Check Point Software Technologies’ Global Threat Index for December 2024 highlights a surge in cyber threats across African nations. Ethiopia ranked as the highest target, followed by Uganda, Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria. The emergence of FunkSec, an advanced ransomware group, alongside prevalent malware like FakeUpdates underscores the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal activities in the region.
Check Point Software Technologies released its Global Threat Index for December 2024, revealing a concerning trend in Africa regarding cyberattacks. Notably, Ethiopia remained the most targeted nation, achieving a Normalised Risk Index of 98.2%. In total, eight African countries ranked among the top 20 most attacked countries during the month, indicating the continent’s vulnerability to cybercrime.
Other notable countries included Uganda, which secured the eighth spot with a Normalised Risk Index of 68.2%, and Angola, in ninth place with an index of 66.2%. Ghana and Nigeria also featured prominently, ranked eleventh and thirteenth, respectively, with Normalised Risk Indices of 62.7% and 62.3%. Additionally, Kenya saw an increase in its risk index, moving from 20th to 17th position with a score of 57.6%. Mozambique and Cote d’Ivoire ranked 18th and 20th with risk indices of 56.9% and 55.6% respectively.
The focus of malware in December shifted towards FunkSec, a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) group employing artificial intelligence. This group, believed to be associated with Algeria, emerged as the most active cybercriminal faction, claiming responsibility for 14% of published attacks within the month. FunkSec’s activities underscore the evolving sophistication of cyber threats, highlighting their growing reliance on advanced technologies.
In terms of the most prevalent malware threats, FakeUpdates reclaimed its position as the leading global threat, impacting 5% of organizations, followed closely by AgentTesla and Androxgh0st. FakeUpdates is known for being a versatile downloader that facilitates the introduction of additional malicious payloads, whereas AgentTesla focuses on capturing sensitive credentials.
Maya Horowitz, Vice President of Research at Check Point Software, remarked on the significance of these findings, emphasizing that “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.”
The Global Threat Index for December 2024 has revealed that cyber threats remain a pressing issue in Africa, with Ethiopia, Uganda, Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria being among the top targets. The rise of advanced ransomware-as-a-service operations, particularly FunkSec, emphasizes the need for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures. The prominence of threats like FakeUpdates further illustrates the complexity and ongoing evolution of cybercrime.
Original Source: www.intelligentcio.com
