Microsoft has released its 2025 Digital Defense Report, painting a sobering picture of the evolving global cyberthreat landscape and warning that Africa has become a testing ground for some of the world’s most advanced digital attacks.
A cybersecurity expert, Dr Adewale Adeyemo was quoted recently to have said that Cybercrime is a universal threat, and that Nigeria must prioritize cybersecurity as a national imperative.
His assertion resonates with a recent Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report which reveals a disturbing trend that “Africa isn’t just a target, it has become a proving ground for the latest cyber threats”.
The report, offered a sweeping view of the global cyberthreat landscape and providing critical insights for business leaders across Africa.
“We’re witnessing attackers harness AI to craft phishing messages tailored to local languages and cultural contexts, impersonate trusted individuals, and exploit the very platforms we depend on. Many of these advanced tactics are first tested right here on the continent.”
Microsoft’s investigations found that in 80% of cyber incidents recorded last year, the attackers aimed at stealing data, driven largely by financial motives rather than espionage.
The World Economic Forum’s Cybercrime Impact Atlas Report 2025 recorded a sharp rise in cybercrime across the continent. According to the world Economic Forum, the total value of cyberattacks surged from $192 million to $484 million, while the number of victims increased from 35,000 to 87,000 across 19 African countries.
These attacks typically start with phishing or password spraying and progress to inbox rule manipulation, multi-factor authentication tampering, and email thread hijacking.
According to Microsoft’s Chief Information Security Officer, Igor Tsyganskiy, “In the past year, cyber attacks on these sectors had real-world consequences, including delayed emergency medical care and disrupted emergency services”
“Geopolitical objectives continue to drive a surge in state-sponsored cyber activity, with a notable expansion in targeting communications, research and academia,” Tsyganskiy stated.
Nigeria must prioritize cybersecurity. Businesses and individuals must take proactive steps to protect themselves. “Cybersecurity is a shared defensive priority,” says Tsyganskiy.
