In 2024, cyber threats reached unprecedented levels, exacerbated by the rise of generative AI tools and the increasing use of personal cloud applications. Clicks on phishing links have tripled and businesses are now facing attacks of unmatched sophistication.
Phishing: Increasingly dangerous attacks
Phishing campaigns have become more targeted and dangerous. They have particularly targeted Microsoft credentials (42% of cases), using popular cloud platforms such as Google Drive to hide malicious content. Thanks to generative AI, cybercriminals are designing hyper-personalised messages, so convincing that they fool even the most vigilant users.
Bryan Rangapanaiken, IT Systems Security Manager at OLEA, warns: “The sophistication of today's attacks far exceeds what we've seen in the past. Cybercriminals have intensified their efforts to perfect their attacks, resulting in a 190% increase in phishing incidents. It's no longer just a question of technology but also of behavior. Vigilance, raising awareness and training teams, remains our best defense against these evolving threats. "
Personal cloud applications: A cybersecurity blind spot
With 88% of companies reporting incidents involving unapproved tools, the use of personal cloud applications is proving to be a major challenge. These platforms, often used to store or share sensitive data, are responsible for numerous breaches, particularly financial and medical data, which accounts for 60% of reported breaches.
Faced with this situation, the priority is to create a secure environment, while supporting employees in the adoption of best practices.
Generative AI: A driver of innovation that needs to be managed
The rapid adoption of tools like ChatGPT has transformed the daily lives of businesses but unfortunately, with these innovations come new risks. Cybercriminals exploit these technologies to design more complex attacks, while unsupervised use of these tools can lead to the leakage of sensitive data.
The answer lies in a proactive approach: Raising employee awareness, supervising usage via clear internal policies and investing in automated monitoring solutions, such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP).
Securing our digital future together
Cybersecurity is therefore no longer an ‘extra’ option, but a strategic necessity. By combining advanced technologies with a corporate culture focused on vigilance and accountability, we can build a more resilient digital ecosystem.
At OLEA, we are committed to helping African companies anticipate threats and build appropriate solutions. Together, let's make security the pivot for confidence and growth.
Contact: info@olea.africa
Sources: Netspoke, Microsoft 2024 Digital Defense Report, Zataz