The digital divide's dark side: cybersecurity in African higher education
Educational institutions have fallen prey to social engineering and spoofing attacks, says the writer.
The digital revolution is transforming African education, with universities embracing online learning and digital systems. However, this progress brings a crucial challenge: cybersecurity. Are African higher education institutions (HEIs) prepared for the escalating cyber threats?
The Growing Threat Landscape
African HEIs are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Microsoft's Cyber Signals report highlights education as the third most targeted sector globally, with Africa being a particularly vulnerable region. Incidents like the theft of sensitive data at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the hacking of a master's degree platform at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Morocco demonstrate the reality of these threats.
Several factors contribute to HEI vulnerability. Universities hold vast amounts of sensitive data, including student records, research, and intellectual property. Their open nature, with diverse users and international collaborations, creates weaknesses, especially in email systems. Limited resources, legacy systems, and a lack of awareness further exacerbate these issues.
Examples of Cyber Threats in African Education
Educational institutions have fallen prey to social engineering and spoofing attacks. For example, universities in Mpumalanga and schools in the Eastern Cape have been notably victimised by cybercriminals, using link-based ransomware attacks, with some institutions being locked out of their data for over a year.
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