Africa remains top global target for cyberattacks despite recent declines
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African organizations experienced over 3,000 cyberattacks per week in September and early October, despite a declining trend. This trend may be due to increased policy measures and law enforcement, but the decline may not be sustained. Africa remains a prime target for cybercriminals due to less mature legal frameworks and a growing presence of compromised hosts and APT group activity. The region faces a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals and is increasingly targeted by romance and investment scams, as well as compromised devices and information stealers. Ransomware attacks are less frequent in Africa compared to other regions, but the region is often used as a testing ground for broader campaigns. Efforts to improve cybersecurity in Africa include adopting a prevention-first mindset, embracing AI-driven protection, and enhancing regional collaboration.
Timeline
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15.10.2025 11:00 1 articles · 23h ago
Cyberattacks in Africa decline but remain high
African organizations faced over 3,000 cyberattacks per week in September and early October, despite a declining trend. This trend may be due to increased policy measures and law enforcement, but the decline may not be sustained. The region remains a prime target for cybercriminals due to less mature legal frameworks and a growing presence of compromised hosts and APT group activity.
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- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
Information Snippets
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African organizations faced over 3,000 cyberattacks per week in September and early October.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
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Africa sees about twice as many weekly cyberattacks compared to North America and Europe.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
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Eastern and western Africa account for about a third of all reported cybercrimes in the region.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
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Nine in 10 African countries lack the legal and investigative skills to combat cybercrime.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
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Cybercriminal groups exploit less mature legal frameworks and growing Dark Web marketplaces in Africa.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
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Africa has one of the highest numbers of compromised hosts globally.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
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Ransomware attacks are less frequent in Africa, accounting for only 1% of reported ransomware attacks in September.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
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Africa is often used as a testing ground for broader ransomware campaigns.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00
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African organizations are improving cybersecurity efforts but need to adopt a prevention-first mindset.
First reported: 15.10.2025 11:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Africa Remains Top Global Target, Even as Attacks Decline — www.darkreading.com — 15.10.2025 11:00