Kaspersky warns of rising AI-driven cyber threats and banking malware in South Africa. Organizations reported an average of 19 cyber incidents annually, necessitating proactive cybersecurity measures. Key concerns include AI-enhanced attacks, cloud security risks, and human error. Kaspersky advises businesses to implement advanced security solutions, gather threat intelligence, and conduct employee training to mitigate risks.
Kaspersky’s latest report emphasizes the growing threat of AI-driven cyber attacks, particularly in South Africa. Organizations reported an average of 19 cyber incidents in the past year, highlighting the urgency for improved cybersecurity measures. At the recent 25th Cyber Security Summit held in Johannesburg, Kaspersky outlined key threats and recommended proactive strategies to mitigate risks.
In 2024, Kaspersky detected an alarming 467,000 malicious files daily, a 14% rise from the prior year. South African users faced a 34.2% prevalence of web-borne threats, with banking malware increasing by 34%. Furthermore, password stealer detections rose by 14%, leading to heightened concerns regarding identity theft and data breaches. Exploit attacks increased by 55%, and backdoors rose by 42%, granting cybercriminals sustained access to compromised systems.
The cybercrime landscape has evolved, with criminals employing a “multi-platform” approach to target a broad range of regions. Kaspersky noted the spread of the Grandoreiro banking trojan, which expanded from Latin America to Africa, threatening over 1,700 financial institutions and 276 cryptocurrency wallets in 45 countries, including several African nations.
Kaspersky experts identified several pressing issues for businesses, including the rise of AI-enhanced attacks, which leverage AI for phishing scams and malware creation. As organizations adopt cloud computing, they often neglect necessary security measures, leaving them vulnerable to data breaches. Additionally, the prevalence of social engineering and human errors contributes significantly to cybersecurity risks.
To combat these challenges, Kaspersky recommends that organizations adopt a proactive cybersecurity approach. This involves collecting relevant threat intelligence, implementing advanced security solutions like Kaspersky Next, and conducting employee training to minimize human error in cyberattacks. Regular threat assessments and penetration testing are crucial for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.
As AI-assisted cyber threats continue to escalate, businesses must develop comprehensive security strategies. These should integrate robust cybersecurity practices for IT infrastructure, employee education, and advanced threat intelligence to safeguard assets, customers, and overall reputation in an increasingly perilous digital environment.
Kaspersky’s report underscores the increasing sophistication and prevalence of AI-driven cyber threats, particularly in South Africa. Organizations are urged to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures, including risk assessments, employee training, and advanced security solutions to protect their assets against emerging risks. With the evolving cyber landscape, it is crucial for businesses to stay vigilant and prepared.
Original Source: techafricanews.com
