Africa is now very susceptible to cyber attacks, this is according to Check Point Software Technologies. The company revealed that Africa now has a normalized risk index of 95.4.
This, it stated indicates a high level of cyber threats. It disclosed that Zimbabwe leads the pack – ranking 2nd as the most attacked country globally.
The country is followed by Ethiopia at 92.6 ranking 3rd globally, and Kenya at 69.4 ranking 10th globally.
According to the cybersecurity firm, this reflects the need for heightened cybersecurity measures. It maintained the need for proactive defence strategies to mitigate the ever-evolving threat landscape.
This was contained in a statement by the Check Point Security engineering manager, Africa, Issam El Haddaoui.
He stated, “In light of these statistics, organizations in Africa must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Advising that Africa must leverage advanced threat intelligence, robust defence mechanisms, and comprehensive incident response plans.
“The findings highlight the top attacked industries and prevalent malware strains. Therefore, underscoring the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures,” he said.
El Haddaoui pointed that the most attacked sectors globally include education, research, government, military, and healthcare.
He also added that the insurance and legal sectors in Africa have become prime targets for cyber-attacks. He pointed that the sectors, therefore, are facing significant risks to sensitive data and critical operations.
“As cyber threats continue to evolve and proliferate. And it is imperative for organizations across Africa to prioritize cybersecurity investments. They should implement robust defence strategies, and foster a culture of cyber resilience.
“This can be done by staying vigilant and proactive. Businesses can effectively mitigate the risks posed by cyber adversaries and safeguard their digital assets and operations,” he added.
source: BusinessDay
