tuesday.

“The role of the NCAC would be to advise the government on cyber security policy and technical issues,” the department said in a statement.

Cabinet passed the national cyber security policy framework in March 2012 in terms of which the NCAC was established.

Carrim said the policy framework sought to co-ordinate government’s activities on cyber security and also ensure more effective co-operation between government, the private sector and civil society in tackling cyber security threats.

“With the increasing number and sophistication of cyber security threats, including online scams, data theft and other threats, the role of the NCAC has become more important than ever.”

He stressed that cyber security was a shared government responsibility and that several relevant departments would also be consulted regarding the advice given by the NCAC.

The NCAC members are Barend Taute, chairman, Ritasha Jethva, deputy chair, and Sizwe Snail, Collen Weapond, Mark Heyink, Tana Pistorius and Khomotso Kganyago. — Sapa