Cybercrime fears soar in Africa to 58%, survey reveals

A new survey by KnowBe4 AFRICA reveals a dramatic increase in cybercrime concerns among Africans, with 58% of respondents expressing strong worry, nearly double the 29% recorded in 2023. The fear of online fraud and financial loss remains paramount, driven by the growing sophistication of AI-assisted cyberthreats.

The African cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The continent has witnessed a surge in cybercrime, particularly ransomware, digital extortion, and online scams.

South Africa’s $3 billion loss to digital banking and mobile app fraud in 2023, as reported by the SA Banking Risk Information Centre, underscores the severity of the problem. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging sophisticated techniques, including AI-generated content for impersonation and advanced social engineering tactics.

To gauge preparedness against these threats, KnowBe4 conducted its annual survey, polling 800 adults across seven African nations: Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, and Botswana. “The survey assesses cybersecurity awareness, digital habits, and online security practices,” explains Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA. “While some challenges persist, new ones have emerged, notably the alarming rise of deepfake technology.”

Mobile Banking Boom and Increased Vulnerability

A key finding is the heightened concern about cybercrime, with those “very concerned” almost doubling to 58% in 2025 from 29% in 2023. Fear of online fraud and financial loss remains the primary driver.

The survey also highlights the growing use of smartphones and mobile financial services. Mobile data usage increased from 71% in 2023 to 75% in 2025, while mobile financial service usage (payments and banking) surged from 63% to 85%. “The rise in mobile banking is positive for financial inclusion,” Collard notes, “but it also expands the attack surface for cybercriminals, emphasizing the need for mobile-centric security education.”

WhatsApp for Work and Blurring Lines

Another trend is the increasing use of WhatsApp for work, rising from 89% to 93%. Other popular work apps include email, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Zoom. “Increased WhatsApp usage for work blurs personal and professional boundaries,” Collard comments. “This can increase risks, as personal devices may lack the security of corporate devices.”

Diminishing Privacy Concerns and Knowledge Gaps

A worrying trend is the decline in privacy concerns. The percentage of respondents “very unlikely” to share personal information nearly halved from 29% in 2023 to 14% in 2025. Fourteen percent are comfortable sharing data, with 8% likely to do so for incentives like discounts, and 6% sharing it constantly.

“This is concerning and highlights the need for personal security training,” Collard asserts. This is further compounded by a lack of understanding regarding strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Strong password knowledge slightly decreased from 62% to 58%, while multi-factor authentication understanding remained at around 58%.

“This survey identifies key vulnerabilities for individuals, organizations, and policymakers,” Collard concludes. “Despite increased cybercrime concerns, knowledge and practice gaps remain, requiring attention to improve cybersecurity across Africa.”