An increase in cyber security threats has been predicted for 2024, according to the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria.

The group warned that as artificial intelligence was used more often for malevolent intent, citizens should anticipate an increase in insider threats.

The digital landscape in Africa is changing quickly, but there are more cyberthreats because of inadequate safeguards in place, a weak legal framework for information security, and a public that is not adequately informed on the issues.

AI, according to reports, is the capacity of a digital computer or a robot under computer control to carry out tasks that are typically performed by intelligent individuals through computer-enhanced observation, learning, and reasoning. In addition, the group predicted in its National Cyber Threat Forecast report that job and benefit scams—which have been common in 2023—would have rise, mostly through digital platforms.

It linked the nation’s difficult economic circumstances, which it said would lead more people to look for cash possibilities online, to the predicted rise in these scams.

The report also stated that more impersonation scams using fictitious websites and social media profiles that use the names and images of well-known people to trick the public are expected to continue, contributing to an increase in the severity and frequency of web defacement incidents that affect a wide range of industries.

The report partly read, “In 2024, Nigeria is poised to continue facing the challenge of impersonation scams. These scams involve creating fake websites and social media profiles, using the names and images of well-known figures to deceive the public. Public awareness campaigns and educating people on reporting such scams are crucial to combating impersonation scams.

Social media platforms and websites must enforce stricter verification processes for profiles claiming organisational or individual identities. The high incidence of attacks on academic institutions highlights the urgent need for all sectors, especially education, to reassess and bolster their cybersecurity measures.

“Nigeria can be expected to witness a surge in employment and benefit scams, a trend that has been prevalent in 2023. These scams often lure victims with promises of financial inducements and part-time job offers, primarily disseminated through various digital platforms.

“Attackers will leverage the capabilities of AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their cyber-criminal activities. This will manifest in more personalised phishing attacks, personalised malware, automated large-scale attacks, and sophisticated social engineering attacks.

These forecasts point to a continued surge in misinformation, ransomware attacks, attacks against vulnerable government’s online assets, crypto scams, benefit and employment scams, information and credential theft, AI-enabled threats, impersonation scams, insider threats, cyber hacktivism, and web defacement.”

According to a study by ptsecurity, countries in Africa lost 10% of their GDP on average due to their inadequate readiness to combat cyberattacks.

Ransomware continues to be one of the biggest hazards in the area. A primary delivery vector is the combination of servers, network equipment, and PCs (74%).