Cyber Threats Loom Large in Africa

Africa’s rapidly growing internet penetration has made it an attractive target for cybercriminals, who are taking advantage of weak defenses to launch attacks on banks, healthcare providers, and other critical infrastructure.

The Growing Concern

International cybercriminal syndicates have been targeting Africa due to its relatively weak cybersecurity defenses. In October 2020, Uganda’s telecoms and banking sectors were hit by a major hack, resulting in the theft of an estimated $3.2 million. Similarly, South Africa’s second-largest hospital operator, Life Healthcare, was paralyzed by a cyberattack in June 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ransomware: A Significant Threat

Ransomware is a particularly significant threat to African organizations, with international syndicates often behind these attacks. “It is not clear if organisations in South Africa pay up in the face of this kind of attack; if they do, they keep it undercover,” says Boland Lithebe, security lead at Accenture.

Banks Under Siege

Sub-Saharan African banks are especially vulnerable due to a lack of qualified technicians and investment in cybersecurity. According to Dataprotect, more than 85% of West African and Central African banks have already fallen victim to cyberattacks, with bank card fraud and phishing being among the most common tactics used.

The Problem Will Only Get Worse

Experts warn that the problem will only get worse as internet penetration grows in Africa. The region is experiencing rapid growth in e-commerce, with many citizens using digital platforms without adequate awareness of the risks involved. “The number of cybercrime victims in these countries are the highest in the world,” says Professor Basie von Solms of the University of Johannesburg.

A Lack of Regulation

Only 13 African countries have ratified the African Union’s Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, also known as the Malabo Convention. By contrast, eight African countries have national cybersecurity strategies in place.

The Future Looks Uncertain

The cyber challenge will only intensify in Africa as the region becomes more connected. Facebook and Google are investing in new subsea fibre-optic cables that will bring significant bandwidth to African countries by 2024. This will transform digital connectivity on the continent and create new opportunities for cybercriminals.

A Call to Action

To address this growing threat, experts say that governments must prioritize national awareness campaigns and work with private enterprises to improve critical infrastructure systems. The public sector also needs to invest in cybersecurity education and training to empower citizens to protect themselves from cybercrime.