Ghana has emerged as West Africa’s most targeted nation for cyberattack during the first half of 2024, according to NETSCOUT’s 1H2024 DDoS Threat Intelligence Report. In a period marked by increasingly frequent and sophisticated attacks, Ghana recorded a total of 4,753 distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which predominantly targeted computer services and telecommunications sectors. Specifically, businesses in computer-related services suffered the most, with 2,759 incidents, followed by wireless telecommunications carriers (110 incidents) and even full-service restaurants. Ghana’s most intense DDoS attack peaked at a bandwidth of 314.25 Mbps, setting a new regional record.
Guinea and Nigeria Follow Closely in Cyberattack Volume
Guinea, despite being better known for its agriculture and mining sectors, ranked second with 2,918 reported cyber incidents, most of which targeted wireless telecommunications providers through TCP-type attacks. Nigeria, Africa’s digital powerhouse, reported 2,721 attacks, with the computer services industry facing the brunt of 867 incidents. Interestingly, Nigeria’s beauty salons also became a significant target, experiencing 206 attacks, followed by data processing companies with 116 attacks.
Nigeria also stood out for the complexity of cyberattack, with one event encompassing 23 distinct DDoS methods, including TCP, CLDAP (Connection-less Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), and DNS (Domain Name System) amplification. This increase in complexity aligns with global cybersecurity trends, which reveal an upsurge in sophisticated multi-vector attacks aimed at destabilizing essential services and infrastructures.
Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and the Rise of Telecommunications Attacks
Other West African nations like Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia faced substantial cyberattack rates, with 1,598 and 1,515 incidents, respectively. Both countries observed similar patterns, with TCP-based attacks targeting wireless telecommunications as the primary sector. The focus on telecommunications networks in West Africa mirrors global cybersecurity trends; NETSCOUT’s report logged over 834,000 attacks on the sector in the first half of 2024, representing a 34% rise from the previous six months.
This spike in attacks on telecommunications suggests an objective by threat actors to disrupt critical communication infrastructure, which could have significant repercussions for regional economies and service continuity.
High-Volume Attacks Reveal Cameroon’s Vulnerability
Cameroon, with a mid-tier frequency of 544 cyberattacks, witnessed one of the largest DDoS attacks in West Africa, reaching an astounding bandwidth of 118.05 Gbps. This intensity far exceeded that of other countries, such as Senegal (27.31 Gbps), Guinea (12.35 Gbps), and Mali (0.81 Gbps). Other high-volume attacks occurred in Ghana and Nigeria, with peaks exceeding 100 Gbps, stressing the need for upstream providers to manage these massive surges. Small-scale attacks of 1 Gbps or less may bypass detection systems yet can still disrupt business operations.
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Comparison with North Africa and SADC Region Shows Regional Variability
While West African countries are experiencing a surge in DDoS attacks, the region has not been targeted to the same extent as North Africa’s Morocco or the Southern African Development Community (SADC), notably South Africa. South Africa is among the top five most targeted countries in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. However, the report’s insights suggest that, while the overall attack volume in West Africa may be lower, there is significant diversity in attack types and targeted sectors, emphasizing the need for tailored cybersecurity approaches.
Localized Cybersecurity Strategies Essential for Growing Digital Economies
The diverse threat landscape across West Africa indicates that while regional trends align with global cybersecurity challenges, there are unique patterns that highlight the importance of localized security strategies. According to Bryan Hamman, NETSCOUT’s Regional Director for Africa, the latest Threat Intelligence Report underscores the critical role of tailored defenses to secure West African digital economies. Effective cybersecurity measures, grounded in region-specific intelligence, can help businesses across the region anticipate threats and protect their digital infrastructures.
As West Africa’s digital footprint expands, leveraging reports like NETSCOUT’s will be crucial for organizations aiming to strengthen their defenses and ensure business continuity amidst a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.
