Spyware surge hits African businesses: Betting platforms on high alert
As Africa sees a 14 per cent spike in spyware attacks, online casinos and betting operators face mounting cybersecurity threats amid a rapidly digitising economy.
Morocco – The high-stakes world of online betting and casino platforms in Africa is facing a new kind of gamble – cyber espionage. New data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky reveals a sharp 14 per cent increase in spyware attacks on African businesses, signalling a dangerous new frontier for the continent’s burgeoning iGaming industry.
The findings were presented during Kaspersky’s appearance at the GITEX Africa tech conference in Morocco, held from April 14 to 16, 2025.
From phishing traps to data-stealing spyware, the threat landscape is evolving fast. Kaspersky’s data from its Security Network paints a sobering picture. In 2024 alone, 131 million web threats were detected across Africa, including nearly 20 million in Kenya, 17 million in South Africa, and 12.6 million in Morocco. Businesses experienced a 1.2 per cent uptick in these attacks compared to 2023.
Phishing attacks are a growing menace, especially for operators handling user credentials and payment details. Kaspersky noted 66 million phishing link clicks across the continent in 2024, with over 14.8 million of those targeting corporate users.
Attacks are not just web-based
It’s not just web-based threats raising alarms. On-device attacks – malware delivered through USBs, CDs, or encrypted files – saw a 4 per cent year-on-year increase. Nigeria bore the brunt, with a staggering 169 per cent jump in local threat detections. Ethiopia followed with 86 per cent, South Africa with 32 per cent, Senegal at 11 per cent, and Morocco with 9 per cent.
For online casinos operating across these regions, the numbers are more than just statistics – they’re a warning. With money, data and reputations on the line, tightening cybersecurity protocols are no longer optional; they are essential.
