By Irene Gaitirira
Published October 27, 2023
Threats for mobile devices, particularly for Androids, are on the rise in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
According to a report by Kaspersky that specialises in cybersecurity and digital privacy, among the most prevalent mobile threats that were detected in Africa are adware and mobile banking threats.
Given the ubiquity of mobile devices in Africa, Kaspersky warns that the increase in threats is a cause for concern.
Kaspersky indicates substantial adware detection in the second quarter of 2023, with a spike of 94% in Nigeria, 39% in Kenya and 27% in South Africa. There was also a notable increase in the detection of mobile banking trojans which are used to hunt for data related to online banking and e-payment systems.
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“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,” says Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Client Lead at Kaspersky in Africa.
“The region, with its tech-savvy demographic and dynamic digital landscape, offers a fertile ground for cybercriminals to exploit and our research shows that cybercriminals are doing just that. This underscores the necessity for a forward-thinking and proactive approach to mobile cybersecurity for consumers and businesses alike. 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 Another cyberattack vector that we see cybercriminals focus on, and particularly in Africa, is outdated software.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.”
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To mitigate against mobile cyberthreats, Kaspersky recommends:
- Download apps only from official stores like the Apple AppStore or Google Play
- Regularly update operating systems and apps
- Be cognisant of app permissions (access to camera, microphone, photos, contacts, etc.)
- Implement a trusted mobile security solution like Kaspersky Premium, and
- Avoid jailbreaking or rooting devices to benefit from automatic security updates.
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“Mobile cybersecurity isn’t merely about deploying security software. It requires a holistic approach, blending technology, user education, and industry collaboration. As we navigate this digital age, Kaspersky is committed to strengthening Africa’s mobile cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that users can safely and confidently leverage the power of mobile technology,” Opil says.
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