Africa’s mobile cybercrime challenge

In June 2020, Upstream’s Secure-D anti-fraud platform revealed the total number of malicious mobile applications doubled in the first quarter of the year.
The analysis found 29 000 malicious apps a 55 per cent spike in fraudulent mobile transactions and increased volumes of infected mobile devices.
This was up from 14 500 in 2019.
But that wasn’t the bad news.
The company also revealed that some smartphones were being sold with malware already pre-installed on the system.
Malware that allowed for the devices to subscribe unsuspecting users to services that would result in high data usage and charges.
According to Anna Collard, senior vice-president of content strategy at KnowBe4 Africa, this growing problem, coupled with low levels of consumer awareness, puts people at significant risk.
“In the KnowBe4 Security Culture Report 2020, we found there’s limited consumer understanding and awareness of cyber threats and security in Africa,” she said.
“If you add to this that a billion users in Africa who are expected to come online in the next two years, it’s clear that there is a huge risk.
“Many of those who are going online are doing so for the first time using their mobile devices, and they have no idea that their personal details can be stolen, their accounts hacked, or their data used for fraudulent purposes.”
Collard said what would add weight to the problem is that many people make use of second-hand devices or old feature phones that can’t be updated.
“Africa has a low level of awareness and many people use old or second-hand devices that may be already infected, and the kicker?
“Africa has the biggest footprint for mobile payment and mobile financial transactions in the world. Cybercriminals are well placed to focus their attention on mobile banking trojans and malware, making this a ticking time bomb that needs an urgent solution.”
According to the IMF, sub-Saharan Africa is the only region in the world where nearly 10 per cent of its gross domestic product is generated through mobile money.
People use their mobile devices for salaries, payments, bills and shopping.
Collard said it was a ticking time bomb, indeed.
She said that while there is no way to remove second-hand or old phones from the market and the hands of those who want to go online, there is a way to protect them from the risks.
“Education is the best way to help people become more aware of the problems and the risks that they face,” said Collard.
“If people understand malware, trojans and cybercrime, then they will be able to more easily identify why their data has spiked or why their devices are behaving strangely.
“They’ll know what to look for and they will be able to make informed decisions around their financial behaviour and device security.
“Collaboration between the telecommunications providers, financial institutions and security industry is needed to address this challenge heads-on.”
As billions of people finally come online, joining the ranks of those who can bank, live and learn online, she said there needs to be a focus on education and training that provides everyone with the understanding they need to combat the risks intelligently.