76   No. 39475 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 DECEMBER 2015 NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR SOUTH AFRICA media and telecommunications companies in Estonia demonstrated the vulnerability of a society's information infrastructure as an aspect of national security that needs attention in all countries. There are views that Internet is becoming more and more militarized. The problem is very specific to malware being distributed through terror groups. 1.4 The recurrence and growing incidence of cyber-attacks indicate the start of a new era in which the security of cyberspace requires a global dimension and the protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure must be elevated, in terms of national security, on par with traditional defence interests. 1.5 National Cybersecurity is a broad term encompassing many aspects of electronic information, data, and media services that affect a country's security, economy and wellbeing. Ensuring the security of a country's cyberspace thus comprises of a range of activities at different levels. Towards this end, the most important policy domains include reducing the vulnerability of cyberspace, preventing cyber threats and attacks in the first instance and, in the event of an attack, ensuring a swift recovery of the functioning of critical information systems. 1.6 Thus, a Cybersecurity strategy must appraise the vulnerability of a country's critical information infrastructure, devise a system of preventative measures against cyber-attacks, and decide upon the allocation of tasks relating to Cybersecurity management at the national level. Moreover, it is also important to improve the legal framework against cyber-attacks, to enhance international and institutional co-operation, and to raise public awareness and develop training and research programmes on Cybersecurity. 1 .7 The above threats necessitate a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach in dealing with cyber threats. In short, a Cybersecurity culture, driven in main by the State, is critical to ensure that citizens take advantage of the information age, whilst remaining conscious of the threats and vulnerabilities of cyberspace. The NCPF recognises the need to balance, on the one hand, the risks associated with the use of information systems and, on the other hand, the indispensability of extensive and free use of information technology to the functioning of open and modern societies. The growing threats to Cybersecurity should not hinder the crucial role of information and communications technology in stimulating the growth of economies and societies. 1.8 In response to the above challenges, Governments worldwide have established policies and structures that govern interaction and collaboration between Government, private sector, academia and civil society in an effort to prevent, react to, combat and mitigate Cybersecurity vulnerabilities and attacks. 1 .9 The NCPF recognises that the State is charged with implementing a Government led, coherent and integrated Cybersecurity approach which, amongst others, will: 11 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za