Abstract
The introduction of the internet marked a transformative shift in global dynamics, introducing new risks and altering the ways organisations and individuals operate. In the 20th century, the internet evolved into an indispensable tool, shaping the fabric of daily life. This development phase saw exponential development in the forms of robotics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Communication at both the personal and organisational levels is something for which the significance cannot be overridden. Since its invention of electromagnetic waves in the nineteenth century, communication has been made across all geographical boundaries. Telecommunication, which refers to communicating regardless of distance, has resulted in the world becoming a small, interconnected place, with development continuing to place the world equally in the age of 5G networks. While innovation and the incorporation of advanced features have been beneficiaries in the telecommunications industry, it has not occurred without accompanying risks that call for effective mitigation strategies. This study, therefore, embarks on an in-depth study of the cybersecurity competencies that are necessary to protect the telecommunications industry from an evolving threat landscape. The problem statement acknowledges the increasing cyber risks in the industry and requires bridging gaps in available skills to ensure robust cyber defences. A qualitative research design complemented by purposive sampling was used to select 15 respondents who had experience, knowledge, and understanding of the importance of cybersecurity specifically in the telecommunications industry. Through the findings, it was revealed that IT auditors play a significant role in safeguarding information security and compliance within the telecommunications industry and the evolving and dynamic nature of cybersecurity challenges faced by telecommunications companies. The results also revealed the impact of cybersecurity on customer and employee satisfaction. It is recommended that management should establish a culture of continuous adaptation and vigilance in response to changing cyber threats, ensuring that their cybersecurity measures remain effective and up to date.