The December 2024 Global Threat Index indicates a rise in cyber threats targeting African countries, with Ethiopia leading as the most attacked. The emergence of ransomware group FunkSec has exacerbated these threats, utilizing AI tactics. Continual vigilance and advanced cybersecurity measures are critical for organizations to safeguard against these evolving risks.
Check Point Software Technologies has published its Global Threat Index for December 2024, revealing that cybercriminal activity in Africa is on the rise. Eight African nations have been included in the top 20 most targeted countries. Ethiopia remains the most attacked country with a Normalized Risk Index of 98.2%, followed by Uganda, Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria, which occupy several positions in the ranking.
In addition to the aforementioned countries, Kenya’s index rose from 20th to 17th position, while Mozambique secured the 18th spot. Cote d’Ivoire completed the list in 20th place, showing an increase in risk. The increased threats in December have been linked to the emergence of FunkSec, a new ransomware-as-a-service group that utilizes artificial intelligence to carry out attacks.
FunkSec has positioned itself as a leading player in double-extortion ransomware operations, being responsible for 14% of recorded attacks in December. However, many of its claimed victims were marked by Check Point Research as recycled or unverified, casting doubt on the group’s reliability. Alongside FunkSec, prevalent malware such as FakeUpdates and AgentTesla continues to plague organizations globally.
The top malware threats include FakeUpdates, affecting 5% of worldwide organizations, and AgentTesla and Androxgh0st, both impacting 3%. FakeUpdates primarily serves as a downloader for additional harmful payloads, while AgentTesla targets sensitive information such as login credentials. These trends highlight the ongoing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to combat increasingly sophisticated threats.
The growing sophistication of cybercrime is a prominent issue, particularly within Africa, where numerous countries are experiencing heightened levels of cyber attacks. The December 2024 Global Threat Index illustrates this phenomenon, with many African nations demonstrating alarming risk indices. The emergence of advanced ransomware groups, such as FunkSec, indicates a shift towards more sophisticated cybercriminal methodologies, utilizing modern technologies like artificial intelligence to optimize their operations.
The findings from Check Point Software highlight the urgency for organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks in light of evolving threats. The prominence of ransomware and various malicious software underlines the necessity of proactive measures and vigilant defenses. As cybercriminals become increasingly adept, safeguarding sensitive information remains a paramount concern for all businesses in the region.
Original Source: www.intelligentcio.com
