We are in a digital era that poses opportunities for businesses, education, job creation, and employment. On the flip side, it equally poses risks which if care is not taken can ruin the whole purpose of digitalisation.
Cybersecurity is a major concern globally in this digital age, and Ghana is not an exception. Numerous reports and documents highlight the Cybersecurity happenings in the country, whether positive or negative.
Highlighting the positivity, Ghana is ranked a tier 1 cybersecurity-performing country and among the best Cybersecurity countries in the world. Although Ghana is among the best-performing countries, there are more gaps to fill to completely overcome cybercriminals and their intentions. In doing so, the Cybersecurity Association of Ghana launched the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy earlier this month.
This article will highlight the 12 common cyber-attacks and trends in Ghana as listed in the national cybersecurity policy and strategy.
Common cyber-attacks and trends in Ghana
1. Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware, among the common cyber-attacks and trends in Ghana, is a type of attack that blocks users access to a computer system or resource until a ransom is paid. One of the notable cases of ransomware attacks in Ghana involved the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which suffered a significant ransomware attack in 2023. The attack disrupted the company’s operations and resulted in financial losses.
2. DoS / DDoS Attacks
Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks aim to deny legitimate users access to a computer system similar to ransomware. They are the flooding of a server or network with multiple requests (traffic), making it slow or completely inaccessible. DOS attacks are usually launched from a single source but DDOS is an extension and launches attacks from numerous sources of compromised systems referred to as botnets.
3. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Man-in-the-middle attacks are the intercepting of data packets in transit between two parties, often during financial transactions and other sensitive activities of that kind. Man-in-the-middle attacks are becoming more common as more Ghanaians engage in online banking and e-commerce. The goal is to steal sensitive data, including financial details and login credentials to impersonate you in taking actions with malicious intent.
4. Mobile Device Security Threats
With mobile penetration increasing in Ghana, mobile devices have become a prime target for cybercriminals. This is due to the increased usage of mobile money transfers in the country. Your mobile device can be vulnerable to mobile malware, unsecured apps and phishing messages to compromise its security.
5. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are long-term attacks where cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to a system and remain undetected for extended periods.
APTs are huge concerns for even businesses and organizations with robust security because these threats can be hidden elsewhere causing damage and stealing sensitive information over time without being noticed.
6. E-payment (Mobile Money) Fraud
Mobile money is a common payment method in Ghana that offers convenience. Although it is bridging the financial inclusion gap, it also poses a risk to mobile money fraud and is no surprise is among the common cyber attacks and trends in Ghana. Scammers use social engineering tactics such as phishing, vishing, or other tactics to trick users into revealing their PINs or sending money to fraudulent accounts.
7. Malware Distribution
Malicious software often referred to as malware are programs developed by hackers with the intention of stealing data or damaging a computer system. Once malware is installed on your device, it can steal sensitive data, damage files, or even monitor the user’s activity. The distribution of malware often happens through phishing emails, drive-by downloads, infected removable devices etc.
8. Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks manipulate people into revealing confidential information or taking actions that compromise their security. Not only in Ghana, it is a common attack the digital world faces because it presents an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit the ignorance of users to gain access to a computer system.
9. Data Breaches
A data breach is an event when unauthorized individuals access sensitive or confidential information. Over the years, there have been growing concerns over data breaches in Ghana. According to Surf Shark, Ghana is ranked ninth among ten African countries with the most data breaches in 2024. The country recorded a 997% breach increase in the first quarter of 2024 as against the fourth quarter of 2023 resulting in a total of 1.2 million breaches. Ghana has experienced over four million breaches since 2004 and is ranked 92 globally as the country with the most data breaches.
10. Cyber Fraud
Cyber fraud is a cyber crime of deceiving individuals on the internet with a personal gain intent. It includes various online scams including phishing, online investment fraud, email fraud and more.
Adversaries frequently target individuals using fake websites, fraudulent emails, phone calls and other tricks to deceive them by revealing confidential information.
According to the Bank of Ghana’s fraud report 2023, cyber fraud has been a common case across banks and common cyber-attacks and trends in Ghana.
11. Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone uses personal or financial information such as their Ghana Card details without their notice. The Bank of Ghana’s fraud report 2023 mentioned above also highlighted this as a common cyber attack and trend in the country. This should raise awareness of our digital activities and the people we permit our details to.
12. Information Theft / E-Espionage
Information theft is the storage or transfer of personal or private information illegally. With social media presenting a platform to showcase ourselves to the world, limiting the amount of information you give can reduce your chances of being a target.
In conclusion, the common cyber-attacks and trends in Ghana were highlighted to raise awareness and educate the general public. Follow cybersecurity best practices and constantly learn new ways attackers are leveraging to empower you to stay ahead of them.
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