REGIONAL ROUND-UP
AFRICA APAC EUROPE MIDDLE EAST NORTH AMERICA
KNOWBE4 RELEASES REPORT HIGHLIGHTING AFRICAN ORGANISATIONS ’ CYBER-READINESS
KnowBe4 , a provider of one of the world ’ s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms , has just released its highly anticipated 2024 Security Culture Report for Africa , providing a detailed analysis of the intricate relationship between security practices and employee behaviours within organisations . Drawing insights from surveys conducted across thousands of organisations worldwide , the full report offers a comprehensive five-year comparative view , highlighting significant trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape .
“ In its section on Africa , the report reveals that organisations evaluated across 20 African countries exhibit an average security culture score of 72 , consistent with the previous year ,” said Anna Collard , SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa . “ This shows a moderate level of readiness in security culture .”
There are noteworthy variations among sectors and countries , emphasising the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity resilience . “ The banking sector in Kenya is a standout performer , boasting an impressive average score of 83 , attributed to its steadfast commitment to maintaining mature security cultures supported by robust security operations ,” explained Collard . “ However , industries such as public services , construction , education and hospitality show lower security culture scores . This shows the importance of developing specific approaches to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices in these sectors .” dominate the global workforce by 2100 , faces escalating cyber-risks amidst rapid technological advancements . Challenges , including limited resources , inadequate cyberawareness and economic constraints , marked the continent ’ s cybersecurity landscape in 2023 .
Kenya ( 76 ), Nigeria ( 75 ) and Ghana ( 74 ) lead the charge in cybersecurity readiness , showcasing robust strategies backed by local governments . Ghana ’ s significant progress in cybersecurity , evidenced by its climb in the Global Cybersecurity Index , reflects the region ’ s commitment to cybersecurity excellence .
“ With a security culture score of 72 , it ’ s important to address the findings from a separate survey on Generative AI ( GenAI ) adoption by organisations in South Africa ,” added Collard . “ That survey identified regulatory gaps and a lack of training in countering AIgenerated misinformation , highlighting the need for regulations , training programmes and partnerships to tackle cyberthreats such as deepfakes , especially during the upcoming crucial governmental elections .”
The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR ) expected an increase in cyberattacks targeting important infrastructure and government bodies in the weeks before South Africans go to the polls .
The security culture score is a global measure used to evaluate organisations based on their approach to security , explained Javvad Malik , Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4 . “ This score reflects how much importance different entities worldwide place on cybersecurity within their organisational culture . In today ’ s interconnected world , where a mobile device in a remote area can access sensitive accounts , working in isolation on security is no longer effective ,” added Malik .
“ Collaboration between governments and regulators is essential not just for creating laws but also for demonstrating practical ways to strengthen security culture . Organisations need to prioritise the human element of cybersecurity by focusing on continuous awareness and training efforts rather than relying solely on technological solutions .” x
Africa , with its diverse cultural fabric and youthful population projected to
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