Nigeria is facing a staggering cyber crisis, leading the continent in weekly cyberattacks, according to the shocking African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report 2025 by Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

Prepare yourself for this jaw-dropping statistic: Nigerian companies are being bombarded with an astounding average of 4,200 cyberattacks every week! This is not just slightly higher; it's a whopping 33% more than the continental average of 3,153 and a staggering 60% greater than the global average of 1,963. If that doesn't raise eyebrows, what will? Cyber threats are spiraling out of control, primarily thanks to the emergence of sophisticated AI-enabled attacks that are wreaking havoc across the continent.

Kingsley Oseghale, the Country Manager for West Africa at Check Point, has made it crystal clear: cybercriminals are harnessing AI to supercharge their attacks. “AI has become part of the attack surface,” he declared. This means that phishing scams, impersonation tactics, and cloud exploitation are now being executed at lightning speed. Oseghale stresses that the only way to fight back is with a “prevention-first security” approach. Without it, organizations are sitting ducks!

The report doesn't hold back in detailing how cybercriminals are zeroing in on critical sectors like finance, energy, telecommunications, and government. Exposed identities and poorly configured systems are the juicy targets for these malicious actors. Identity-led intrusions, AI-generated phishing schemes, and multi-vector ransomware attacks are climbing the charts, presenting an urgent danger to these essential industries.

But that's not all! Check Point’s findings reveal a dire trend across Africa. While Nigeria grapples with business email compromise and cloud exploitation, South Africa is fighting off a wave of ransomware, smishing, and botnet infections. In Kenya, energy infrastructure is under siege from ransomware attacks, and Morocco's government and education sectors are struggling against coordinated DDoS attacks. This isn’t just a Nigerian problem; it’s a continent-wide catastrophe!

The report highlights five critical shifts that are reshaping the cyber risk landscape in Africa by 2025. Traditional ransomware is becoming an insidious data-leak extortion, AI-generated deception is everywhere, and identity has taken center stage as the new security perimeter. The stakes are high; weak cybersecurity could even threaten international market access under stringent regulations like the EU’s NIS2 Directive. It’s not just about safety; it’s about economic survival!

As these threats escalate, the study is practically shouting for African businesses and governments to change their approach. A prevention-first security strategy is a must, emphasizing continuous risk assessment and public-private collaboration to bolster cybersecurity. The message is loud and clear: proactive measures are no longer optional!

Oseghale warns that as AI continues to revolutionize operational landscapes, cybersecurity must evolve as well. “The real challenge is not just about adopting new technology but securing the trust that underpins it,” he cautioned. It’s time for organizations in Nigeria and across Africa to step up their game and remain on high alert.

As the cyber threat landscape shifts, this report serves as a clarion call for urgent action. Organizations must enhance their security measures and foster collaborative efforts to combat the rising tide of cybercrime.