Kaspersky’s report reveals a surge in AI-driven cyber threats in South Africa, with businesses reporting an average of 19 cyber incidents per year. The report highlights a dramatic increase in banking malware and security risks, urging organizations to adopt proactive cybersecurity strategies, including threat intelligence gathering and employee training.
Kaspersky’s recent report highlights the alarming rise of AI-driven cyber threats, particularly in South Africa, where organizations faced an average of 19 cyber incidents in the past year. Presented at the 25th Cyber Security Summit held in Johannesburg, this report emphasizes the urgent need for businesses to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures in light of escalating risks related to banking malware and cloud security.
In 2024, Kaspersky detected 467,000 malicious files daily, signifying a 14% increase from the previous year. Notably, 34.2% of South African users encountered web-borne threats, illustrating severe vulnerabilities in the digital landscape. There was a dramatic surge of 34% in banking and financial malware and a 14% increase in password stealer detections, which heighten the risks of identity theft and data breaches.
The dynamic nature of the crimeware ecosystem poses additional challenges, as cybercriminals adopt a multi-platform strategy to execute their attacks. Noteworthy is the Grandoreiro banking trojan, which has expanded its operations from Latin America to Africa and Asia, targeting over 1,700 financial institutions across 45 territories, including various African nations such as Nigeria and South Africa.
Kaspersky experts underscored the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, notably those enhanced by AI, which enable more advanced phishing scams and malware. As firms increasingly transition to cloud-based services, the risk of unauthorized access due to data breaches and misconfigurations rises, while social engineering tactics exploit human errors, compounding the threat landscape further.
To address these challenges, Kaspersky advises companies to implement proactive cybersecurity strategies, including gathering industry-specific threat intelligence and deploying advanced security solutions like Kaspersky Next. Regular employee training to minimize human error, along with routine threat assessments and penetration testing, are crucial steps in enhancing security resilience against potential exploits.
In conclusion, Kaspersky’s report articulates a clear warning regarding the escalating threats posed by AI-driven cybercrime and sophisticated banking malware in South Africa. To address these risks, it is imperative for businesses to adopt a comprehensive security strategy that includes robust technology solutions, employee awareness programs, and proactive threat intelligence. Embracing these measures will significantly bolster their defenses against an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape.
Original Source: techafricanews.com
