Performanta Uncovers Trend of Developing Countries Targeted by Nation State Actors

Performanta, a multinational cybersecurity firm, has recently uncovered a concerning trend in how developing countries are being targeted by nation-state actors. The firm’s analysis revealed that ransomware-as-a-service attacks, particularly through a threat called Medusa, are initially hitting developing countries before impacting developed nations.

According to Performanta’s CEO, Guy Golan, the BRICS nations and the African continent have become a testing ground for these nation-state attacks. The research indicates that attackers may view Africa as a lower-risk entry point to disrupt Western assets indirectly. This strategy poses a significant threat to global cybersecurity, with the average successful cyber attack costing around $1.6 million per incident.

In South Africa, a review of the cyber threat landscape highlighted that trained hackers are the most prevalent perpetrators, targeting industries such as finance, manufacturing, and energy. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in financial/banking trojans in countries like Kenya and Nigeria, further emphasizing the growing cyber threat in the region.

Performanta’s report underscores the need for increased awareness and collaboration between Western nations and Africa to build a strong defense against these cyber threats. With a presence in both South Africa and the UK, Performanta is well-positioned to bridge the gap and enhance cybersecurity measures globally.

For more information on Performanta’s findings and to access the full report, interested individuals can download it from their website. Established in 2010, Performanta specializes in cyber safety services, providing risk consulting, threat detection, and response services with a focus on resilience and wellbeing. As a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner, Performanta is dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity measures for organizations worldwide.