Ahead of International Anti-Ransomware Day on May 12, Kaspersky’s latest research reveals a concerning trend in the global cybersecurity landscape, with ransomware attacks accounting for every third cyber incident in 2023.

The report sheds light on the escalating threat of targeted ransomware groups, which have seen a Kaspersky30% increase globally compared to 2022, along with a 71% surge in known victims.

Kaspersky’s research, covering 2022 and 2023, revealed a worrisome escalation in targeted ransomware groups. The data indicated a staggering 30% global increase in the number of these groups compared to 2022, accompanied by a 71% surge in known victims of their attacks.

Unlike random assaults, these targeted groups set their sights on government agencies, prominent organisations, and specific individuals within enterprises. As cybercriminals continue to orchestrate sophisticated and extensive attacks, the threat to cybersecurity grows ever more pronounced.

In 2023, Lockbit 3.0 emerged as the most prevalent ransomware, leveraging a builder leak in 2022 to spawn custom variants targeting organisations worldwide. BlackCat/ALPHV ranked second, until December 2023, when a collaborative effort by the FBI and other agencies disrupted its operations.

However, BlackCat quickly rebounded, underscoring the resilience of ransomware groups. Third on the list was Cl0p, which breached the managed file transfer system MOVEIt, impacting over 2.5 thousand organisations by December 2023, according to New Zealand security firm Emsisoft.

In its 2023 State of Ransomware report, Kaspersky also identified several noteworthy ransomware families, including BlackHunt, Rhysida, Akira, Mallox, and 3AM. Moreover, as the ransomware landscape evolves, smaller, more elusive groups are emerging, posing new challenges to law enforcement.

According to the research, the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms further complicated the cybersecurity landscape, emphasising the need for proactive measures.

Kaspersky’s incident response team noted that ransomware incidents accounted for every third cybersecurity incident in 2023. In the research, attacks via contractors and service providers emerged as prominent vectors, facilitating large-scale assaults with alarming efficiency.

Overall, ransomware groups demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of network vulnerabilities, utilising a variety of tools and techniques to achieve their objectives.

They used well-known security tools, and exploited public-facing vulnerabilities and native Windows commands to infiltrate their victims, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures to defend against ransomware attacks and domain takeovers.

“As ransomware-as-a-service proliferates and cybercriminals execute increasingly sophisticated assaults, the threat to cybersecurity becomes more acute. Ransomware strikes persist as a formidable menace, infiltrating critical sectors and preying on small businesses indiscriminately.

“To combat this pervasive threat, it’s imperative for individuals and organisations to fortify their defenses with robust cybersecurity measures. Deploying solutions such as Kaspersky Endpoint Security and embracing Managed Detection and Response (MDR) capabilities are pivotal steps in safeguarding against evolving ransomware threats,” commented Dmitry Galov, head of research center, Kaspersky’s GReAT.

Anew report finds that Africa has a ‘moderate level’ of readiness in terms of security culture. KnowBe4, a provider of security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms, released its 2024 Security Culture Report for Africa.

The report delves deeply into the complex interplay between security practices and employee behaviours within businesses.

The research, based on surveys conducted across hundreds of businesses globally, provides a five-year comparative view, showing important changes impacting the cybersecurity landscape.

Africa’s cybersecurity landscape in 2023 faced problems such as limited resources, inadequate cyber awareness, and economic restraints, according to the research; nevertheless, the continent’s cybersecurity preparation efforts are now improving.

According to the research, Kenya scored 76 points, Nigeria 75, and Ghana 74, are leading the way in cybersecurity preparation, demonstrating effective measures supported by their governments.

Furthermore, the report claims Ghana’s strong improvement in cybersecurity, as indicated by its rise in the Global Cybersecurity Index, indicates Africa’s dedication to cybersecurity preparedness.

The security culture score is a global metric used to assess businesses’ security approaches, according to Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4.

Malik notes: “This score reflects how much importance different entities worldwide place on cybersecurity within their organisational culture.”

Anna Collard, SVP of content strategy and evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa, says: “This demonstrates the importance of strengthening cybersecurity readiness, given the critical development requirements.

