Africa experienced the highest average weekly cyber attacks per organisation in Q2 2024, with an average of 2 960 attacks, marking a 37% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The global average was 1 636 attacks per organisation per week, up 30% compared to the year before.
This is according to new data on Q2 2024 cyber attack trends released by Check Point’s research division.
Check Point's recommendations:
- Security posture: Regularly update and patch systems, implement multi-layered security measures.
- Training and awareness: Regularly educate employees about the latest cyber threats and phishing tactics.
- Advanced threat prevention: Use sandboxing and anti-ransomware tools to detect and block attacks.
- Zero trust architecture: Implement strict identity verification for every person and device.
- Backups and incident response: Do regular backups of critical data and implement incident response plans.
- Network segmentation: Isolate critical systems to limit the spread of attacks.
- Vulnerability management: Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
The division segmented the information based on global volume, industry, and geography.
Data showed that Africa accounted for 1% of all reported ransomware attacks in Q2 2024, showing a 55% decrease from the previous year.
In terms of industry impact, globally, the manufacturing sector was the most affected, representing 29% of publicly extorted ransomware attacks' victims globally, with a 56% YoY increase.
Healthcare followed, accounting for 11% of the attacks, with a 27% increase. The communications and utilities sectors experienced dramatic rises in ransomware incidents, with increases of 177% and 186% respectively.
The research also showed that Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa are among the top African countries facing significant cyber threats, with South Africa experiencing an average of 1 450 weekly attacks per organisation, marking a 4% year-on-year (YoY) increase.
Check Point recommends that organisations regularly update and patch systems, implement multi-layered security measures, conduct regular training sessions, and ensure regular backups of critical data, and develop comprehensive incident response plans.
Lionel Dartnall, security engineering manager SADC: Check Point Software Technologies, said “We are encouraged by the work in a number of industries, particularly the financial services sector, which are adopting multi-layered defences, prioritising employee awareness, and implementing proactive threat prevention strategies to safeguard against evolving cyber risks.”
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