Kaspersky Highlights Urgent Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity in South Africa
Kaspersky’s IT Security Economics report reveals a rise in AI-driven cyber threats in South Africa, with organizations reporting an average of 19 incidents annually. The report identifies a 14% increase in detected malicious files, rising banking malware, and significant cloud security risks. Kaspersky calls for proactive cybersecurity strategies, emphasizing threat intelligence and employee training to address these challenges.
Kaspersky’s recent IT Security Economics report highlights a significant rise in AI-driven cyber threats, particularly in South Africa, where organizations reported an average of 19 cyber incidents annually. During the 25th Cyber Security Summit held in Johannesburg, Kaspersky outlined various pressing threats to businesses and recommended proactive strategies to mitigate risks associated with cyberattacks.
In 2024, Kaspersky detected 467,000 malicious files daily, a 14% increase from the previous year. Notably, 34.2% of Kaspersky’s users in South Africa faced web-borne threats, indicative of escalating cyber risks. Additionally, banking malware surged by 34% and password stealer detections increased by 14%, exacerbating concerns over identity theft. Exploit attacks rose by 55%, while backdoor threats increased by 42%, allowing cybercriminals extended access to compromised systems.
Kaspersky has noted the evolution of the crimeware ecosystem, emphasizing cyber attackers’ increasingly dynamic strategies. The Grandoreiro banking trojan, for instance, has expanded its operations from Latin America into Africa and Asia, targeting over 1,700 financial institutions and 276 cryptocurrency wallets across 45 countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
Experts from Kaspersky expressed concerns regarding the rise of AI-enhanced cyber threats, including sophisticated phishing scams and malware. As businesses increasingly adopt cloud solutions, the risks associated with cloud security have also heightened, often due to inadequate protection against data breaches and misconfigurations. Furthermore, human error remains a significant vulnerability, given the widespread use of social engineering techniques by cybercriminals.
To counter these threats, Kaspersky recommends that organizations adopt proactive cybersecurity measures, including the collection of relevant threat intelligence, implementation of advanced security solutions like Kaspersky Next, and employee training to mitigate human error risks. Conducting regular threat assessments and penetration testing is also vital to identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
As AI-assisted cybercrime escalates, businesses must develop comprehensive security strategies that incorporate robust cybersecurity solutions, employee education, and threat intelligence acquisition. By integrating intelligence-driven security measures, organizations can better safeguard their assets and maintain customer trust in an increasingly precarious digital environment.
In conclusion, Kaspersky’s report underscores the urgent need for businesses in South Africa and beyond to enhance their cybersecurity strategies in response to the surge in AI-driven threats. The recommended proactive measures, including advanced threat intelligence, employee training, and robust security solutions, are essential to effectively mitigate risks and protect organizational integrity amidst an evolving cyber landscape.
Original Source: techafricanews.com
