Africa’s largest tech hubs, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya were ranked in the top 100 for global cyber threats. This is according to a recent data report presented at the 2023 GITEX event by Kaspersky Security Network (KSN). The report revealed that Nigeria currently ranked 50th worldwide for online threats. South Africa ranked 82nd while Kenya found itself as one of the African countries with the most threats, ranking 35th.
Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern for nations worldwide especially in the digitized world we live in today. Although, this is a worldwide challenge, developing countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, often find themselves particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, making them prime targets in the online threat landscape.
This could be as the security measures in developing countries are not as robust as they are in other parts of the world.
According to the security company’s report, South Africa experienced 106,000 backdoor and spyware attack attempts in Q1 2023, Kenya encountered a peak of 143,000 similar attacks. Notably, Kenya saw exploits as the dominant attack form, with 177,000 incidents blocked. Also, the report highlighted that 8.7% of African users encountered phishing attacks in 2022
In the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity, various forms of cyberattacks and threats pose significant risks to individuals and organizations. From malware and phishing to brute force attacks and spoofing, the threat landscape is vast and constantly evolving.
Threats to critical infrastructure, financial institutions, government entities, and service providers have predominated the cyber threat landscape over the past year. We have witnessed different threat actors target various businesses across industries.
This recent report by Kaspersky sheds light on a particular growing concern: the surge of zombie machines infiltrating connected devices and turning them into agents of cyberattacks. By infecting devices, zombie machines contribute to the proliferation of botnets, posing significant risks to individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
A Zombie is a malicious program that is installed on a device that transforms it into a “zombie” that attacks other systems.
Drawing from Kaspersky’s report, the article highlights the scale of the zombie machine threat in South Africa and Kenya. It reveals that an alarming 1.6 million zombie machines have been detected in South Africa to date, indicating the magnitude of the issue. Similarly, Kenya has recorded 300,000 zombie machines, raising concerns about the cybersecurity landscape in the country.
The report highlights ransomware attacks as a significant type of cyber threat. As the African economy undergoes digital transformation, new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit are emerging with equal intensity.
According to SEACOM, South Africa stands out as the most targeted African country when it comes to ransomware and business email compromise. These attacks pose a threat not only to individuals but also to businesses, emphasizing the need for heightened cybersecurity measures to protect against this growing menace.
Threats to critical infrastructure, financial institutions, government entities, and service providers have predominated the cyber threat landscape over the past year. We have witnessed different threat actors target various businesses across industries.
Precaution for individuals and businesses against cyber threats and attacks
Businesses should consider leveraging advanced technologies such as threat feeds, security information and event management systems, endpoint detection and response solutions, and tools with digital forensics and incident response features. It is vital to understand that cyber security measures are an ongoing endeavour – and that there is no universal solution to secure a corporate network or data. – Dr Amin Hasbini, Head of the Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) for META at Kaspersky
To effectively safeguard against attacks, malware, and cyber threats, individuals must prioritize equipping themselves with cybersecurity knowledge. This includes staying updated on the latest trends and developments in the cybersecurity space.
Also, individuals should adopt strong passwords or utilize account manager tools for enhanced security. It is crucial to exercise caution and avoid engaging with suspicious links and attachment files that may potentially compromise cybersecurity.
By taking these proactive measures, individuals can better protect themselves and their digital assets from the ever-present risks in the online world.
Source : Technext24
