The Global Threat Index by Check Point Software Technologies for December 2024 indicates a significant rise in cyber threats across Africa, with Ethiopia ranked the highest. Other attacked nations include Uganda, Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria. The emergence of FunkSec as a leading ransomware group highlights the need for advanced cybersecurity measures in the face of these challenges.
Check Point Software Technologies has published its Global Threat Index for December 2024, revealing an alarming rise in cyber threats across Africa. The report identifies Ethiopia as the foremost target, with a Normalised Risk Index of 98.2%, placing it at the top among 106 assessed countries. Furthermore, eight African nations were highlighted as being among the continent’s most attacked this past December.
In addition to Ethiopia, other African countries appeared in the top 20 rankings. Uganda ranked 8th with a Normalised Risk Index of 68.2, followed by Angola at 9th with 66.2. Ghana held the 11th position, showing a Normalised Risk Index of 62.7, while Nigeria followed closely at 13th with an index of 62.3. Kenya’s risk increased significantly, moving from 20th to 17th place, with a Normalised Risk Index of 57.6. Further down, Mozambique ranked 18th with an index of 56.9 and Cote d’Ivoire 20th with 55.6.
The report highlighted a surge in malware activity, notably due to FunkSec, a newly emerging ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) group utilizing Artificial Intelligence. This group, which appears to have originated from Algeria, is driven by both financial rewards and hacktivist motives. FunkSec’s sophisticated AI methods illustrate the escalating involvement of advanced technology in cybercrime, as it became the most prolific group in December, accounting for 14% of reported attacks.
FunkSec has rapidly established itself as a leading force among double-extortion ransomware groups, publishing over 85 victim lists in December alone. However, Check Point Research has expressed skepticism regarding the veracity of their claims, noting that many may be recycled or unverified. Moreover, prevalent malware threats saw FakeUpdates topping global concerns, impacting 5% of organizations, alongside AgentTesla and Androxgh0st, both affecting 3%.
Maya Horowitz, the Vice President of Research at Check Point Software Technologies, emphasized the urgency for organizations to bolster their cybersecurity practices. “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,” she stated, highlighting the necessity of proactive defenses in the face of increasing cyber threats.
In conclusion, the Check Point Software Technologies Global Threat Index reveals a significant rise in cyber threats targeting African nations, particularly Ethiopia. The growing sophistication of malicious groups like FunkSec necessitates enhanced cybersecurity measures. Organizations must remain vigilant and innovative to tackle these evolving threats effectively. Overall, the data underscores the need for robust defensive strategies to thwart cybercrime in a constantly changing landscape.
Original Source: www.intelligentcio.com
