Cybersecurity: digital divide's dark side

THE digital revolution is transforming African education, with universities embracing online learning and digital systems. However, this progress brings a crucial challenge: cybersecurity. Are African higher education institutions (HEIs) prepared for the escalating cyber threats?

- ANNA COLLARD

The growing threat landscape

African HEIs are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Microsoft's Cyber Signals report highlights education as the third most targeted sector globally, with Africa being a particularly vulnerable region. Incidents like the theft of sensitive data at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the hacking of a master's degree platform at Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Morocco demonstrate the reality of these threats.

Several factors contribute to HEI vulnerability. Universities hold vast amounts of sensitive data, including student records, research, and intellectual property.

Their open nature, with diverse users and international collaborations, creates weaknesses, especially in email systems. Limited resources, legacy systems, and a lack of awareness further exacerbate these issues.

Examples of cyber threats