Check Point Software Technologies has revealed that Africa now has a normalised risk index of 95.4.
This indicates a high level of cyber threats, the cybersecurity firm noted. It disclosed that Zimbabwe leads the pack – ranking 2nd as the most attacked country globally, followed by Ethiopia at 92.6 ranking 3rd globally, and Kenya at 69.4 ranking 10th globally.
This reflects the need for heightened cybersecurity measures and proactive defence strategies to mitigate the ever-evolving threat landscape, the firm highlighted.
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Issam El Haddaoui, Check Point Security engineering manager, Africa, advised, “In light of these statistics, organisations in Africa must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity, leveraging advanced threat intelligence, robust defence mechanisms, and comprehensive incident response plans.
“The findings highlight the top attacked industries and prevalent malware strains, underscoring the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.”
The most attacked sectors globally include education, research, government, military, and healthcare.
However, the firm said the insurance and legal sectors in Africa have become prime targets for cyber-attacks, facing significant risks to sensitive data and critical operations.
“As cyber threats continue to evolve and proliferate, it is imperative for organisations across Africa to prioritise cybersecurity investments, implement robust defence strategies, and foster a culture of cyber resilience. By staying vigilant and proactive, businesses can effectively mitigate the risks posed by cyber adversaries and safeguard their digital assets and operations,” it added.