African nations experienced a significant increase in cyberattacks in 2022 compared to previous years, according to recent data. Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia were among the countries that reported substantial rises in cyberattacks, with businesses in Kenya experiencing an 82% increase and those in South Africa and Zambia reporting 62% increases.
The reason behind this surge in cyberattacks is still unclear. One possible explanation could be that attackers specifically targeted consumers in these nations. However, it is crucial to consider the socioeconomic factors at play. In 2022, an estimated 282 million people in Africa were undernourished, and 113 million people across 15 African countries required urgent humanitarian assistance.
For a thriving economy, several factors such as public spending, business investment, and deregulation of businesses are essential. However, it raises questions about Africa’s ability to uphold a robust cybersecurity defense against attacks due to its fragmentation and socio-economic challenges.
Although Africa faces these challenges, financial analysts believe that the continent still holds enormous growth potential. Africa has a youthful population, with a median age of approximately 18.8 years, who are eager for gainful employment, social interaction, and greater global connectivity.
While access to information through digital means has increased among this population, there is a lack of cybersecurity education. Efforts have been made by academia and governments to improve cyber education, but some parts of Africa still lack access to electricity, making the dream of cyber education for all seem unattainable.
According to a Liquid C2 survey, Africa is currently facing a shortage of 100,000 qualified cybersecurity specialists, despite the fact that 68% of respondents stated they had either hired cybersecurity employees or worked with a cybersecurity team in the previous year. The continent currently has only 7,000 qualified cybersecurity experts, equating to one expert for every 177,000 people in Africa.
This shortage, combined with a lack of investment in cybersecurity, has contributed to the growth in the number and scale of successful cyberattacks. Research from IFC and Google states that Africa’s e-economy is expected to reach $180 billion by 2025, but the lack of security support could pose a significant threat to that growth.
Most cyberattacks in Africa are spam or phishing efforts derived from open-source intelligence, which tend to be more effective against a remote workforce that may be more exposed to attack techniques outside of traditional office work controls. The human being remains one of the most exploited threat vectors in the world.
Given the increasing cyber threats faced by African countries, stronger defense measures and all-encompassing cybersecurity regulations are crucial. Recognizing the unique vulnerabilities faced by African nations allows the cybersecurity industry to offer tailored support and solutions to bolster their defenses and safeguard their growing digital economies.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing between stakeholders will also be crucial in building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem to protect these nations from evolving cyber threats.
The rapid growth of e-commerce in Africa emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures. However, it is concerning that over 90% of businesses on the continent operate without essential cybersecurity protocols, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. This exposes African businesses to significant financial losses of over $4 billion annually.
To address this issue, financial viability and investment are key. Africa is witnessing rapid technological advancements, and secure e-commerce platforms are essential to protect businesses and customers from the detrimental impact of cyber threats. Efforts to fill the talent gap in cybersecurity through cybersecurity and managed security service providers must be accompanied by meaningful public policy, regulatory frameworks, and cybersecurity awareness initiatives.
Investing in cybersecurity is a long-term commitment that requires efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals. While the costs of cybersecurity may seem high, they are significantly outweighed by the costs of being compromised and the subsequent recovery process. Africa must prioritize increasing cybersecurity measures to reduce the incentives and effectiveness of attackers and build a secure digital environment for sustainable growth.