In 2024, Africa experienced a significant escalation in cyber threats, with over 131.6 million web-based attacks recorded across the continent. This marks a 1.2% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks targeting both individuals and organizations.
Countries such as Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco were among the most affected, registering nearly 20 million, 17 million, and 12.6 million attack attempts respectively.
Phishing: A Persistent and Growing Threat
Phishing attacks have emerged as a predominant cyber threat in Africa. In 2024, 66 million phishing link clicks were detected, with 14.8 million of these targeting corporate users.
The KnowBe4 2024 Phishing Benchmarking Report for Africa revealed that the continent’s baseline Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) increased from 32.8% to 36.7% within a year. This indicates that more than one in three individuals are susceptible to phishing schemes, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity awareness and training.
Expert Insight: Emmanuel Kotin’s Perspective
Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director and Security Analyst at the African Centre for Counter Terrorism, emphasized the gravity of the situation:
“The surge in cyber threats, particularly phishing attacks, is a clarion call for Africa to bolster its cybersecurity infrastructure. It’s imperative that we invest in comprehensive awareness campaigns and foster a culture of digital vigilance to safeguard our digital ecosystem.”
Emerging Threats: Spyware and Password Theft
Beyond phishing, Africa witnessed a notable increase in other cyber threats:
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Spyware: There was a 14% rise in spyware detections, indicating a growing trend of covert surveillance and data exfiltration.
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Password Theft: Detections of password theft tools surged by 26%, highlighting the escalating risk to personal and organizational data. Technext
Call to Action: Strengthening Africa’s Cyber Resilience
The escalating cyber threat landscape necessitates immediate and coordinated action:
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Enhanced Cybersecurity Training: Implementing regular training programs to educate individuals and organizations about emerging threats and best practices.
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Investment in Cyber Infrastructure: Allocating resources to develop robust cybersecurity frameworks and incident response mechanisms.
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Regional Collaboration: Fostering partnerships among African nations to share intelligence, resources, and strategies to combat cyber threats effectively.
As Africa continues its digital transformation, ensuring the security of its cyberspace is paramount. Proactive measures, combined with regional cooperation, will be instrumental in mitigating the risks and safeguarding the continent’s digital future.
