Cybercrime isn’t something happening “somewhere else”, it’s happening here, to businesses just like yours. 

From banks in Lagos to logistics companies in Johannesburg, attackers are finding ways in because many organisations still lack the right skills, awareness or processes. It’s not just big enterprises on their radar, high-growth mid-market firms are often targeted because they are easier to exploit.

Here are five cybersecurity threats African businesses need to watch in 2025 and simple, practical steps to reduce the risk.

1. Ransomware & RaaS Groups

Ransomware attacks are booming worldwide, and Africa isn’t immune. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) groups operate like criminal software shops: developers create the malware, affiliates rent it, and attacks can be launched across countries in minutes, effectively industrialising extortion.

Hospitals, mid-sized businesses and critical infrastructure in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria are increasingly targeted. And it’s not just locking files anymore, attackers steal sensitive data and sometimes launch DDoS attacks, where networks of compromised devices (botnets) flood websites with traffic, slowing or completely disrupting services.

Why it matters: One attack can freeze operations, damage your reputation and cost more than the ransom itself.

What to do:

• Invest in resilience, not defense. Use cloud solutions that make your backups immutable, guaranteeing you can roll back the clock without negotiating.
• Focus on recovering fast, rather than paying a ransom.
• Test your disaster recovery plan regularly.

2. Business Email Scams (BEC) & Social Tricks

Ever get an email that looks 100% legit but feels “off”? That’s BEC, Business Email Compromise, at work. Attackers trick staff into sending money, sharing passwords or changing supplier details.

AI makes these scams even trickier, polished messages, WhatsApp alerts and messages that feel personal.

Why it matters: One careless click or trust-based decision can cost millions.

What to do:

• Ensure your cloud partner automates and enforces these technical standards (DMARC/MFA) across your entire organisation, making it much harder for attackers to bypass.
• Confirm big transfers or changes through a second channel (call or SMS).
• Train your team to question anything unusual.
• Human error is a major risk, even careful employees can fall for scams. Provide practical training and phishing simulations (e.g. Acronis clients can take part in Security Awareness Training) to help staff spot threats and respond correctly.

3. AI-Powered Phishing & Deepfakes

Phishing emails have evolved. They’re no longer full of obvious mistakes, now they’re polished, personal and culturally relevant, making them harder to spot. While deepfake attacks (fake voices or videos) are still rare in Africa, the technology is spreading globally and employees could eventually be targeted.

Why it matters: Even experienced staff can be tricked by emails or messages that look and sound legitimate. Mistakes can lead to data loss, financial fraud or reputational damage.

What to do:

• Use email security tools that detect unusual sending patterns.
• Run realistic phishing drills to help employees spot suspicious messages.
• Always verify unusual requests through a second channel, like a phone call or in-person confirmation.

4. Cloud Misconfigurations

Cloud adoption in Africa is booming, but mistakes happen. Open storage, overly broad access rights, and forgotten admin accounts can let attackers walk in without even hacking. Giving people more permissions than they need is risky. If an attacker compromises one account, they can suddenly see or change much more than they should.

Why it matters: One misconfigured setting can expose sensitive data, leading to compliance fines and potential financial loss.

What to do:

• Check your cloud security regularly.
• Give people only the access they need.
• Watch for unexpected changes in cloud settings.
• Automate Governance. Leverage a cloud partner that enforces security policies automatically (least privilege access) and flags misconfigurations in real-time, removing the risk of human error.

5. Supply Chain & Third-Party Risks

Your business is only as safe as the partners you work with. Attackers often hit smaller vendors or contractors to get into bigger networks.

Why it matters: You might be careful, but a weak supplier can still create a big problem.

What to do:

• Check your vendors’ cybersecurity basics (MFA, encryption, patching). 
• Look for Compliance & certifications (ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, POPIA in South Africa, etc.).
• Include clear security responsibilities in contracts.
• Have a plan for if a partner is compromised.

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Businesses are evolving fast, but so are cybercriminals. Protecting your people, processes and tech isn’t optional anymore.

Start building resilience today: [email protected]