Nigeria Ranks 66 as Africa’s Electronic Security Worsens

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria was ranked 66th out of the 117 countries in terms of electronic security, as Africa emerged as the worst among all continents as a new study found that this infrastructural deficit led to the loss of $11 million.

The country recorded 0.38 per cent and fell 20 places compared to 46th position in 2021 on the back of a weak cybersecurity structure and low data protection laws.

The e-security index includes an evaluation of a country’s cybersecurity (how well a country can counter cybercrime) and the quality of data protection laws.

Surfshark’s fourth annual edition of the Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) shows that Africa’s e-security index is the worst among all seven continents.

The report showed that Africa’s e-security index is 42 per cent lower than the global average and 64 per cent lower than Europe’s average (the continent with the best average e-security).

Commenting on this, Surfshark’s lead researcher Agneska Sablovskaja, said – “Electronic security is crucial in keeping a country and its residents safe. Without adequate security tools and laws, cybercriminals may be able to steal and sell people’s sensitive information for profit, which is something that we’ve seen a lot of in the recent past.

“Surfshark’s Digital Quality of Life Index can help authorities and citizens open their eyes to this big problem and work proactively to solve it.”

Recognizing this, the report warned that cybercriminal groups like OPERA1ER thrive in countries with low e-security, noting that over the past 4 years, OPERA1ER hacked 12 African countries through more than 30 separate attacks.

Targets included telecommunication companies and financial institutions, resulting in a loss of at least $11 million for the 12 African countries. Attacks like these are easiest to commit in countries with low e-security.

Of all African countries analyzed, Morocco has the best e-security, while Condo DR comes in last. The North African kingdom had an e-security index of 0.56 (97 per cent higher than Africa’s average) and is followed by Mauritius and Tunisia.

Congo DR comes in last with an index of 0.01 (95 per cent lower than Africa’s average). Just ahead of Congo DR are Botswana and Tanzania.