Cyberspace has become a new battlefield where countries use cyberwarfare to gain power by targeting critical infrastructures like energy, transport, healthcare, and financial services. This paper explains the differences between cyberwarfare, cybercrime, and cyberterrorism to help clear up confusion about these terms. Using a theoretical research method, the paper looks at global incidents of cyberattacks, like the Ukraine power grid attack and WannaCry, as well as cases from South Africa, to show how these attacks can disrupt critical infrastructure and national stability. South Africa faces significant challenges such as limited resources, a shortage of cybersecurity experts, and weak defences, making it vulnerable to cyberwarfare. The study reviews existing legislation, such as the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework (NCPF) and the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which provide a legal foundation for protecting critical infrastructure. However, these laws require stronger implementation and action to ensure effective protection. To address these gaps, the paper proposes adopting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), which provides a structured approach to identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber threats. This framework aims to enhance South Africa’s resilience against cyberwarfare and strengthen national cybersecurity.