In a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s cyber threat landscape, Kaspersky’s latest report reveals a concerning trend: while the nation experienced an overall decrease of 10 per cent in cyber threats, banking malware attacks surged by 8 per cent in 2023.
This surge underscores the persistent challenges faced by Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, particularly in safeguarding online banking credentials and sensitive data.
Kaspersky’s report provides a detailed insight into the evolving cybersecurity dynamics within Nigeria and the broader African region.
Despite an encouraging decline in overall cyber threats across the country, the rise in banking malware attacks poses significant concerns for individuals and organizations reliant on digital financial services.
The report highlights Nigeria’s vulnerability to sophisticated cyber threats targeting online banking systems, reflecting the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics.
While efforts to mitigate cyber risks have yielded some success in reducing overall threats, the resilience and adaptability of cybercriminals continue to pose formidable challenges to Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Moreover, the findings from Kaspersky’s report shed light on similar trends observed across Africa. While some countries, such as South Africa, have witnessed a notable decrease in cyber threats, others, like Kenya, have experienced alarming spikes in ransomware attacks and phishing incidents.
This complex landscape underscores the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies tailored to address evolving threats across the region.
Amin Hasbini, Director of the META Research Centre Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky, emphasized the role of advanced technologies like AI and the impact of geopolitical and economic tensions on shaping the cybersecurity landscape.
