In December 2024, Check Point Software’s Global Threat Index reveals Ethiopia as the top targeted African nation with a 98.2% risk level. Uganda, Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria also ranked among the top 20 attacked countries. FunkSec emerged as a leading ransomware threat, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures in response to increasing complexity in cyber threats.
Check Point Software Technologies’ Global Threat Index for December 2024 highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals in Africa. Ethiopia leads the continent as the most attacked country, with a Normalised Risk Index of 98.2% out of 106 nations assessed. Other notable countries include Uganda (8th, 68.2), Angola (9th, 66.2), Ghana (11th, 62.7), and Nigeria (13th, 62.3), showing significant cybersecurity risk across the region.
Kenya, increasing from 20th to 17th place, has a Normalised Risk Index of 57.6, while Mozambique is in 18th with 56.9. Cote d’Ivoire ranks 20th with a Normalised Risk Index of 55.6, reflecting rising cybersecurity threats. The malware landscape witnessed a surge in ransomware activities, particularly by FunkSec, a rising RaaS operator utilizing AI to enhance its schemes, particularly targeting financial gains and promoting hacktivist ideologies.
FunkSec stood out in December, linked to over 14% of published attack claims, and exceeded its rivals by publishing over 85 victim cases that month. However, Check Point Research has questioned the legitimacy of many claims made by FunkSec, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of their published attacks. Additionally, established malware threats like FakeUpdates, AgentTesla, and Androxgh0st are prevalent, with FakeUpdates affecting 5% of global organizations.
Maya Horowitz from Check Point Software emphasized the growing cybercrime landscape and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. As cyber threats evolve, organizations must implement advanced threat prevention strategies to safeguard against complex attacks. The insights underline the critical importance of cybersecurity vigilance amid increasing and sophisticated threats in Africa and globally.
The Global Threat Index by Check Point Software Technologies serves as a vital resource in understanding cyber threats impacting different regions. It effectively identifies the most attacked countries, giving cybersecurity experts key insights into risk levels and trends. As cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, tracking these changes is essential for organizations to take necessary preventive measures. This data emphasizes that emerging ransomware groups, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence, form a growing concern. Understanding these trends helps establish a proactive cybersecurity posture.
The findings from Check Point’s December Global Threat Index reveal significant cybersecurity threats across Africa, with Ethiopia, Uganda, Angola, Ghana, Nigeria, and others showing high risk levels. FunkSec’s emergence signals a new era in cybercrime, driven by sophisticated tactics and an emphasis on economic gain. The necessity of advanced cybersecurity measures has never been more crucial, as cybercriminals continually adapt and escalate their attacks, urging organizations to remain vigilant.
Original Source: www.intelligentcio.com
