Hackers target African govt departments, financial institutions

Cyberattacks targeting African governments have soared in 2023, doubling to a record 29%, according to a report by Positive Technologies, a cybersecurity firm specializing in data-driven security solutions. This sharp increase highlights growing cybersecurity challenges for governments and businesses across the continent.

The report reveals that in addition to the surge in attacks on government entities, financial institutions have also seen a significant uptick, with 22% of cyberattacks aimed at these organizations. Anastasia Bezborodko, an analyst from the International Analytics Group at Positive Technologies, notes that the share of attacks against the government sector is now twice as high as previous years.

"These attacks are increasingly being carried out by hacktivists and organized hacking groups, often for espionage or financial gain," Bezborodko said.
Targeting Government Institutions

Government institutions in Africa are particularly vulnerable, with cybercriminals using a range of tactics to access sensitive data. According to the report, over half of the data related to African governments is readily available on the dark web, while access to corporate networks can be purchased for an average of US$2,970.

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups are responsible for 46% of these attacks, primarily focused on data collection and cyberespionage. Hacktivists, motivated by political or ideological goals, account for 18% of the cyberattacks targeting African governments.

The report also highlights key countries that are most affected by cyberattacks. Nigeria leads the list with 27% of attacks, followed by Algeria (17%), Ethiopia (12%), and South Africa (12%). Dark web data reveals that Egypt and South Africa are also among the top targets, with Egypt accounting for 13% and South Africa for 22% of all cyberattacks.
Dark Web Activity

An analysis of dark web forums further illuminates the scale of the threat, with cybercriminals discussing the sale of network access to prominent African businesses. Over 60% of databases related to African organizations are freely available on the dark web, with criminals often trading this data in exchange for access to corporate networks. The average price for such access is about US$2,970.

In total, 38% of messages on dark web forums involve the sale of access to networks, with 74% of these posts discussing selling access to corporate systems. The increase in cybercriminal activity on the dark web reflects an alarming trend of online insecurity across the continent.
Zimbabwe's Cybersecurity Challenges

The rise in cyberattacks across Africa poses significant cybersecurity challenges for Zimbabwe, as the country continues to digitize its economy and infrastructure. To address these challenges, experts recommend that organizations conduct regular risk analyses and prioritize cyber resilience. They advise updating systems and applications, ensuring security measures are regularly tested and improved, and educating employees on basic cybersecurity practices.

Positive Technologies emphasizes the importance of hosting educational events to raise awareness and training cybersecurity specialists to handle evolving threats. Experts also suggest fostering strong public-private sector collaboration and enhancing global cooperation to share knowledge and strategies for defending against modern cyber threats.

As the scale and frequency of cyberattacks in Africa increase, securing digital infrastructure has never been more urgent. For Zimbabwe, strengthening cybersecurity measures and fostering international partnerships will be key to mitigating the growing threat of cybercrime.