Kaspersky, a global leader in cybersecurity based in Moscow, has revealed alarming statistics highlighting the rising tide of cyberattacks across Africa, with Morocco standing out as one of the continent’s most targeted nations.
The findings were shared during the GITEX Africa summit held in Marrakech, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated response to growing digital threats.
As Africa undergoes a rapid digital transformation—driven by widespread smartphone adoption, e-government services, and electronic payment platforms—its expanding digital landscape has become increasingly attractive to cybercriminals.
In 2024 alone, Kaspersky detected over 131 million cyber threats across the continent, marking a dramatic increase in malicious activity.
These attacks no longer exclusively target major corporations or government bodies. Individuals, often lacking awareness of basic online security practices, are becoming frequent victims.
The surge in cyberattacks has been particularly pronounced in malware aimed at stealing personal information.
Spyware incidents have risen by 14%, while password-stealing tools have jumped by 26%, reflecting a shift toward more targeted and sophisticated infiltration methods.
One of the most concerning developments is the resurgence of threats delivered through common devices such as USB drives, as well as encrypted files carrying harmful payloads—techniques that are increasingly bypassing outdated security protocols.
Among North African countries, Morocco has emerged as a major hotspot.
The country recorded 12.6 million attempted cyberattacks in 2024, placing it in the same league as regional powerhouses like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, which saw 20 and 17 million incidents respectively.
Morocco’s prominent position is partly due to its aggressive push toward digitalisation, particularly in sectors like finance, energy, and education.
However, with this progress comes vulnerability.
Many Moroccan public and private services are now centralised online, and the country’s capacity to train cybersecurity professionals has not kept pace with its digital ambitions.
As a result, the nation faces a dual challenge: maintaining momentum in digital innovation while ensuring robust cyber resilience.
Kaspersky’s report highlights the scale and complexity of the threat landscape.
Cyberattacks across Africa are no longer isolated events but part of a wider, long-term shift in digital warfare.
While some African nations have introduced national cybersecurity initiatives, experts warn that without strong cross-border cooperation, these efforts will fall short.
A continental strategy is urgently needed. Experts stress the importance of developing skilled cybersecurity professionals, fostering a culture of digital responsibility from an early age, and enabling real-time information sharing on emerging threats.
In a rapidly evolving digital era, cybersecurity is no longer a secondary concern—it is a cornerstone of sustainable development across Africa.
Source: lanouvelletribune
