There is a significant rise in cyberattacks across Africa, with South Africa being a prime target, accounting for 22% of attacks on the continent between Q1 2023 and Q3 2024. Egypt and Nigeria are also facing a considerable number of cyber threats.
A report by cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies reveals that government entities and financial institutions are the main targets for cyberattacks, with a success rate of 22%. In 2024, various organizations in South Africa fell victim to cyberattacks, compromising public diagnostic providers, trade commissions, and intellectual property records.
Hackers are using advanced persistent threats (APTs) to infiltrate organizations and stay undetected for extended periods. South Africa alone has suffered significant financial losses due to cyberattacks.
The dark web is becoming a hub for cybercriminals to share data on African government entities and sell access to company networks. Industries like telecom are also under attack, with companies experiencing disruptions and data breaches.
The interconnectedness of hackers on the dark web poses a dangerous threat, with data sharing among bad actors facilitating more cybercrimes. Companies need to enhance their cybersecurity measures to combat these evolving threats effectively.