Cybercrime is becoming a growing concern across Africa, with 58% of respondents in a new survey expressing deep fears about financial losses due to online fraud, hacking, and AI-driven cyber threats. This figure has nearly doubled from 29% in 2023, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting mobile banking, online transactions, and digital identities.
Cybercrime in Africa: A Rising Threat
A recent survey by KnowBe4 AFRICA, conducted across seven African nations—Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, and Botswana—reveals a sharp rise in cybersecurity concerns. The report highlights the escalation of cybercrime, including:
- AI-generated phishing scams impersonating officials and executives.
- Ransomware attacks and digital extortion targeting businesses and individuals.
- Mobile banking fraud, with South Africa alone losing $3 billion to digital financial crimes in 2023.
“The increase in cyber threats calls for urgent action in cybersecurity education and awareness,” says Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA.
Mobile Banking Boom Increases Cyber Risks
The study also reveals a rapid rise in mobile banking and digital transactions across Africa:
- Smartphone usage surged from 71% in 2023 to 75% in 2025.
- Mobile financial services adoption jumped from 63% to 85%, reflecting a major shift toward digital payments.
While this growth fosters financial inclusion, it also expands the attack surface for cybercriminals.
“As more people turn to digital banking, cybercriminals have more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities,” warns Collard.
WhatsApp: The New Workplace Tool & Security Risk
WhatsApp, traditionally a personal messaging app, is now widely used for work, with its business usage rising from 89% to 93%. Other popular workplace apps include:
- Zoom
“Blurring the lines between personal and professional use increases security risks,” says Collard. “Personal devices may lack corporate security measures, making them easy targets for hackers.”
Privacy Awareness Is Declining
One of the most alarming trends uncovered by the survey is the growing willingness of Africans to share personal information online:
- The number of people unlikely to share personal details fell from 29% in 2023 to just 14% in 2025.
- 8% of respondents admitted they would share personal data for discounts or rewards.
- 6% openly share their information online all the time.
This trend raises serious privacy concerns, making people more vulnerable to identity theft and scams.
“People need better awareness about protecting their personal data. Many don’t understand strong passwords or multi-factor authentication,” adds Collard.
The Call for Cybersecurity Awareness & Action
Despite the growing fear of cybercrime, gaps in cybersecurity knowledge and best practices persist. Understanding of strong passwords dropped from 62% to 58%, while awareness of multi-factor authentication remained stagnant at 58%.
To combat these risks, Collard urges individuals, businesses, and policymakers to prioritize cybersecurity training, digital hygiene, and stronger data protection strategies in 2025.
“We must close these security gaps and educate people about cyber threats before more financial losses occur,” she concludes.
