Cybersecurity emerging trends in 2024

As the technological landscape in Africa continues to evolve, cybersecurity threats remain a major challenge across many countries on the continent. Looking ahead to 2024, experts predict that the cybersecurity landscape will be characterized by an increase in digital threats, advancements in artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. CNBC Africa's Flora Limukii sat down with Bright Mawudor, a Cybersecurity Expert, to discuss the emerging trends in cybersecurity for the upcoming year. Mawudor highlighted several key points during the interview, shedding light on the current state of cybersecurity and what we can expect in the near future. One of the major shifts in cybersecurity that Mawudor pointed out was the rapid digital transformation that took place in 2022 and 2023, largely driven by the global pandemic. With the shift to remote work becoming a norm, organizations had to quickly adapt and implement new business continuity plans. However, this shift also opened up new vulnerabilities, with cybercriminals finding creative ways to compromise organizations through remote employees. Ransomware attacks, once focused on encrypting hard drives for ransom, have evolved to include data theft, where cybercriminals threaten to release sensitive information unless a ransom is paid. In addition to ransomware, phishing attacks and business email compromise have become prevalent in African nations. Mawudor highlighted how millions of dollars have been lost due to phishing campaigns, with credentials being stolen and sold on the dark web. African countries like Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique have all been affected by these cyber threats, signaling a need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across the continent. Moreover, Mawudor discussed the rise of sextortion and cyberbullying, particularly targeting young individuals on social media platforms. These new forms of cyber threats underscore the importance of educating and protecting the younger generation from online predators. As more businesses and organizations transition to cloud-based systems, cloud attacks have also seen a significant uptick, highlighting the need for robust cloud security measures. Looking ahead to 2024, Mawudor emphasized the importance of senior management's involvement in cybersecurity initiatives across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and government. He stressed the need for proper funding and resources to invest in cybersecurity tools and personnel. Additionally, addressing the growing skill gap in cybersecurity professionals is crucial, with a need for capacity building programs and collaboration between the private and public sectors to bridge this gap. Furthermore, Mawudor highlighted the influence of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and cloud computing on the cybersecurity landscape in Africa. Automation and AI tools are becoming increasingly prevalent, allowing cybercriminals to launch faster and more sophisticated attacks. To combat these threats, Mawudor suggested that African countries need to embrace advancements in cybersecurity technology and stay ahead of cybercriminals by implementing proactive security measures. Overall, the cybersecurity landscape in Africa is poised for significant changes in 2024, with a greater focus on digital threats, AI advancements, and the need for increased collaboration and capacity building to strengthen cybersecurity resilience across the continent.