South Africans already facing inflation pressure may soon feel another hidden cost burden as cyber attacks on retailers and logistics firms quietly push up the price of everyday goods and services.
As South Africans brace for potential inflation increases linked to global energy shocks, another less visible threat is quietly adding pressure to household budgets: cybercrime.
According to Richard Ford, ransomware attacks and cyber disruptions affecting major retailers, logistics firms, and supply chain operators are increasingly contributing to higher consumer prices across the economy.
While many consumers view corporate cyber attacks as isolated IT problems, Ford said the financial impact often extends far beyond the affected business and eventually filters down to the price of everyday goods and services.
“Consumers may not know the names of logistics or supply chain providers, but they feel the impact when those organisations are disrupted. A cyber incident upstream can delay goods, increase costs, and reduce availability, making cyber resilience a direct contributor to everyday affordability and economic stability,” said Ford.
