Ransomware Attacks Surge in Africa Amidst Global Cyber Threat Increase

In May 2026, Check Point Research reported an average of 2,055 cyber-attacks per organization weekly, marking a 2% increase year-on-year. Africa remains a heavily targeted region, with countries like Nigeria and Angola experiencing attack rates significantly above the global average. Ransomware attacks surged by 48% globally, with 698 reported incidents, the highest annual increase in 2026. Government services and critical infrastructure in Africa faced concentrated attacks, particularly in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique. The education sector was the most attacked globally, with 4,641 weekly attacks per organization. Vulnerabilities in perimeter security systems were exploited, allowing attackers to gain access to enterprise environments. The rise in GenAI usage has also introduced new risks, with a significant percentage of prompts posing high risks of data leakage. Organizations are urged to adopt AI-driven security strategies to mitigate these threats.

Key Points: • Africa recorded nearly 3,000 cyber-attacks per organization weekly, with Nigeria and Angola facing the highest rates. • Ransomware attacks globally increased by 48% in May 2026, with 698 reported incidents. • Perimeter vulnerabilities are being exploited, highlighting the need for improved security measures.