South Sudan's IoT ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with over 1.2 million connected devices in 2026. However, nearly 68% of these devices are vulnerable to cyber threats due to limited security protocols and infrastructure. This surge increases the risk of cyberattacks, impacting critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and government services. Local authorities are investing approximately $15 million annually to strengthen cybersecurity defenses amid rising threats.
Despite investments, the frequency of IoT-related cyber incidents remains high, with over 1,050 reported breaches this year. The average cost per breach is estimated at $75,000, which strains the nation's limited cybersecurity resources. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires urgent improvements in device security standards, staff training, and international cooperation to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.