Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen | Stone Reporter News
Microsoft’s 2025 Digital Defense Report has raised alarms over the escalating cyber threats across Africa, revealing that the continent is not only a target but has increasingly become a proving ground for sophisticated digital attacks.
According to the report, attackers are leveraging artificial intelligence to craft phishing messages tailored to local languages and cultural contexts, impersonating trusted individuals, and exploiting commonly used digital platforms. These advanced tactics are reportedly first trialed in African markets before being deployed globally.
Cybersecurity expert, Dr. Adewale Adeyemo, emphasized that cybercrime is a global threat, urging Nigeria to treat cybersecurity as a national priority. His concerns are echoed by Microsoft’s findings, which show that 80% of cyber incidents recorded last year in Africa were financially motivated, with attackers targeting sensitive data rather than conducting espionage.
The report aligns with data from the World Economic Forum’s Cybercrime Impact Atlas 2025, which recorded a surge in cybercrime across the continent. The total financial loss from cyberattacks rose from $192 million to $484 million, while the number of victims increased from 35,000 to 87,000 across 19 African countries. Typical attacks include phishing, password spraying, inbox rule manipulation, multi-factor authentication tampering, and email thread hijacking.
Igor Tsyganskiy, Microsoft’s Chief Information Security Officer, noted that cyberattacks have had real-world consequences, including delays in emergency medical care and disruption of critical services. He also highlighted an increase in state-sponsored cyber activity, particularly targeting communications, research, and academic institutions.
Tsyganskiy stressed that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, calling on governments, businesses, and individuals in Nigeria and across Africa to adopt proactive measures to safeguard themselves against evolving cyber threats.
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