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A recent report has revealed that Nigerian companies are the most targeted in Africa, enduring an alarming average of 4,200 cyber attacks each week.
The African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report 2025, published by Check Point Software Technologies. A global leader in cybersecurity, Checkpoint Software Technologies revealed a troubling trend wherein businesses in Nigeria suffer the most from digital attacks across the continent. The primary mode of these increasing attacks were identified as Business Email Compromise (BEC) and the exploitation of cloud services.
The information illustrates a worrying scenario of Nigeria’s digital threat environment in relation to the global context:
Below is an overview of the report showing average number of attacks per week.
- Nigeria: 4,200 attacks per week.
- Africa Average: 3,153 cyber attacks per week.
- Global Average: 1,963 cyber attacks per week.
This indicates that Nigerian firms are targeted by attacks at a rate exceeding twice the global average.
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The Role of AI in Cyber Attacks
Futhermore, the report highlighted a significant change in strategies, as bad actors are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the help of AI, they can automate phishing, facilitate identity theft, exploit cloud services, and do other nefarious activities.
Emphasising the Seriousness of the Situation
Kingsley Oseghale, the Country Manager for West Africa at Check Point, detailed the seriousness of the situation:
“AI has now been integrated into attack schemes.” Attackers are leveraging it to scale up phishing and identity theft automation. The most effective approach is prevention-first security, which integrates visibility, governance, and AI safeguards.
As Nigeria contends with a surge of cyber attacks, various African countries confront diverse challenges. South Africa is experiencing an increase in ransomware and botnet attacks. Kenya on the other hand is facing attacks on its essential energy infrastructure. As for Morocco, it is grappling with organised attacks on its government and education systems.
