As Namibia marks Worker’s Day, attention must also turn to a threat that continues to grow quietly behind the scenes: ransomware. These attacks are no longer just technical disruptions. They’re a direct threat to job security, business continuity, and the well-being of employees across all sectors.

Ransomware works by locking companies out of their systems until a payment is made. In the meantime, operations grind to a halt. Employees may be unable to work, lose access to salaries, or find their personal information exposed. The impact is especially severe for small and medium-sized businesses that may not recover.

Namibia has seen a spike in these attacks, with several organisations targeted in recent months. Current research shows that nearly two-thirds of ransomware attacks are delivered through phishing emails.

Weak endpoint protections, outdated systems, outdated software, and a general lack of internal cyber awareness continue to create major gaps that criminals exploit. Too many businesses think installing antivirus software and network protection is enough. But without regular staff training, they’re leaving the door wide open.

Staff training is often overlooked, but could be argued to be the most critical. The majority of attacks target humans. Many could have been avoided by setting a strong password and avoiding clicking on unsafe links. Phishing simulations, password hygiene campaigns, and security awareness workshops are not just IT nice-to-haves. They are labour protections in the digital age.

Cybersecurity is no longer the job of IT departments alone. Every employee plays a role in defending their workplace. It’s time we stop treating cybersecurity as a back-office issue. Cyber resilience is employee resilience.
Worker’s Day is a reminder of the value of Namibia’s workforce. Keeping that workforce safe includes protecting them from digital threats. This is not just a technical issue — it’s a labour issue. In today’s world, a secure business is one that invests in both its people and its digital defences.