The October 2024 report from Check Point Software Technologies, which examines global cyber-attacks, indicates that Ethiopia has emerged as the foremost country experiencing such attacks.

In today’s global environment, with rising cyber threats, Ethiopia’s threat level has reached 96.8 points, ranking it first globally. The report further states that Angola is the second most vulnerable country in Africa, with a score of 74, and Uganda is positioned as the 10th most vulnerable globally, with a score of 61.

The Normalized Risk Index serves as a metric to assess a country’s vulnerability to cyber-attacks. It incorporates a range of factors, including the frequency of attacks targeting infrastructure and organizations, as well as the severity of these incidents, which encompasses the financial losses and service disruptions they cause.

Countries that successfully enforce measures to safeguard their institutions and organizations against cyber threats are deemed less susceptible, according to the institute’s scoring system. South Africa is ranked 63rd worldwide with 37 points, while Kenya holds the 18th position with 53 points.

Maya Horowitz, vice president of Check Point Software Technologies, emphasized that the increasing sophistication of data theft highlights the reality that cybercriminals are evolving in their methods and target sectors.

The Information Network Security Administration (INSA) has reported a significant rise in cyber-attacks targeting individuals and institutions in Ethiopia, correlating with the increasing cyberspace user base. These attacks, particularly on critical government infrastructure, are recognized as threats to the nation’s security.