Top 10 Cyber Threats to Watch in Africa

Africa’s digital economy is booming. With rapid mobile adoption, fintech innovation, and a growing startup ecosystem, the continent is on track to become one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world. But with opportunity comes risk — and cybercrime in Africa is rising at an alarming pace.

According to Interpol’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report, attacks such as phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC) are among the most pressing threats facing African organizations. Startups, SMEs, governments, and individuals alike are vulnerable, especially as digital transformation often outpaces cybersecurity readiness.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 cyber threats in Africa to watch in 2025, with practical examples, regional insights, and steps businesses and individuals can take to stay secure.

1. Phishing & Social Engineering

Phishing remains Africa’s most common cyber threat. Attackers exploit weak awareness by sending fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick victims into revealing personal or financial information.

• Real Example: In Nigeria, phishing attacks targeting bank customers have surged, with fraudsters impersonating banks to steal OTPs.
• Prevention Tip: Regular cybersecurity awareness training and the use of spam filters are critical.

2. Ransomware Attacks

African hospitals, universities, and businesses are increasingly falling victim to ransomware — where hackers lock systems and demand payment in cryptocurrency.

• Case: In South Africa, a hospital network suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted patient care.
• Tip: Maintain secure backups and update software regularly.

3. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

BEC scams are particularly damaging in Africa, targeting organizations with fraudulent emails that trick employees into transferring money or sensitive data.

• Hotspot: Kenya and Nigeria have seen millions lost to BEC schemes.
• Tip: Enforce strict verification processes for financial transactions.

4. SIM Swap Fraud

Given Africa’s heavy reliance on mobile banking, SIM swap attacks are rampant. Criminals hijack a victim’s phone number to intercept OTPs and access accounts.

• Notable Example: MTN Nigeria has faced waves of SIM swap fraud cases.
• Tip: Enable app-based authentication rather than SMS-only verification.

5. Insider Threats

From disgruntled employees to poorly trained staff, insider threats remain a hidden danger for African businesses, especially SMEs with limited security policies.

• Tip: Implement role-based access controls and monitor user activity logs.

6. Supply Chain Attacks

As African startups increasingly adopt cloud tools and third-party vendors, vulnerabilities in supply chains open new attack vectors.

• Example: Compromised vendor software leading to breaches in multiple SMEs.
• Tip: Vet vendors carefully and require compliance with security standards.

7. Cryptojacking

With cryptocurrency adoption rising in Africa, cybercriminals deploy malware that secretly uses victims’ devices to mine crypto.

• Impact: Slows business operations and increases electricity costs.
• Tip: Use endpoint detection tools and avoid suspicious downloads.

8. Fake Apps & Mobile Malware

Africa’s mobile-first economy makes it a hotbed for malicious apps disguised as financial or utility tools.

• Example: Fake loan apps stealing financial data in Kenya and Uganda.
• Tip: Only download apps from official stores and verify developers.

9. Critical Infrastructure Attacks

Power grids, transport systems, and government databases are becoming attractive targets for cybercriminals and even nation-state actors.

• Example: Cyberattacks on South African municipalities causing service disruptions.
• Tip: Governments must invest in national cybersecurity resilience.

10. AI-Powered Deepfake Scams

AI-generated deepfake videos and voices are emerging threats in Africa’s political and financial spheres. Fraudsters use them to impersonate leaders or CEOs for scams.

• Example: Fake audio clips influencing election discussions.
• Tip: Organizations must adopt verification protocols for sensitive communications.

Table: Overview of Top 10 Cyber Threats in Africa

Cyber Threat	Impact in Africa	Prevention Strategy
Phishing	Banking fraud, identity theft	Awareness training, spam filters
Ransomware	Business disruption, financial loss	Backups, patch management
BEC	Millions lost in scams	Multi-layer verification
SIM Swap Fraud	Mobile banking theft	App-based authentication
Insider Threats	Data leaks, sabotage	Access control, monitoring
Supply Chain Attacks	Vendor-related breaches	Vendor risk management
Cryptojacking	System slowdown, electricity costs	Endpoint detection, monitoring
Fake Apps & Malware	Financial and personal data theft	App vetting, safe downloads
Infrastructure Attacks	National disruptions	Government cybersecurity investment
Deepfake Scams	Fraud, misinformation	Verification protocols

FAQs

1. Which African countries face the most cyberattacks?
Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are among the top three most affected due to their fast-growing digital economies.

2. Are SMEs more vulnerable than big corporations?
Yes. SMEs often lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, making them easier targets.

3. How can individuals protect themselves?
Use 2FA, avoid suspicious links, and keep devices updated.

Conclusion

Africa’s digital growth comes with increasing cyber risks. From phishing scams to deepfake fraud, attackers are exploiting both technological gaps and human vulnerabilities. But with awareness, affordable security tools, and proactive measures, African startups, SMEs, and governments can build resilience against these threats.

The future of Africa’s digital economy depends not just on innovation — but on security.