A new report reveals a concerning trend: on-device malware threats are increasingly affecting African users. According to Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company, 41% of Africans were targeted by such threats in 2025, significantly exceeding the global average of 33%. This surge coincides with a wider rise in cybercrime activity worldwide.
The report highlights on-device malware’s impact as being particularly concerning, particularly given its methods. These threats often utilize removable drives, CDs/DVDs, and complex installers to infiltrate devices, making them particularly dangerous for users who may not be fully aware of the risks involved. This type of threat has become a favored tool for fraudsters seeking to access sensitive user information.
While on-device malware remains a significant concern, Kaspersky also sheds light on another category of cyber threats: web threats. These attacks affect 27% of users globally and can be spread through various online activities, ranging from clicking malicious links to visiting compromised websites. The report further clarifies that Latin America leads in web threat prevalence with a staggering 26%, followed closely by Europe (21%) and the Middle East (19%).
The report goes on to outline a significant development: the resurgence of Hacking Team, a cybersecurity group known for its use of malicious software. This team utilizes their commercial spyware, Dante, in campaigns like ForumTroll APT. Notably, they exploit zero-day vulnerabilities found within browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
Kaspersky’s Head of Threat Research, Alexander Liskin, emphasizes the growing complexity of cyberattacks. He explains that attackers are increasingly leveraging social media to gain access to users’ accounts, while stolen credentials remain a prevalent attack vector. This underscores the need for robust cybersecurity strategies to protect against emerging threats,”he adds.
The report reveals a worrying trend: the number of malware attacks increased in 2025. Kaspersky detected an average of 500,000 malicious files daily, reflecting a 7% year-over-year growth. This increase highlights the need for proactive measures to combat cyber threats.
Kaspersky’s report further reveals specific categories of malware that saw significant growth: Password stealer detections surged by 59%, spyware detections rose by 51%, and backdoor detections increased by 6%. Notably, the report confirms Windows as the primary target for cyberattacks, with a staggering 48% of users being affected by different types of threats. The data also reveals that Mac users are exposed to threats at a rate of 29%.
The report offers guidance on how individuals and organizations can mitigate these risks. For individuals, Kaspersky emphasizes the importance of using reliable security solutions such as two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and updates. These measures are critical for protecting against emerging threats and mitigating potential damage from cyberattacks.
Organizations, on the other hand, must focus on proactive strategies to defend their networks. Regularly backing up corporate data, maintaining software updates, securing remote access services like RDP, and educating employees about cybersecurity best practices are all essential steps. Furthermore, Kaspersky recommends continuing education programs to ensure consistent awareness of emerging threats.
Overall, this report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cyberattacks and underscores the importance of proactive strategies for both individuals and organizations to safeguard their digital security.