“In its section on Africa, the report reveals that organisations evaluated across 20 African countries exhibit an average security culture score of 72, consistent with the previous year. This shows a moderate level of readiness in security culture.”

According to KnowBe4, there are notable differences among industries and countries, underlining the importance of tailored efforts to improve cybersecurity resilience.

“The banking sector in Kenya is a standout performer, boasting an impressive average score of 83, attributed to its steadfast commitment to maintaining mature security cultures supported by robust security operations,” says Collard.

“However, industries such as public services, construction, education, and hospitality show lower security culture scores. This shows the importance of developing specific approaches to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices in these sectors.”

Malik adds: “In today’s interconnected world, where a mobile device in a remote area can access sensitive accounts, working in isolation on security is no longer effective.”

He continues: “Collaboration between governments and regulators is essential, not just for creating laws, but also for demonstrating practical ways to strengthen security culture. Organisations need to prioritise the human element of cybersecurity by focusing on continuous awareness and training efforts rather than relying solely on technological solutions.”

In recent years, partnerships between e-commerce platforms and tech companies have been instrumental in driving innovation and progress in various sectors. One such partnership that has garnered significant attention is the collaboration between Konga, Nigeria’s composite e-commerce group, and Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX.

This groundbreaking partnership is poised to revolutionize internet accessibility in the country, bringing about a myriad of benefits for businesses, individuals, and the nation as a whole. For example, educational institutions, business and houses can access internet services anywhere in the country with their enterprise kit.

One of the biggest obstacles to widespread internet adoption in Nigeria has been the country’s vast and diverse geography, which has made it difficult and costly to establish traditional terrestrial infrastructure. Starlink’s satellite-based internet service offers a game-changing solution by beaming high-speed internet directly from space, effectively bypassing the need for extensive ground-based infrastructure. Partnering with Konga has made it easier than ever for Nigerians to access this cutting-edge technology. Those living in remote or underserved areas can now enjoy seamless internet connectivity, eliminating the digital divide that has long plagued the nation.

I am very excited about this partnership because it shows that American companies still have confidence in companies like Konga and in the Nigerian economy. Konga, the exclusive shop in shop ecommerce partner for Apple, Samsung, L’Oreal, and many more has continued to boost the domestic economy with the inflow of foreign direct investments from these global brands with the potential to catalyse economic growth. With this, a lot more deals, I hope, will flow in to ensure a robust and productive market for consumers.

According to a report by the World Bank, a 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to a 1.38% increase in GDP growth in developing countries. This partnership between Konga and Starlink can open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs, enabling them scale their operations and compete on a level playing field with their international counterparts.

Furthermore, reliable internet access can facilitate academic research and collaboration. This would encourage innovation domestically and allow Nigerian academics and institutions to participate in the global knowledge economy. So, integrating ICT into education will improve learning outcomes, promote digital literacy, and enhance teacher training. By bridging the digital divide, Konga, through Starlink, empowers Nigerian students and educators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the 21st century.

Beyond the economic and educational benefits, the Konga-Starlink partnership has the tendency to foster social inclusion and empower communities across Nigeria. With access to high-speed internet, individuals can stay connected with loved ones, access online services, and participate in the digital economy, regardless of location. By bringing affordable and reliable internet to areas with limited access, the Konga-Starlink partnership can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the digital revolution.

The healthcare industry in Nigeria stands to benefit greatly from the collaboration between Konga and Starlink. In places where access to specialized medical treatment is limited, healthcare practitioners can use telemedicine systems to facilitate remote consultations, diagnosis, and even surgery, provided they have dependable internet connectivity. In underserved areas especially, telemedicine has promise for increasing access to healthcare services, cutting costs, and improving care quality.

The partnership between Konga and Starlink represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide in Nigeria. By leveraging SpaceX’s innovative satellite-based internet service and offering it at an affordable price point, this collaboration has the potential to transform various sectors. As Nigeria continues to embrace the opportunities this partnership presents, the future looks promising for technological advancement, societal development, and global competitiveness.