31 Jul Latest threat report finds alarming trends on the rise

The latest Global Threat Landscape Assessment and Analysis Report by Sectrio Threat Research Labs reveals a 248 percent surge in cyber incidents compared to the previous year, indicating a strategic shift towards targeting physical disruptions rather than virtual ones.

Africa saw the rise of new Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups, alongside heightened activities from established actors, particularly those from China and Iran.

These sophisticated groups focused their attacks on vital sectors such as utilities, manufacturing, and oil and gas, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for strategic gains.

Around 69 percent of attacks carried geopolitical motives, reflecting the use of cyber capabilities to influence regional politics and economies.

State-sponsored activities aimed at disrupting competitors and asserting control over key sectors were prevalent.

Attacks on essential infrastructure like ports, telecom networks, and power plants increased significantly, driven by external actors utilising DDoS attacks funded through cryptocurrency.

This strategic targeting highlights the growing risk to essential services from cyber threats.

Technological Advancements: The proliferation of ransomware, including variants like Lockbit 3.0, has democratized cyber threats in the region, enabling regional actors to conduct sophisticated attacks once dominated by global cybercrime syndicates.

Iranian APT groups were particularly active, targeting countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Ghana. These groups, often linked to defence and armed forces, primarily focused on government and utility sectors, marking a strategic escalation in cyber warfare tactics.

Additionally, there has been a notable increase in the targeting of Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, reflecting a broader trend towards exploiting vulnerabilities in interconnected systems. This shift poses significant challenges for cybersecurity efforts in Africa, as the threat landscape continues to evolve rapidly.

Looking ahead to 2024, experts anticipate further escalations in cyber conflict, particularly targeting ICS-based critical infrastructure.