Securing Africa’s Digital Future —Are We Cyber-Ready?

As Africa continues its rapid journey to digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. According to GSMA’s Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2023 Report, the number of mobile phone users in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to soar to 615 million by 2025, and the number of internet users across the continent is expected to surpass 1 billion by 2023. This growth in digital connectivity brings immense opportunities but also exposes the continent to a heightened risk of cyber threats.??

The scale of the cybersecurity challenge in the region is highlighted by the fact that in 2023, according to Check Point Research, Africa ranked as the region with the highest exposure to cyberattacks per country. During the second quarter of 2023, Africa recorded the highest average number of weekly cyberattacks per organization, marking a 23% rise from the same period in 2022. Despite these risks, only seven African countries—Mauritius, Egypt, Tanzania, Ghana, Tunisia, Nigeria, and Morocco—are ranked among the top 50 globally for cybersecurity readiness according to the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index. These countries have made significant strides across five key pillars: legal measures, technical measures, organizational measures, capacity development, and cooperation.?

As more people and businesses rely on technology for communication and transactions, the potential for cyber attacks continues to grow exponentially. What’s more, is that major sectors of the economy such as finance, government, education, and agriculture are increasingly embracing digital technologies and moving their activities to online platforms. Rapid digital connectivity and innovation expansion are promising yet highlight the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks. Addressing these challenges is crucial for safeguarding Africa’s digital future and ensuring that the benefits of technology are fully realized while minimizing the risks.?

Challenges Facing Cybersecurity in Africa??

Cyberattacks can target businesses, individuals, and governments in various forms, including malware, ransomware, cyber espionage, data leaks, DDoS (Distributed Denials of Service) attacks, social engineering, and the sale of access on underground forums. However, they are all rooted in similar cybersecurity challenges. Here are some key challenges facing cybersecurity and contributing to Africa’s vulnerability:??

Lack of Information Security Infrastructure and Resources??

The lack of robust information security infrastructure is one of Africa’s most pressing challenges. Approximately 90% of African businesses operate without comprehensive cybersecurity protocols, leaving them extremely vulnerable to cyber threats. This deficient or outdated infrastructure significantly impairs the ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks effectively.?

Many organizations across the continent lack the essential tools and technologies needed to safeguard their systems and data from sophisticated cyber threats. Despite the continent’s enormous potential, strengthened by its youthful population—with approximately 70% of the Sub-Saharan population under 30 years—the infrastructure to support and secure this digital growth remains underdeveloped.??

Moreover, this lack of infrastructure often stems from insufficient resources to support cybersecurity efforts in Africa. Many countries face significant budget constraints and have limited access to technical expertise, which undermines their capacity to tackle cybersecurity challenges proactively. As a result, governments and businesses struggle to invest in the necessary tools and technologies that could mitigate cyber risks.?

These financial and technical limitations compel many organizations to operate with minimal or outdated security measures, further increasing their vulnerability to cyberattacks. Basic cybersecurity infrastructure, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular software updates, often goes unaddressed due to inadequate funding.?

Lack of Awareness About Cybersecurity?

Another notable challenge confronting Africa in cybersecurity is the widespread lack of awareness and education about the subject. Many individuals and businesses remain unaware of the inherent risks associated with technology use and consequently fail to take adequate protective measures. This lack of awareness creates vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit to compromise sensitive information or disrupt operations.?

Cybersecurity is often misunderstood or overlooked, leaving many individuals and organizations susceptible to attacks. While several initiatives exist to raise awareness about cybersecurity, these efforts must be significantly expanded to reach a broader audience. It is crucial to prioritize cybersecurity education within schools and universities and to conduct extensive public awareness campaigns.?

Governments also play a crucial role in this challenge, but their response has often been lackluster. Many government officials exhibit a nonchalant attitude toward cybersecurity, deferring action until a crisis occurs. In an interview with TechAfrica News, Genie Sugene Gan, Director for Government Affairs & Public Policy for Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle-East, Türkiye, and Africa at Kaspersky, shared her experiences discussing cybersecurity with various governments. She recalled,??

At the start of COVID, when I was talking to different countries, many of them used to think that cybersecurity is only a problem for developed nations. They would say, ‘We’ll worry about it later,’ or ‘We’ll worry about it when something happens.’ But the reality is that it’s too late when something has already happened. It is not just a problem of developed countries, it should be prevented. - Genie Sugene Gan , Director for Government Affairs & Public Policy for Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle-East, Türkiye, and Africa, Kaspersky?

This mindset needs to change. The misconception that cybersecurity is only an issue for developed nations is dangerous and leaves African countries vulnerable to high-profile cyber-attacks. Proactive measures must be taken to prevent cyber incidents before they occur, emphasizing the need for a preventive rather than reactive approach to cybersecurity. ensuring that everyone is equipped to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.?

