6 African Countries with the Lowest Cybercrime Risk Index in 2024

Cybercrime is a growing epidemic. Every day, hackers unleash ever-more sophisticated attacks, targeting everyone, from individuals to governments. Traditional defenses struggle against these evolving threats, which range from malware and phishing to insider breaches and vulnerabilities in interconnected devices (IoT). With AI and quantum computing on the horizon, managing cyber risks becomes even more critical as technology advances. Last year, Africa witnessed a spate of cyberattacks against African Union Commission (AUC) systems, Kenyan government data systems, and Nigerian election infrastructure, among others.

These cyberattacks have severe consequences. They can cripple businesses, damage reputations, and even threaten national security. Mix Mode, a threat detection and response platform, uses a comprehensive dataset, including National Cyber Security Index, Cybersecurity Exposure Index, Global Cybersecurity Index, Cyber Resilience Index, and a Final Cyber Safety Score, to analyze a country’s cybersecurity ranking in their global cybercrime report. These metrics show a country’s preparedness and vulnerability to cyber threats. Evaluating cybersecurity rankings allows for informed decisions, fosters global cooperation, and ultimately creates a safer digital world. On that note, here are the six African countries with the lowest cybercrime risk index in 2024.

1. Egypt

Cyber Safety Score: 74

Eygpt showcases a strong commitment to cybersecurity, scoring impressively across key metrics. It has a resilience index of 80, a global security index of 85, and an overall cyber safety score of 74.

The country has made strides in addressing cyber attacks on its economy. For example, the Central Bank of Egypt established a framework to bolster the cybersecurity posture and resilience of the financial sector. This framework incorporates several cybersecurity best practices and controls to be incorporated into the financial sector’s cybersecurity programs. However, with a national cybersecurity index of 57 and an exposure index of 45, it could improve its cybersecurity framework.

2. South Africa

Cyber Safety Score: 72

South Africa maintains a near-solid defense against cyber threats. With a Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 58, Global Cybersecurity Index of 78, and Cyber Resilience Index of 80. According to a study by IBM, South Africa has one of the highest costs of data breaches in the world, according to a study by IBM Security. The average cost of a data breach in South Africa is R49.5 million. Fortunately, South Africa identifies cybersecurity as a key national priority. The country has adopted a national cybersecurity strategy and established a military Cyber Command.

3. Kenya

Cyber Safety Score: 69

Kenya’s mid-range cyber safety score of 69 reflects some vulnerabilities, especially because it appears quite vulnerable to cyber threats with a cybersecurity exposure index of  25. While its capacity to respond at 82 and impact at 80 are decent, its preparedness score of 42 and exposure score of 45 show that the country still needs improvement. Last year, Kenya witnessed an alarming surge in cyberattacks, with a record 860 million incidents recorded.

4. Nigeria

Cyber Safety Score: 68

While scoring well in its capacity to respond, Nigeria’s overall rating of 68 indicates significant shortcomings in areas like preparedness, with a score of 39, and exposure, with a score of 55. Nigeria’s rapid growth as a technological hub in Africa also attracts a significant increase in cybercrime activity. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, cybercrime costs the country $500 million per year. To counter the rise of cybercrime, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with the private sector, has implemented several initiatives, like creating the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and developing a National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

5. Morocco

Cyber Safety Score: 61

Morocco has a decent cybersecurity index of 71, especially because it appears quite vulnerable to cyber threats, with a cybersecurity exposure index of 25. However, the North African country also exemplifies a decent cybersecurity capacity to respond with a cyber resilience score of 74 and a Global Cybersecurity Index of 82. Morocco has an overall cyber safety score of 61. It ranks 55th globally.

6. Algeria

Safety Score: 43

With an overall cyber safety score of 43, Algeria appears particularly vulnerable across most categories, including cybersecurity preparedness and exposure to threats. The North African country has a Cyber Security Index of 34, a Cybersecurity Exposure Index of 28, a Global Cybersecurity Index of 34, and a Cyber Resilience Index of 68. Implementing a robust cybersecurity infrastructure and taking proactive measures are crucial steps for Algeria to mitigate cyber threats.