Hosted by What's Next · EN

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Jason Oehley, Regional Sales Manager at Arctic Wolf, about why cyber security remains the number one risk facing businesses today. With South Africa ranked among the most targeted countries globally, Jason unpacks the latest threat trends, including the rise of data extortion, the continued impact of ransomware, and how attackers are increasingly “logging in” rather than breaking in. He also explains how AI is accelerating both cyber crime and cyber defense, forcing organizations to rethink how they approach resilience. The conversation explores why cyber security is shifting from a purely technical issue to a board-level financial discussion. Jason breaks down the importance of understanding cyber risk, building continuous security improvements, and balancing prevention with recovery through cyber insurance and warranties. For businesses of any size, the key takeaway is clear: cyber security is no longer just about protection — it’s about resilience, measurable risk reduction, and being financially prepared for when an incident occurs.

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Gregory Rood, CEO of Sigfox South Africa, about the powerful but often invisible role Sigfox plays in the Internet of Things ecosystem. As a zero-G network built for ultra-low power, long-range connectivity, Sigfox enables devices to operate for years on battery while collecting and transmitting critical data. From monitoring water levels and tracking assets to managing cold-chain medicine and supporting agriculture, the technology quietly powers thousands of real-world applications across South Africa. Gregory explains how Sigfox’s nationwide network, recent infrastructure upgrades, and strong channel partner ecosystem are unlocking affordable IoT solutions for businesses of all sizes. The conversation also highlights impactful use cases in rural areas, including medical supply monitoring, wildlife safety, and water management, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurs to build locally relevant solutions. It’s a compelling look at how connected data is driving efficiency, resilience, and innovation across industries.

In this episode of What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou, Brent Petersen – Head of South Africa and Legal Lead at Easy Crypto – discusses the differences between cryptocurrency investing and forex trading. Petersen is an admitted attorney and Notary Public of the South African High Court who boasts over nine years of industry experience. In this episode of What’s Next, Petersen discusses how interest rates affect the willingness of South Africans to commit to long-term cryptocurrency investments. He then outlines the key differences between cryptocurrency investments and forex trading, before unpacking how the stigma surrounding cryptocurrency investments can be destroyed. Petersen also discusses how at a global level, people between the ages of 18 and 35 are showing an increased willingness to embrace cryptocurrency, and explains whether this is the case in South Africa. He concludes the interview by detailing the biggest opportunities for cryptocurrency in the retail space.