"It feels more sexy and interesting to fend against the assailant from the outside rather than face the possibility that the guy in the next cubicle is ripping off corporate data, " said Mr Rowney.

BBC: Malicious insider attacks to rise

Yes, there are legitimate domestic asset-protection schemes (see box, p. 60) to fend off ruinous legal awards against doctors hit by medical malpractice claims, executives by shareholder suits, spouses by divorce.

FORBES: Where Did the Money Go?

The ebullient Mr Zuma, soon (it is said) to marry his sixth wife, is struggling to fend off a string of charges against him for corruption and tax evasion.

ECONOMIST: South Africa