Poor Regulation, Legislation, and Cooperation?

Many African countries have yet to develop or implement comprehensive legislation that addresses all aspects of information security. The legislative framework for information security remains underdeveloped, and this gap makes it challenging to effectively combat cyber threats and complicates the enforcement of cybersecurity measures.?

Currently, only 39 out of 54 African countries have enacted cybersecurity legislation. This means a considerable portion of the continent lacks the necessary legal framework to effectively combat cybercrime. The overall adoption rate of cybersecurity policies and regulations in Africa stands at just 72%, the lowest globally. This inadequate regulatory environment creates significant vulnerabilities, leaving many organizations and individuals exposed to cyberattacks.?

Moreover, the lack of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across different countries exacerbates the problem. Cybercriminals exploit these gaps, taking advantage of inconsistent regulations and weak cross-border collaboration, which hinders effective investigation and prosecution efforts. Addressing these regulatory and cooperation challenges is crucial to enhancing Africa’s cybersecurity resilience and protecting against evolving cyber threats.?

Unavailability of Skilled Personnel??

The shortage of skilled personnel is one of the most significant challenges facing the cybersecurity industry in Africa. As the demand for cybersecurity experts continues to rise, the continent faces a massive shortfall of trained and experienced professionals. This skills gap is further exacerbated by the lack of adequate educational infrastructure and training programs tailored to the needs of the cybersecurity industry in many African countries. Consequently, organizations struggle to recruit and retain qualified staff, often leading to an increased dependence on foreign experts.?

Relying on external expertise poses several risks. Foreign professionals may not be fully aware of local regulations or cultural norms, potentially leading to compliance issues and inefficiencies. Additionally, hiring external experts can be costly, placing further strain on already limited budgets. Most African governments and businesses, facing this skills gap, outsource a significant portion of their technology infrastructure and operations. This reliance on foreign entities gives these external providers control over critical infrastructures, which can pose security risks.?

To bridge this gap, governments and businesses need to invest in developing the skills of their local workforce.?

Enhancing Cybersecurity in Africa: Steps Forward?

Despite numerous challenges, Africa can take several steps to strengthen its cybersecurity. The more people are getting connected and integrating technology into their daily lives, the greater the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Amir Oren, Vice President of Sales, EMEA & LATAM at Allot, emphasized this in an interview with TechAfrica News at the MWC 2024;??

“Security is starting to play an important role. You see it in Europe, and we are starting to see it in some of the bigger countries in Africa. The more people are getting digital and connected to the internet, the more they understand how important security is and how crucial it is to be protected when they go online.”??- Amir Oren, Vice President of Sales, EMEA & LATAM, Allot

On the part of African governments, increasing awareness and education about cybersecurity is crucial. Integrating cybersecurity education into school curricula and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns will inform individuals and businesses about the risks and necessary protective measures.??

Investment in infrastructure and resources is another vital step. Governments must allocate funds to build robust cybersecurity frameworks, including advanced technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption tools. Equally important is investing in human resources by training and hiring cybersecurity experts, thereby enhancing the continent’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats effectively.?

Developing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity legislation is essential. Governments should create and regularly update national cybersecurity policies with input from a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination and clear allocation of responsibilities. This includes legislation for personal data protection and mechanisms for international cooperation to combat cybercrime.?

Protecting critical information infrastructure is another priority. Governments should identify vital sectors such as telecommunications, finance, and government services, ensuring their security by diversifying ICT providers and fostering local enterprises capable of maintaining and protecting these systems. Establishing national and sectoral Cyber Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) to monitor threats and assist in recovery from cyberattacks is also crucial. Clear mechanisms for reporting cyber incidents should be developed to integrate these efforts into broader national strategies.?

Enhancing international cooperation is indispensable. African countries must actively participate in regional and global efforts to combat cybercrime. Policies facilitating the sharing of digital evidence and extradition of cybercriminals will help African nations stay updated on the latest threats and contribute to global cybersecurity norms and policies.?

For businesses and individuals, identifying critical assets and developing strategies to protect them is essential. Organizations should implement incident monitoring systems and regularly evaluate their cybersecurity measures. Training employees and developing cybersecurity specialists through continuous education and certification programs will ensure that businesses have the expertise needed to defend against cyber threats.?

Public-private partnerships (PPP) play a crucial role in this endeavor. Collaboration between governments, private companies, and international organizations can enhance the overall cybersecurity posture. By working together, sharing best practices, and developing coordinated responses to cyber incidents, stakeholders can better protect citizens and businesses from cyber threats.?