WeeklySA_AdminPROTOCOLS: How a young African woman is fighting the scourge on the continent, where 90 per cent of African businesses were found by Interpol to be lacking necessary cybersecurity protection…
By Nneji Godwin Amako
Africa is susceptible to various forms of cyberattacks, including phishing, digital extortion, and other online scams.
This is the warning from a report by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), which has noted that “business email compromise is on the rise across the continent and poses a significant threat to the financial sector”.
The report adds that with 90 per cent of African businesses lacking necessary cybersecurity protocols, the continent’s GDP has dropped by more than 10 per cent. But one activist is fighting back.
According to a 2024 report by the Global Cybersecurity Index, a significant percentage of global internet users have encountered cyber threats such as phishing, online scams, and identity theft.
In Africa, the rising digital adoption has made individuals vulnerable, with Nigeria recording a significant number of internet users reporting cybercrime incidents.
But one woman has stepped into the fray to stop a scourge that is ruining the lives of thousands of unsuspecting victims on the continent daily.
This is 24-year-old Favour Chioma Ugwoke, a Security Operation Centre Analyst and Penetration Tester in Nigeria, who decided to find ways to protect individuals and organizations from cybercrime after her mother fell victim to a phishing scam.
“I was devastated when it happened to my mother. I felt helpless, but it lit a fire in me,” she says in an interview. Cybersecurity attacks like the one her mother faced are increasingly common.
“What began as a way to protect my mother turned into a passion to protect others,” Favour says. Unfortunately, her mother’s attackers were never identified—a common outcome due to cybercriminals’ use of advanced anonymization tools and the cross-border nature of their operations.
Still, this setback served as a powerful catalyst for Favour’s advocacy. Relying on her experience, she explains that young adults (18-34) are most frequently victims of phishing and online fraud due to their extensive use of digital platforms while older adults (55+) like her mother are more likely to be targeted by scams such as impersonation and identity theft, often due to limited digital literacy.
Favour’s work is making a significant difference. She has trained over 1 000 individuals in cybersecurity and digital safety. According to her, many of her trainees have transitioned into IT roles, and her efforts have contributed to a significant decrease in successful phishing attacks among beneficiaries.
She organises individual and group training sessions, partnering with a leading cybersecurity organisation CyberSafe to raise awareness and equip individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves.
Her work highlights the connection between Africa’s increasing internet penetration and the growing cyber threat landscape.
“I protect individuals and organizations from cyberattacks by monitoring their security systems and ensuring that data stays safe and accessible,” she says.
“The rapid proliferation of digital platforms, driven by affordable smartphones and expanded internet access, has created new opportunities for cybercriminals,” Favour notes.
“While technology offers unprecedented opportunities, it also demands greater vigilance to prevent its misuse.”
She adds that, “The future of Africa lies in our ability to embrace technology and empower its people to lead innovation.”
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Favour has faced her share of challenges, including meeting people who believe women needn’t be in the field. “I have never let that hold me back,” she insists. “I believe diversity is key to solving complex cybersecurity problems.”
Continuous learning in cybersecurity is also crucial. “Staying updated in cybersecurity is a challenge because the landscape changes so quickly. I make it a point to follow industry news and trends through various cybersecurity blogs, forums, webinars, and news sites,” Favour explains.
She is optimistic about Africa’s potential to become a leader in cybersecurity innovation. “I see a future where Africa is at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. We have the talent and the drive to make it happen.”
To young people interested in cybersecurity, she advises: “Don’t be afraid to start small.
Learn the basics, build your skills, and never stop learning. Celebrate your small wins, and don’t be too hard on yourself when you encounter setbacks.”
“Each project taught me something new,” she concludes, highlighting her unwavering dedication to building a safer, more innovative digital future for Africans.
Mirror Briefs
STATE CAPTURE: McKINSEY TO PAY R2bn
Multinational McKinsey has agreed to pay more than $122 million (around R2.2 billion) to resolve criminal allegations tied to a corruption scandal involving former leaders of South Africa’s ports and rail operator Transnet.
The US Justice Department agreed not to proceed with a case against the consulting firm if it engages in no further misconduct for three-and-a-half years, federal prosecutors and defence lawyers said at yesterday’s court hearing in New York.
The agreement resolves both a US investigation and charges brought against McKinsey by South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The firm pleaded not guilty to a single count of conspiracy yesterday before US District Judge Colleen McMahon.
The consulting firm was retained to advise state-owned Transnet on the purchase of 1 064 locomotives that cost R54 billion.
In a statement, the Justice Department said McKinsey made $85 million as part of the alleged bribery scheme.
The firm repaid $63 million in fees to Transnet in 2021. – Fullview
