CAF: Ransomware, phishing attacks linked to Africa’s e-commerce surge

Cyber Africa Forum has sounded the alarm on the increasing threat of ransomware and phishing attacks in Africa, with countries like Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt particularly vulnerable due to the surge in e-commerce services. Franck Kie, the Founder of Cyber Africa Forum, emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue but a significant organizational risk that demands a holistic approach. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Kie shared insights on the state of cybersecurity on the continent and the challenges ahead. One of the key points raised during the discussion was the critical need for proactive measures to address the growing cybersecurity risks in Africa. Kie highlighted the importance of investing in human capital through training initiatives to enhance cybersecurity awareness and readiness. As technologies like AI, IoT, and 5G continue to advance, Kie underscored the essential role of cybersecurity in shaping policies and strategies for the future. Moreover, Kie emphasized the significance of establishing robust governance structures to effectively respond to cyber threats. He outlined a three-pronged approach to cybersecurity preparedness, which includes investing in training, implementing governance frameworks, and deploying the necessary infrastructure to defend against cyber threats such as ransomware, phishing attacks, and AI-related vulnerabilities. Despite the growing awareness of cybersecurity threats, Kie identified several challenges hindering the development of robust cybersecurity infrastructure in Africa. Financial constraints, coupled with a lack of awareness among public and private sector leaders, pose significant hurdles to cybersecurity preparedness. Kie stressed the importance of continuous awareness campaigns to educate the population about the risks associated with cyber threats and the need for proactive cybersecurity measures. Looking ahead, Kie expressed concerns about the escalating trend of ransomware attacks in Africa, predicting a potential increase in cyber threats as the continent's economic landscape evolves. With cybercriminals continuously evolving their tactics and leveraging AI technologies to orchestrate sophisticated attacks, African businesses and individuals face a pressing need to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. In addressing the challenges posed by cyber threats, Kie urged African startups to prioritize cybersecurity and data protection in their strategic planning. Emphasizing the need for proactive cybersecurity measures, Kie encouraged African entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities presented by the fourth industrial revolution to shape Africa's cybersecurity landscape. As the cybersecurity landscape in Africa continues to evolve, stakeholders across the continent are called upon to collaborate, innovate, and invest in building resilient cyber defenses. With the rise of e-commerce services and the increasing digitization of economies, safeguarding digital assets and protecting sensitive data have never been more critical for Africa's sustainable growth and development.