African countries have increasingly become one of the primary targets for cybercrime.
Both the private sector and government institutions are significantly affected by its consequences. Phishing attacks top the list as the most common type of cybercrime on the continent, accounting for 34% of incidents.
Limited Budgets, Limited Security
Due to limited budgets—often lower than those of developed countries—many African nations are only able to install essential software, neglecting additional security measures. Companies that seek advanced protection are required to pay extra, which creates a vulnerable environment for cybercriminals.
South Africa: The Epicenter of Attacks
South Africa stands out as the most affected country by cybercrime in Africa, with ransomware and data theft attacks being particularly widespread.
Data theft methods involve infiltrating devices and networks to collect critical information.
Major Cyber Incidents in Recent Years
In recent years, several major cyberattacks have occurred nationwide. In 2021, the entire system of Transnet was shut down. In 2023, South Africa’s two largest credit bureaus were hacked, with over $100 million in ransom demanded.
Later, the National Health Laboratory’s systems were breached, and thousands of patient records were compromised. These high-profile incidents are just a few among potentially thousands of unreported cases affecting small businesses.
Weak Legislation and Low Awareness
Experts believe the sharp rise in cybercrime is partly due to South Africa’s cybercrime laws lacking sufficient deterrent power.
The country currently has no dedicated ministers for cybersecurity or infrastructure protection. Moreover, public awareness about cybercrime remains very low.
The AI Factor: A Growing Threat
According to a report by ESET, as cyberattacks become more sophisticated, the threat is expected to worsen.
With artificial intelligence being integrated into cybercrime methods, detecting threats and protecting against them will become increasingly difficult.
A Call for Early Action
If South Africa takes early action to implement necessary measures, it could yield positive outcomes for both its citizens and government.
Stronger regulations, increased investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns are crucial steps forward.