cyber security

ADF STAFF A ransomware bug infecting computer systems across Africa is the latest evidence that criminals are using the continent as a testing ground for new attacks. The Medusa virus targets businesses and government agencies,…

ADF STAFF A series of undercover “Operation Jackal” investigations have dealt a blow to Nigeria’s notorious Black Axe criminal networks. But authorities warn that the group’s global reach and technological sophistication means much work…

ADF STAFF South Africa’s Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) organization is developing an artificial intelligence tool designed to monitor social media posts and flag those suspected of inciting violence. Insights into Incitement, shortened to…

ADF STAFF Cyberattackers are using a new, low-cost weapon to disrupt internet access to media sites across Africa — one that is difficult to defend against and rapidly proliferating. The method of attack, called a distributed…

ADF STAFF Africa may have already gotten its first experience with artificial intelligence on the battlefield in mid-2020. That’s when Turkish-made autonomous Kargu-2 drones tracked and killed members of Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa…

ADF STAFF With great fanfare, Kenya launched its upgraded e-Citizen digital platform in 2023. The system offers access to 5,000 government services from more than 100 ministries and agencies, marking a leap forward in the ability of…

ADF STAFF Cyberattacks targeted a maritime company an average of every three days in September and October, according to alerts published by safety4sea, a shipping industry news source. Although the alerts did not pertain to ships in…

ADF STAFF A team of international cybersecurity investigators recently identified more than 20,600 suspicious websites tied to an estimated $40 million in financial losses across Africa. Africa Cyber Surge II was a four-month joint…

ADF STAFF Cyberattacks cost African governments, companies and citizens an estimated $2.5 billion in 2020. That figure is likely to grow to $3.7 billion in the next few years partly due to a lack of coordinated, continentwide investment…

ADF STAFF When a terrorist group launches an attack these days, it is likely that one or more airborne drones are recording the action for use later in social media. Across Africa, violent extremist organizations (VEOs) are quickly…