Cybersecurity threats are escalating across Africa, with several countries prominently featured in global cyberattack rankings.
Check Point Software Technologies, a leading global provider of cybersecurity solutions known for its advanced threat prevention and AI-driven protection for networks, endpoints, cloud environments, and mobile devices, highlighted this trend in its Global Threat Index for July 2024.
According to Check Point’s latest report, Ethiopia is the most vulnerable country surveyed, with a Normalised Risk Index of 78.9, indicating high susceptibility to cyber threats.
Zimbabwe is the third most attacked country worldwide, while Nigeria ranks 19th.
Kenya and Ghana have also seen notable increases, ranking 11th and 15th, respectively, which reflects the growing cyber threat landscape on the continent.
South Africa has risen to 59th place globally in the rankings.
Other African nations in the Top 20 for malware vulnerability include Maldives (4th), Angola (5th), and Mauritius (9th).
Issam El Haddioui, Check Point Head of Security Engineering for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across African businesses and organizations. He noted that the evolving threat landscape and recent vulnerabilities, such as the CrowdStrike Falcon sensor exploit, continue to pose significant risks.
The most common malware affecting Africa includes FakeUpdates, Remcos, Qbot, Phorpiex, and Vidar.
Government/military, finance/banking, utilities, communications, and education/research institutions are particularly at risk.
