BY ANTONY MUTUNGA
Africans with access to mobile technology will be forced to be aware of the evolving tactics hackers now use to target users as cyber-criminals have increased their attention to the continent.
In a report, cybersecurity and anti-virus provider Kaspersky, has revealed that the number of mobile threats for Android devices in the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META) region increased by 5% in second quarter (Q2) 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Besides mobile banking threats, the company says, the most prevalent mobile security threat that was detected in Africa is adware, a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on a computer or device, and is commonly activated unknowingly when users try to install legitimate applications that it (adware) is bundled with.
According to Bethwel Opil, the tech company’s enterprise client lead in Africa, with the ubiquity of mobile devices in Africa, recording such an increase is a cause for concern. He adds that substantial adware detections in Q2 of 2023, increased by 94% in Nigeria, 39% in Kenya and 27% in South Africa. There was also a notable increase in the detections of mobile banking trojans in Q2 2023, which are used to hunt for data related to online banking and e-payment systems.
“From banking malware targeting mobile transactions to ransomware hijacking device data, cybercriminals are continually evolving their tactics. Another cyberattack vector that we see cybercriminals focus on, and particularly in Africa, is outdated software. A considerable number of users in Africa make use of low-end or older mobile devices that may lack the latest security features and updates, making them more susceptible to mobile threats. Against this backdrop, it’s not just about implementing cybersecurity solutions on mobile devices but also about educating users on best practices and the rapidly changing threat
landscape,” says Opil.
Moreover, as Africa witnesses an upsurge in smartphone adoption, combined with the burgeoning trend of mobile banking, it’s imperative to address the inherent cybersecurity challenges that exist. Experts say, the region, with its tech-savvy demographic and dynamic digital landscape, offers a fertile ground for cybercriminals to exploit.
To be safe from cyber criminals, Opil says, mobile users need to ensure they not only have the latest software and cyber security, but also, they should be careful of the applications they install in their mobiles, ensuring they are from safe websites and stores. Furthermore, users should stay away from fishy websites that may cause malwares installed in their smartphones.
“Mobile cybersecurity isn’t merely about deploying security software. It requires a holistic approach, blending technology, user education, and industry collaboration,” he says.
