A recent report has revealed a staggering rise in global cyber-attacks, which have surged to 600 million daily, pointing to growing collaboration between nation-state actors and cybercriminals.
The 2024 Digital Defense Report by Microsoft highlights that sectors such as Information Technology, Education, and Research have become prime targets for cyberattacks this year.
The report emphasizes the significant increase in cyber threats, including data breaches, with over 1 billion stolen records reported in 2024 alone, according to TechCrunch. These incidents have not only jeopardized personal data but also emboldened cybercriminals profiting from these attacks.
“In 2024, Education and Research became the second most targeted sector by nation-state threat actors,” the report states. Threat actors often use these institutions as testing grounds before targeting more critical organizations, taking advantage of the intelligence and research they offer.
Other sectors at risk include Think Tanks and NGOs, Transportation, Consumer Retail, Finance, Manufacturing, and Communications.
In Africa, the 2024 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report by Interpol shows a 23% year-on-year rise in cyberattacks across the continent in 2023, the highest global increase.
“The cyber threat landscape has continued to become more dangerous and complex. The malign actors of the world are becoming better resourced and better prepared, with increasingly sophisticated tactics, techniques, and tools that challenge even the world’s best cybersecurity defenders. As the threats evolve, so must the strategies to combat them, requiring a concerted effort from individuals, organizations, and governments alike,” the Digital Defence Report recommends.
The report also notes the growing sophistication of cyberattacks, particularly those targeting mobile devices, IoT systems, and operational technology, expanding the threat landscape beyond traditional computing environments.
With cybercriminals increasingly using AI to automate and enhance their malicious activities, there is an urgent need for organizations and governments to continually evolve their cybersecurity strategies to stay ahead.