Cybersecurity attacks have rose by 30 percent globally in the second quarter of 2024, with Africa affected the most, according to the latest report by Checkpoint Software Technologies Limited.
CheckPoint said Africa recorded the highest average weekly cyber-attacks per organisation in Q2 2024, with an average of 2,960 attacks, marking a 37 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
These attacks were most prevalent in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. South Africa recorded an average of 1,450 weekly attacks per organisation, marking a 4 percent year-on-year increase. The country is also home to Qbot and FakeUpdates (SocGholish), the most prevalent malware affecting African organisations.
The cybersecurity platform further revealed that Africa saw a reduced level of ransomware as the continent only accounted for 1 percent of global ransomware attacks in Q2 2024, marking a 55 percent reduction from last year’s figure.
Other regions attacked include Latin America, which saw the most significant rise, with attacks increasing by 53 percent year-over-year to an average of 2,667 per week. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region followed with a 23 percent increase, highlighting the global spread of cyber threats.
Experts noted that the rise in cyberattacks has been driven by increasing digital transformation and sophisticated cybercriminal techniques, including AI and machine learning. According to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), increased digitalisation has escalated cybersecurity risks.
The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) projected an increase in cybersecurity threats involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2024.
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The body said, “In 2024, Nigeria is poised to continue facing the challenge of impersonation scams. These scams involve creating fake websites and social media profiles, using the names and images of well-known figures to deceive the public.”
Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer, Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, said, “While generative AI can enhance cyber security, it can also introduce potential vulnerabilities and risks. There is a need for businesses, governments, and society to proactively address the possible risks, regulate the ethical use of generative AI in cybersecurity, and establish robust governance frameworks.”
CheckPoint highlighted that the most attacked industries were education, with 3,341 attacks weekly, followed by government and military, with 2,084 attacks weekly, and healthcare, with 1,999 attacks weekly.
The cybersecurity platform advised that an enhanced security posture would improve and reduce the chances of heightened attacks in the coming years.
It added, “The dramatic rise in cyber-attacks globally, particularly ransomware incidents, signals an urgent need for robust cybersecurity frameworks. Organisations must prioritise cybersecurity, adopting customised strategies to effectively combat the evolving threat landscape. By implementing advanced security measures, fostering a culture of awareness, and preparing for potential incidents, businesses can better defend against the relentless tide of cyber threats.”
