Ethiopia tops Check Point’s Global Threat Index, revealing a troubling surge in cyber attacks across Africa in December 2024. Countries like Uganda, Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria are prominent on the list, with emerging threats from ransomware group FunkSec and pervasive malware such as FakeUpdates and AgentTesla, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity strategies.
Check Point Software Technologies has published its Global Threat Index for December 2024, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal activities in Africa. Eight African nations were reported among the 20 most attacked, with Ethiopia maintaining its status as the top target, recording a Normalised Risk Index of 98.2%. Other notable countries included: Uganda (8th place, 68.2), Angola (9th place, 66.2), Ghana (11th place, 62.7), and Nigeria (13th place, 62.3).
In addition to these, Kenya’s Normalised Risk Index climbed to 57.6, placing it at 17th, while Mozambique ranked 18th with 56.9. Cote d’Ivoire secured the 20th position with a Normalised Risk Index of 55.6, indicating an overall concerning trend in cyber threats across the continent. The month of December saw an increase in malware attacks, particularly from FunkSec, a new ransomware-as-a-service operator utilizing Artificial Intelligence alongside well-known malware threats like FakeUpdates and AgentTesla.
FunkSec emerged as the leading ransomware group in December, claiming to have attacked over 85 victims and responsible for 14% of all observed attacks, although some claims have been deemed unverified by Check Point Research. This group is reportedly linked to Algeria and combines motives of financial gain with hacktivist ideologies. The rise of advanced cybercrime tactics emphasizes the need for improved cybersecurity measures across organizations.
Recently, FakeUpdates was identified as the most prevalent malware globally, impacting 5% of organizations, trailed by AgentTesla at 3% and Androxgh0st, also at 3%. FakeUpdates functions as a downloader, facilitating the installation of various additional malicious payloads, while AgentTesla remains focused on capturing sensitive user credentials.
Maya Horowitz, the Vice President of Research at Check Point Software, stated, “The latest trends in cybercrime underscore the importance of vigilance and innovation in cybersecurity. Organizations must leverage advanced threat prevention measures to protect themselves against the evolving landscape of sophisticated attacks.” This statement further solidifies the need for vigilance and adaptation in the realm of cybersecurity.
The prevalence of cyber threats in Africa has escalated markedly, prompting organizations to understand the emerging risks and the tactics employed by cybercriminals. The Global Threat Index serves as a critical resource for identifying the most targeted countries and the types of malware that are dominating the landscape. FunkSec’s emergence as a significant player highlights the necessity for advanced technological measures in combating evolving cyber threats in African nations and beyond.
The findings from Check Point Software Technologies’ Global Threat Index for December 2024 reflect an alarming trend of cybercrime in Africa, with Ethiopia leading the list of targeted nations. The emergence of groups like FunkSec underscores the evolving strategies employed by cybercriminals. Organizations are strongly encouraged to adopt advanced protective measures to mitigate these increasing risks and safeguard their data and assets against sophisticated cyber threats.
Original Source: www.intelligentcio.com
