Data security is used to protect sensitive and confidential patient health information. The healthcare sector is affected by the myriad of cybersecurity threats and attacks. Safeguarding Electronic Personal Health Information (ePHI) against cybersecurity threats and attacks is important. This study sought to explore the security of ePHI in South African hospitals with a view to proposing a framework. A qualitative study was carried out in public hospitals using semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants of IT managers, technicians, and network controllers. The findings revealed that South African hospitals suffer from a range of cybersecurity threats, including Trojan viruses, cryptographic attacks, distributed denial of service attacks, phishing emails, password attacks, and malware attacks. The lack of security policies and poor compliance with data protection laws have been recognised as major challenges facing hospitals. The study proposes a security framework that could assist hospitals in securing ePHI by providing a set of guidelines and safeguards.

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has driven mobile applications development. As a result, in the consumer IoT (CIoT) space, any product usually comes with a smartphone application to either control, programme, or just view what is happening with the product. The IoT brings with it opportunities and challenges to consumers. For example, IoT technology makes it possible to connect all of a person’s devices to create a smart eco-system or assemblage. However, the biggest threat in CIoT is personal data security. This study utilized a qualitative narrative inquiry and Delphi technique to explore data security issues that come with CIoT assemblages and associated mobile applications in South Africa. The study established that consumers enjoy the convenience and benefits that IoT technology brings. It is concluded that for CIoT to thrive, safety is crucial, and all the stakeholders in the IoT assemblage need to ensure the protection of consumers.