Cyber Attacks on the Rise in African Countries

The third quarter of 2023 has witnessed a rise in cyber attacks across various African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, presenting a substantial threat to both individuals and corporate entities. As we enter 2024, it is crucial for businesses and individuals to remain vigilant of the evolving cyber threat landscape and proactively implement measures to protect themselves.

According to Kaspersky, there has been a notable increase in web threats, with a 24 per cent rise in the number of corporate users impacted by web threats in South Africa during Q3 2023. However, this marks an 8 per cent decrease compared to Q3 2022. Similarly, phishing attacks have surged, particularly in Kenya, with a 32 per cent increase in Q3 2023 compared to Q2 2023. Nigeria also experienced a 12 per cent increase in phishing attacks, albeit with an 8 per cent decrease when compared to Q3 2022.

Furthermore, cyber attacks have targeted industrial control systems (ICS) computers, utilized in sectors such as energy, mining, and automotive manufacturing. In Africa, attacks were identified on 32 per cent of ICS computers during Q3 2023, with South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria being among the most affected regions. Additionally, Internet of Things (IoT) devices have been prime targets for cyber criminals, with a significant percentage of attacks occurring in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Looking ahead, Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Client Lead at Kaspersky in Africa, anticipates a dynamic transformation of cyber threats in 2024. It is expected that state-sponsored cyber-attacks will increase, and ‘hacktivism’ will become a standard practice in cyber warfare. The utilization of generative AI by cybercriminals will lead to an expansion of spear-phishing tactics, while the exploitation of vulnerabilities in mobile and IoT devices is projected to rise. To counter these threats, businesses are advised to adopt advanced technologies such as threat feeds, security information and event management systems, and digital forensics tools.

In order to shield organizations from cyber threats, Kaspersky recommends conducting regular cyber skill evaluations among employees, educating corporate users on privacy risks, implementing best practices for data protection, installing firmware updates on digital devices, and utilizing Cyber Immune solutions for IoT protection. Additionally, leveraging Kaspersky Threat Intelligence and implementing continuous vulnerability assessments are essential for effective vulnerability management.

In conclusion, the escalation of cyber attacks in African nations is a cause for concern, and it is imperative for businesses and individuals to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves from these threats. By remaining informed and adopting the recommended security measures, organizations can mitigate the risks posed by cyber attacks and ensure the security of their data and systems.