Africa’s Response to Ransomware threats
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Rohit Kumar Sharma
Rohit Kumar Sharma is a Research Analyst, at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), New Delhi. His areas of research include Internet governance, cybersecurity, cyberinsurance and… Continue reading Africa’s Response to Ransomware threats read more
Digitalization has significantly transformed Africa, especially post-pandemic, with rapid adoption of technologies like 4G and growing interest in 5G. This shift is prominent in sectors such as fintech and e-commerce, driven by a youthful demographic. However, with digital progress comes challenges, particularly cybersecurity threats like ransomware. Reports show South Africa faces the highest ransomware attack rate in the region. International efforts, such as the Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI), have begun addressing these threats. Regional initiatives, although nascent, aim to strengthen cybersecurity. Moving forward, comprehensive national cybersecurity policies and proactive measures against ransomware are crucial for Africa’s digital future.
