#IndustrialControlSystemsAttacks

[thxnews]

Cyber Threats Surge: Kaspersky Unveils 2024 Defense

In a recent press conference held in Johannesburg, Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity leader, unveiled alarming insights into the cyber threat landscape in Africa during the third quarter of 2023. With a digital revolution in full swing, the continent is witnessing a surge in cybercrime activity, setting the stage for a challenging 2024.  

Web Threats on the Rise

As organizations embrace digital transformation, the specter of web threats looms large over Africa. Kaspersky's data reveals a 24% increase in corporate users falling victim to web threats from Q2 to Q3 2023. However, the silver lining emerges when comparing year-on-year statistics, showing an 8% decline in the same period.   Battling Phishing Attacks Across Borders One of the prevailing threats is phishing, a deceitful tactic to pilfer sensitive information. In Kenya, phishing attacks surged by 32% in Q3 2023 compared to Q2, while Nigeria experienced a 12% increase. However, a positive trend emerges when looking at year-on-year figures, with Nigeria witnessing an 8% decline in phishing attacks.  

Attacks on Industrial Control Systems

Africa finds itself among the most targeted regions for attacks on Industrial Control Systems (ICS) computers. These critical systems are integral to various sectors, from energy to automotive manufacturing. In Q3 2023, Kaspersky ICS CERT reported attacks on 32% of ICS computers in Africa, with South Africa at 22%, Kenya at 28%, and Nigeria at 25%. Globally, malicious objects impacted 25% of ICS machines.  

Surging Attacks on Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices brings with it a surge in cyber attacks globally. In Q3 2023, South Africa saw 28% of the attacks on IoT devices detected by Kaspersky, with Kenya and Nigeria contributing 12% and 6%, respectively. Cybercriminals exploit these devices for various malicious actions, from DDoS attacks to acting as proxies.   Outlook for 2024 Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Client Lead at Kaspersky in Africa, anticipates a dynamic evolution of cyber threats in 2024. State-sponsored cyber-attacks and 'hacktivism' are poised to become norms, driven by the accessibility of generative AI. Opil warns of an upsurge in spear-phishing tactics and increased exploitation of vulnerabilities in mobile and IoT devices. To counter these threats, Opil advises businesses to adopt advanced technologies, including threat feeds, security information, and event management systems.  

Kaspersky's Recommendations for Cybersecurity

Kaspersky experts offer proactive measures to safeguard organizations: Regular Cyber Skill Checkups and Training Organizations are urged to conduct regular cyber skill checkups among employees, coupled with competent training. Kaspersky's Security Awareness portfolio provides flexible and scalable solutions for companies of any size.   Privacy Measures in Virtual Environments Corporate users need education on privacy risks in virtual environments, with organizations implementing best practices to safeguard personal and corporate data.   Firmware Updates and IoT Protection Prompt installation of firmware updates on digital devices is crucial. Additionally, Kaspersky recommends using Cyber Immune solutions for IoT protection on corporate networks.   Continuous Vulnerability Assessment Establishing continuous vulnerability assessment and triage is crucial for effective vulnerability management. Solutions like Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity can be efficient assistants, providing unique actionable information. As Africa navigates the evolving cyber threat landscape, Kaspersky emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to ensure a secure digital future. For more information on Kaspersky's recommendations and solutions, visit Kaspersky's official website.   Sources: THX News & Kaspersky. Read the full article