There are processes in place to deal with cyber security in South Africa, says the communications department.

One of these was a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), the department's chief director of cyber security Jabu Radebe told delegates at a cyber security conference in Midrand.

The conference was attended by government officials and members of the business fraternity.

A draft policy on cyber security was gazetted on February 19 by Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda.

The policy aimed to create an environment which would ensure confidence and trust in the secure use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Delegates discussed and shared their views on various aspects of cyber security, asking whether there were enough skills to deal with cyber crime.

They pointed out that the burden of funding for the CSIRT should not rest only on the government, but the private sector too.

According to the draft policy, South Africa does not have a co-ordinated approach to dealing with cyber security.

While various structures had been established, they had proved inadequate to holistically deal with cyber security issues.